Cleaning Your Gutters

Keeping your gutter system clean is critical in order for it to work properly. If debris builds up in the runs, proper water flow may be blocked. Standing water can cause serious problems as it fills and overflows along the gutter edges. During the majority of the year, debris from trees or materials from your roof will accumulate in the bottom of gutter channels. This material can sit in the gutter, even if you have proper drainage throughout the entire system.

This buildup can cause water to pool in the runs which will overflow the lip of your gutters. Water and ice can damage the gutter walls as well as the roof tiles or walls of your home. Most homeowners will clean out the entire gutter system in the spring. This removes roof debris and late falling leaves that have accumulated during the winter. The next gutter cleaning is usually done during the fall. Rains during the year since your spring cleaning will have created debris build-up. It also helps to remove leaves that fall from your trees as fall progresses.

• Tools and materials: Ladder, bucket, scoop or trowel, hose, gloves, silicone sealant
• Step 1: Climb to roof
• Step 2: Remove debris from downspout
• Step 3: Remove debris from gutters
• Step 4: Flush with hose
• Step 5: Check for and repair leaks

The best way to clean your gutters is to climb up to the roof of your house. This way, you can get a better visual of what has gotten trapped in your gutters. Then, you can clean it out thoroughly. If the debris is dry, blow it out with a leaf blower. If there’s a bunch of wet gunk, you may need to spray it out with water or remove it with a scoop.

Removing leaves and debris from the gutters is an important task. You can find yourself with major water damage to the siding or even the foundation if you ignore gutter cleaning. When water leaks out behind the siding, mold and mildew may occur. This is an expensive problem to rectify. If you neglect your gutters, your basement may flood. This is another area prone to mold and mildew.