Clean gutters direct rainwater away from your roof, siding, and the foundation of your home. When guttering becomes clogged, the water backs up and can damage the roof and fascia of your house. Gutters are important to protect your home and maintain your property value. Learn how to clean your gutters and complete this maintenance task at least twice a year.

To Clean Your Gutters, Gather Supplies

Gutter cleaning isn’t a difficult project, but you will need some basic supplies. Grab your gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes from the debris and dirt. Set up the ladder. Use a scoop or garden shovel to dislodge debris and a bucket to hold the leaves and dirt that you’ve removed. Have your garden hose nearby or rent a pressure-washer to flush out the gutters, and find a brush to scrub the sides clean.

Clean Your Gutters by Removing Leaves, Dirt, Moss, and Other Debris

Set up your ladder and have a friend nearby to spot you. Use gloved hands or a scooping tool to remove debris from the gutters. Make sure your ladder is stable and stay well-balanced. Don’t climb higher than the top two rungs and keep yourself centered while you work. If you are uncertain about your ability to safely tackle this task, hire a professional gutter cleaning company for the project.

After Cleaning Your Gutters, Rinse Them Out

After removing the debris, rinse the gutters with the pressure-washer or a garden hose. This will rinse away any remaining dirt and you can make sure the water flows freely without backing up. Direct the hose to each downspout to rinse them clean. Use the brush to scrub away any remaining dirt or mildew.

Repair Any Damage

If you notice signs of damage while cleaning your gutters, call a professional for repairs. Gutters must be clean, intact, and properly attached to your home in order to be effective. Rust, holes, missing sections of guttering or other damage should be repaired as soon as possible.

Nico Home Inspections offers home inspections in the Southeast Florida area. Contact us to request our services.