Our gutter systems can be easily forgotten about when we are ticking off home maintenance tasks, but these drainage systems are essential to preventing roof damage and leaks.
But how do you clean gutters safely? Experts suggest there are two approaches – from the ground (the safest option) and from a ladder, where needs must.
Here, are the pro's top cleaning tips for your guttering and drainage system that will protect your property without putting your safety at risk.
How to clean gutters like a pro from any height
Whether you are preparing your home for fall, or adding home maintenance jobs to your spring cleaning checklist, it is essential to keep your property in top condition, especially over winter explains Bill Leys, water-proofing consultant at SB326Inspector. 'Left unmaintained, they quickly fill up with debris and leaves.
'Over a couple of years, the gutter will rapidly become full and unable to drain water off the roof. This often then becomes a dry-rot problem in the wood fascia the gutter is attached to,’ he warns.
That is why it's a good idea to clean your gutters out twice a year. The best time to clean gutters is once in spring to clean out the last of any fallen leaves from winter and once in fall to prepare for the heavy rains expected in the cooler months to check for damage and ensure good drainage.
Although it is often best to hire a professional for tough tasks like this, there are a few ways to do it yourself while staying safe
Cleaning gutters from the ground
Ultimately, cleaning gutters from the ground is much safer for everyday DIYers, even if it is a little trickier to get right. Using a long-handled gutter cleaning tool, for example, is one technique to clean gutters without a ladder and is recommended by Gretchen Boyd, president at NY House Cleaners.
She says, ‘With this tool, you may remove leaves and other debris from the gutters while seated on the ground. Another alternative is to clear gutters debris with a powerful leaf blower. You might also think about using a telescoping wand with a pressure washer if your home has two stories. By doing this, you'll be able to blast out gutter debris while seated on the ground.’
How you clean gutters from the ground will depend largely on the tool you have and its operating instructions, but there are generally two steps:
The first step when cleaning gutters from the ground is removing loose leaves and debris from the gutter. An extending brush is the easiest way to do this without needing a ladder
After removing leaves and debris, use an extension pressure washing tool to blast away tough deposits and algae. This can also help blast water down the downspout to remove clogs
If you do not have a pressure washer, a long hosepipe will suffice. Use an extender wand to reach from the ground without needing a ladder.
Cleaning gutters from a ladder
Sometimes, however, there is an upside to using a ladder where you are able to says Bill Leys, water-proofing consultant. 'DIY tools to clean gutters don't always work very well because you can't see what you're trying to get out of the gutter without actually being at the right level on a ladder,' he explains.
'Several good reasons for wanting to be up at the gutters are to be able to check them thoroughly and make sure that they are secured to the building; another reason is to make sure that the downspouts are clear of debris. You can also get a good look at your roof and view its condition,’ says Bill.
Despite this, working at heights is dangerous, especially for non-professionals. We asked professional maintenance experts for their best advice on how to clean gutters so you can safely perform your own home maintenance:
1. Use the right safety gear
Cleaning gutters can help make a front yard look nice and improve your curb appeal, but it is a dangerous task to undertake yourself. Safety is the most important thing to remember when cleaning your gutters from the roof, insists Kamil Kowalski, president of LimakWay Remodeling.
They say, ‘It’s essential to use the proper safety gear, such as a sturdy ladder, harness, and gloves. A ladder tall enough to reach the gutters is also essential,’ Kmail explains. 'If the ladder isn’t long enough, you may need to rent or purchase one designed for gutters. Make sure to position the ladder on a flat, even surface for stability.’
When working from a ladder, it is imperative to work with someone else and avoid climbing to heights alone to help prevent accidents.
You will need:
- A ladder
- A bucket, available at Walmart
- A pair of thick workmen's gloves, also at Walmart
- A trowel, also at Walmart, to remove leaves easily
- A sink unblocking wire, from Amazon
- A hosepipe that reaches the roof
2. Only work in good weather
As with any essential lawn care tasks or yard maintenance, working in good weather is essential to keeping safe and making the task easier. Only work from a ladder in dry weather with little to no wind in order to make it easier to balance and avoid flying debris.
3. Remove physical debris
The first step in gutter cleaning is to remove all debris from your gutters, and there are a few methods you can use to achieve this, says Justin Carpenter, manager at Modern Maids. ‘Use a garden trowel or long gutter scoop to remove leaves, twigs, moss, and other material from the gutter, starting at the downspout and working outwards,’ he suggests. This can help prevent debris from falling down the spout and causing clogs.
You can flick this debris down onto the ground below to make the clean-up easier afterward, or collect it all up into a bucket secured to your ladder. Avoid overreaching for debris. Instead, descend your ladder and move it along the roof to avoid slipping.
4. Flush out the drain with water
Flushing the drain with water can help remove any remaining debris and ensure that water can move freely without blockages.
Kamil Kowalski, president of LimakWay Remodeling suggests, ‘Gutter cleaning products can also help with the job. Choose a product specifically formulated for gutters. Also, use a brush or a gutter cleaner brush to scrub away any remaining dirt or debris. This will help to ensure the gutters are completely clean and free-flowing. Make sure to rinse the gutters thoroughly after scrubbing, and then finish off the job with a hose or a pressure washer.’
Using an outdoor cleaner to kill algae and moss will prevent plant mater blocking your gutters and drains too quickly again after cleaning
5. Check your guttering for damage
A good way to add value to your home is to ensure that any essential fixings are in good, working order with no damage or weaknesses. Clean gutters are perfect to check over for signs of wear or damage, including blockages and any issues with fixtures, such as screws and brackets.
Justin Carpenter of Modern Maids says ‘Look out for loose seams, cracks, rust spots, or other signs of wear and tear that may indicate a need for repair. If repairs are needed, contact a professional to ensure the job is done properly.'
Installing gutter guards
If you want to make cleaning gutters easier in the future, or cut back on how often you need to do it, consider finishing your cleaning process by installing gutter guards.
Lee Keet, cleaning specialist and founder of Vapor Clean suggests, 'For a long-term solution, think about installing gutter guards. These can significantly reduce the frequency of cleaning by keeping debris out of your gutters.
'Look into brush gutter guards, which fit snugly inside your gutters,' he suggests. 'They allow water to flow through while blocking leaves and debris, making maintenance much easier.'
This gutter brush comes in five different sizes to fit most gutters, and easily block leaves and debris from entering your gutters and downspouts
If your downspout is always getting blocked, it could be a good idea to look into rain chains and how they work. These are a decorative yet functional alternative that can spruce up a garden and reduce your tricky maintenance jobs.
