How to Clean Gutters Like a Pro
- Staff Desk
- 1 hour ago
- 6 min read
Cleaning gutters is one of those essential home maintenance tasks that many homeowners neglect. While it may seem like a small job, clogged gutters can lead to serious water damage, including foundation cracks, mold growth, and even roof damage. Whether you’re dealing with wet, muddy debris or dry leaves, keeping your gutters clear is essential for protecting your home.
This blog will guide you through the gutter cleaning process, explain why regular maintenance matters, and offer safety tips and product recommendations. By following these steps, you can ensure your gutters stay clean, your foundation stays dry, and your home stays protected.
Why Do Gutters Get Clogged?
Gutters are designed to channel water away from your home’s roof, directing it into downspouts that drain away from your foundation. However, debris like leaves, twigs, and even seeds can collect in the gutters, obstructing water flow. This blockage can lead to overflow, where water spills over the sides of the gutters instead of being funneled into the downspouts.
Common causes of gutter blockages include:
Leaves and twigs: From nearby trees, especially in the fall.
Shingle grit: The small granules that come off asphalt shingles.
Moss or plants: As moss grows in damp, shaded spots, it can turn into a small plant with roots that grow in the gutter.
Seeds: From trees or plants that can sprout and grow directly in your gutters.
The end result? Water can back up, overflow, and damage your roof, fascia, or foundation, which can lead to costly repairs.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Gear
Before you get started, you’ll need a few basic tools and safety equipment:
Tools:
Aluminum ladder: Aluminum ladders are preferred because they are lightweight and durable. However, be mindful of power lines when using them as they conduct electricity. Always mark the power lines with flags to remind yourself to avoid them.
Nylon brush: A soft-bristle brush helps you gently remove moss and leaves without damaging the shingles.
Hand blower: A lightweight blower is ideal for dry debris like leaves and twigs. It’s also useful when cleaning out gutters that are packed with dry debris.
Trash bags: For disposing of all the debris you collect from the gutters.
Protective gear: Wear gloves, boots with good grip, and safety glasses to protect yourself from falling debris and accidental slips.
Penny or small weight: This will be dropped into the downspout to test if it’s clear of debris.
Safety Equipment:
Roof harness (optional): If your roof is steep or you’re not comfortable working from a ladder, use a roof anchor and harness to stay safe.
Power line warning flags: Always mark areas near power lines before setting up your ladder.
Step 2: Cleaning Gutters with Wet Debris
Wet debris, like moss, leaves, and shingle dust, can create a muddy mess in your gutters. Here’s the most effective way to clean gutters with wet debris:
Start by inspecting the gutters: Check for heavy blockages, standing water, or areas where plants might be growing.
Use your hands or a brush to remove debris: For heavily clogged gutters, it’s best to remove wet debris by hand. This allows you to avoid a mess and ensure that the gutters are thoroughly cleared. If the moss is very thick, use a nylon brush to gently scrub it away. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as it could damage the shingles.
Remove plant growth: Sometimes, moss or small trees will take root in your gutters. These plants are a sign that the gutters haven’t been cleaned in a long time, and they can add significant weight to the system, causing it to detach from the fascia. Pull out any plants by hand, roots and all, to prevent them from regrowing.
Flush out the gutters with water: Once you’ve removed the bulk of the debris, use a hose to wash out any remaining bits. This will also help you see if there are any remaining blockages that could cause water to pool.
Step 3: Cleaning Gutters with Dry Debris
Dry debris, such as leaves and sticks, is much easier to clean than wet debris. For this, you can use a hand blower or a leaf blower to clear out the gutters. Here’s how:
Ensure the gutter is dry: Dry debris usually means no rain has fallen for the past week. This makes it easier to remove. Use a hand blower or a leaf blower to blow the dry leaves and twigs out of the gutters.
Work from the roof if needed: If the roof is not too steep, you can use a hand blower to stand on the roofline and blow the debris out of the gutter. If the roof is too steep, use a ladder to get up and use the blower to clear the debris.
Check for compacted debris: If debris has been sitting in the gutters for years, it might be tightly packed. You may need to break up the compacted debris using a stick or a similar tool before blowing it out.
Clean the downspouts: As you blow the debris out of the gutters, make sure the downspouts are clear as well. If the downspout is clogged, water can back up and cause damage. Use a penny or small weight and drop it into the downspout. If it doesn’t come out easily, you know there’s a blockage that needs attention.
Step 4: Inspect and Clean the Downspouts
Once the gutters are cleared, make sure the downspouts are working properly:
Check the downspouts for blockages: If you suspect a blockage, use a plumbing snake or high-pressure water to clear it.
Test the downspouts: Drop a penny or small item into the downspout. If you hear it hit the ground or it falls through quickly, the downspout is clear. If it gets stuck, you need to clean it out.
Ensure water flows freely: Once the downspouts are clear, run some water through them to ensure they are draining properly. Check that the water is flowing freely and that there are no leaks around the joints or at the base of the downspout.
Step 5: Prevent Future Clogs with Regular Maintenance
Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall when leaves are most likely to fall into them. If your home is surrounded by trees, or if your gutters frequently clog with debris, you may need to clean them more often.
Additional Tips:
Install gutter guards: Gutter guards are a great investment to keep large debris like leaves and twigs out of your gutters. They won’t stop all debris, but they significantly reduce how often you need to clean them.
Trim trees regularly: Trim overhanging branches to prevent more debris from falling into your gutters. Keeping branches away from your roof reduces the shade on your gutters and prevents moss growth.
Step 6: Clean Up the Yard
Once the gutters and downspouts are cleaned, it’s important to clean up the yard:
Bag the debris: Collect the leaves, sticks, and moss you’ve removed from the gutters and dispose of them properly.
Clean up the ground: Use the leaf blower to clean the area around the house, including the roofline and any debris that has fallen on the ground.
Taking the time to clean up around the home improves the overall curb appeal and keeps your yard looking tidy.
Why Regular Gutter Cleaning is Important
Prevents water damage: Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow, which can lead to damage to your roof, walls, and foundation.
Prevents moss and mold growth: Moss holds moisture against your roof, which can cause leaks and water damage.
Preserves your gutters: Regular cleaning ensures the gutters don’t become too heavy with debris, which can cause them to pull away from the fascia.
Conclusion: Keep Your Gutters Clean for Long-Term Protection
Cleaning gutters may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s one of the most important maintenance jobs a homeowner can do. By keeping your gutters clear of debris, you prevent water damage, preserve your roof, and keep your foundation safe.
Be proactive—regularly clean your gutters to avoid problems before they happen. Whether you choose to clean them yourself or hire a professional, staying on top of gutter maintenance will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
FAQs
How often should I clean my gutters?
At least twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall—depending on your tree cover.
Can I clean my gutters during the winter?
It’s best to avoid cleaning gutters when it’s cold and wet, as this can increase the risk of slipping.
What happens if I don’t clean my gutters?
Clogged gutters can lead to roof leaks, basement flooding, and foundation damage, causing costly repairs.