Gutter cleaning is one of those necessary home maintenance tasks that homeowners love to put off. But overlooking this chore can lead to some major headaches down the road in the form of water damage, wood rot, flooding issues and even foundation problems.
While tackling your home’s gutters is admittedly messy and tedious, it doesn’t have to be overly difficult or dangerous if you use the right tools and techniques. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the gutter cleaning process from start to finish, providing expert tips to make the job quicker, safer and more effective.
Why Regular Gutter Cleaning is Crucial
Before we dig into the nitty gritty details, let’s first go over why gutter cleaning matters in the first place. Essentially, your gutters serve one major purpose – to direct rainwater runoff away from your home’s foundation and protect the structure from moisture damage.
Gutters accomplish this by collecting the water that flows off of the roof. This runoff is then channeled through a downspout and drained away from the house, keeping your siding, windows and foundation nice and dry.
But when gutters become clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris, they can’t properly carry out this job. Overflowing gutters will lead to water spilling down the exterior walls, seeping into your basement or crawlspace and pooling around the foundation.
Over time, this excessive moisture can cause all sorts of problems including:
- Wood rot – Wet walls provide the ideal breeding ground for fungus and mold. This accelerates decay in wood siding, trim, and structural framing.
- Peeling or blistering paint – Moisture behind siding causes the paint to bubble and peel away from the surface.
- Pavement erosion – Water pouring over gutters washes out soil around driveways and walkways.
- Basement leaks – Saturation of the soil surrounding the foundation allows water to penetrate through cracks and holes.
- Mold growth – Excess indoor dampness triggers mold spread in basements, bathrooms and other humid areas.
- Foundation damage – Chronic wetness around the foundation undermines stability and causes cracks, shifting and sinking.
Many homeowners learn the hard way that addressing minor gutter issues promptly can prevent massive headaches later on. A little bit of gutter cleaning maintenance goes a long way!
Icy clog causing ice dam formation in gutters
Clogged gutters are especially problematic during winter’s freeze and thaw cycles. The backed up water freezes into sizable ice dams that prevent melting snow on the roof from draining properly.
The water has nowhere to go but under the shingles, causing leakage into the attic and ceilings. Next thing you know, you’ve got water-stained drywall and possible mold growth.
By keeping your gutters clear and functional with regular maintenance, you can avoid plumbing headaches and preserve your biggest investment – your home.
When to Schedule Gutter Cleanings
Most homeowners can get by with cleaning their gutters at least twice per year – once in early spring to clear out winter debris and again in late fall to prepare for the coming winter months.
However, certain situations may call for more frequent gutter cleaning:
- Homes with overhanging trees near the roofline
- Areas prone to wind storms and heavy leaf shedding
- Older gutters with builtin-up residue obstructing drainage
- Recent construction projects leaving behind debris
Make it a habit to visually inspect the gutters after heavy rains or windstorms. If you notice overflowing water, moisture stains on exterior walls or excessive puddling around the foundation, it’s a sign your gutters need some TLC.
The best times to spot check for potential clogs are during and immediately following intense rainfalls. Observe whether the water flows freely through the downspouts or backs up and overflows the gutters. Any spillage indicates blockages.
Catching minor jams early before they escalate into gutter-crippling clogs will save you time and hassle down the road.
Essential Tools for DIY Gutter Cleaning
Having the right tools for the task will make gutter cleaning far easier and more effective. Arm yourself with these handy implements before tackling those grimy gutters:
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Ladder | Safely access gutters | Hardware store |
| Gutter scoop | Remove debris | Home improvement store |
| Garden hose | Rinse away debris | Hardware store |
Ladder
Obviously, accessing the gutters requires some height. While a step ladder may suffice for single-story homes, a sturdy extension ladder is your best bet for stability and safety. Ensure it extends at least 3 feet above the roofline.
Gutter scoop or trowel
A gutter scoop or small plastic trowel comes in handy for manually removing leaves, sticks and debris. Look for one with a pointed tip to dig into cracks.
Garden hose
Attach a gutter cleaning nozzle to your hose that allows you to spray inside the gutters and wash out accumulated gunk.
Wet/Dry vacuum
This dual-purpose vacuum can suck out soggy debris from clogged downspouts when attached to the hose extension.
Leaf blower
Blast away leaves and debris with a blower’s high-powered nozzle. Just be sure to cover the downspout first to prevent blowing everything down into the shaft.
Pressure washer
For really stubborn clogs and grime, break out the pressure washer. Concentrate on small sections at a time while working your way across the gutters.
Gutter guards or screens
Installing guards, screens or mesh covers will minimize debris from ever entering the gutters in the first place.
Telescoping pole
Attach this extendable pole to your wet/dry vac hose or pressure washer wand to reach and clean gutters from the safety of the ground.
Work gloves
Protect those hands from abrasive debris and sharp edges inside gutters. Waterproof gloves help maintain grip.
Eye protection
Shield eyes from falling gunk and debris with protective glasses or goggles.
Dust mask
Reduce inhalation of mold, bacteria and other contaminants dislodged during cleaning.
Tarp/drop cloth
Spread a tarp below the area you’re cleaning to collect fallen leaves and debris. This also protects landscaping from the messy runoff.
Staying Safe While Cleaning Gutters
Working from heights while clearing debris poses some inherent risks. Take proper precautions to make sure your gutter cleaning project goes smoothly and safely:
- Use caution when climbing a ladder, especially when it’s extended high above the ground. Have a helper steady the base if possible.
- Carefully inspect ladders and tools for defects before use. Replace worn or damaged items.
- Position the ladder on stable, level ground rather than on a slope. Avoid leaning it directly on gutters which can create dents.
- Never overreach or lean too far from the ladder. Instead, frequently reposition it to access the entire gutter length.
- Wear slip-resistant shoes and avoid gutter cleaning in damp conditions when rungs are slippery.
- Use fall protection like a body harness after about 10 feet. Tie off to a sturdy roof fixture, not the gutter itself.
- Take your time without rushing. Sudden movements can unbalance the ladder. Maintain three points of contact when climbing.
- Keep area below gutter clear of debris before starting. Watch for falling objects that could injure bystanders.
- Avoid working near power lines. Use only wood or fiberglass ladders near electrical wires, not aluminum.
- Have an assistant hand up tools and a debris bucket so you can keep both hands free for climbing.
- Take occasional breaks to avoid fatigue which can cause slips or missteps.
For multi-story homes or challenging roof designs, strongly consider hiring a professional cleaning service that has the proper equipment and training to access difficult locations safely.
| Safety Measure | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Inspect ladder | Avoid defects causing falls |
| Wear harness at height | Prevent serious injury from falls |
| Clear area below | Don’t injure bystanders |
| Maintain 3 points of contact | Prevents ladder imbalance |
How to Clean Gutters from a Ladder
Once your supplies are rounded up, the safety gear is on and the ladder is securely in place, you’re ready to get scrubbing. Here are the steps for effectively cleaning gutters while working from a ladder:
Scoop out loose debris
Use your gutter scoop or small trowel to remove leaves, sticks and other debris by hand. Try to dislodge blockages in the downspouts as well.
Have a helper stand below with a bucket to collect the gunk you remove, rather than dropping it all over your landscaping.
Blow out with leaf blower
For gutters not heavily packed with muck, a leaf blower with nozzle attachment can conveniently blow out the debris. Cover the downspout intake first with a cloth then systematically blow out debris beginning at one end of the gutter moving across its length.
Remove large objects
If you come across any tennis balls, children’s toys or other large items wedged in the gutters, carefully remove them by hand to avoid creating holes from forceful poking and prodding.
Rinse with garden hose
After clearing out the bulk of debris, spray down gutters using a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle. Start near the downspouts and systematically rinse away any remaining leaves, dirt and debris across the entire gutter length.
Aim the stream so it pushes the water towards the downspouts to wash everything down the drain pipe. Blast away stubborn grime with a concentrated jet spray.
Check downspouts for any remaining clogs after hosing. Insert a plumber’s snake or use the pressure washer wand to clear out the vertical drain pipe as well.
After a thorough rinse, examine the gutters closely for small holes, rust spots or sagging sections needing repair. Make note of any problematic areas.
Clearing Gutters from the Ground
Cleaning gutters without a ladder is obviously the safest option. With the right tools, you can clear away debris and identify leak points from the comfort of steady ground. Here are some methods:
Use a telescoping gutter cleaner pole
This ingenious gutter cleaning tool attaches to your garden hose and features adjustable articulating arms allowing you to aim water right into the gutters from up to 20+ feet below.
Slowly rotate the cleaner head and scrub the gutters in a sweeping back-and-forth motion. Adjust the elbow fittings as needed to target the stream across and along all sections. Rinse until the water runs clean.
Attach wet/dry vac hose
For removing leaves and debris, attach a wet/dry vac hose fitting to the end of an extension pole. Insert the vacuum tube into gutter troughs and suck out the muck from below.
Empty the collection bag frequently to prevent clogging the airflow. Use a stiff wire brush or painter’s pole to dislodge blockages and allow vacuum passage.
Finish by thoroughly rinsing the gutters with a garden hose and inspecting downspouts for obstructions.
Inspect gutters up close
Use a ladder or roof anchors to safely get a close visual inspection of the gutters after cleaning. Look for small holes, rusted spots, separated seams, dripping joints, sagging sections or other damage.
Mark any spots needing repair or replacement. Pay special attention to high wear areas around downspouts.
Preventing Future Gutter Clogs
While regular cleaning maintains free-flowing gutters, you can also take steps to prevent debris from clogging up your gutters in the first place:
Install gutter guards
Gutter guards are covers that fit over the trough to keep out leaves and debris while still allowing water to seep into the gutter. Options include:
- Plastic or nylon mesh screens – Fine mesh screens block debris but permit water flow. Requires a steeper roof pitch.
- Foam inserts – Dense foam inserts sit inside gutters allowing water in through small holes. Must be replaced annually.
- Reverse curve hoods – Hoods use a curved lip to divert debris over while channeling water into the gutter.
- Surface tension screens – Stainless steel screens that water adheres to through surface tension while debris rolls off.
| Guard Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic mesh | Inexpensive, easy installation | Must be cleaned, can separate from gutters |
| Foam inserts | Simple to insert | Need replacing annually |
| Reverse curve hoods | Effective debris blockage | Higher cost, professional installation |
Clean surrounding trees/roof
Remove leaves and debris from overhanging tree branches and the roof surface before it ends up in gutters. This minimizes the gunk that ultimately reaches the gutters.
Adjust landscape irrigation
Redirect or adjust sprinklers spraying directly on gutters. The moisture encourages mold and vegetation growth impeding water flow.
Install downspout diverters
Downspout diverters attach to the base of downspouts and pipe water several feet away from the foundation. This guards against flooding and moisture damage if gutters overflow.
Use downspout elbows
Installing elbows angles downspouts away from the house.linking downspouts to rain barrels also helps divert water safely away while capturing it for reuse.
Hiring a Professional Gutter Cleaning Service
Some situations call for bringing in the pros to handle the dirty work of gutter cleaning:
- Multi-story homes where accessing gutters requires tall ladders
- Roof designs with difficult to reach gutters like over entryways
- Buried gutters hidden behind soffits that are tough to access
- Severely neglected gutters with substantial debris jams
- Homeowners lacking the physical capability for ladder work
Professional gutter cleaning companies have several advantages:
- Commercial grade equipment for tall/challenging homes
- Ability to thoroughly clean out buried gutters
- High pressure systems to clear stubborn clogs
- Perform gutter repairs and modifications during cleaning
- Reduce risk of damage from amateur DIY mistakes
When hiring pros, check for licensing and insurance. Ask about safety procedures and training. Get multiple quotes to find the best rates.
Take Control of Your Gutter Maintenance
Now that you’re armed with a deeper understanding of the importance of gutter cleaning and the methods for doing it properly, you can take control of this crucial home maintenance task.
Remember, a minor investment of time each season for gutter upkeep can head off exponentially larger headaches down the road.
So grab your favorite cleaning tools, gear up with safety equipment, and get scrubbing! Taking care of your home’s rain gutters will keep your foundation high and dry for years to come.
