How to Professionally Clean Your Gutters and Ensure Home Safety

Before we dive into the expert steps for cleaning your gutters effectively, we must stress the importance of safety. While this guide is tailored for DIY enthusiasts, it involves working at heights and should be approached with caution. If any aspect of this project makes you uncomfortable, consider hiring a professional to ensure your safety.

Safety Precautions

Ladder Placement: Ensure your ladder is securely positioned against a stable part of your home, on a level surface, and at the correct angle.
Roof Safety: If roof access is necessary, never turn your back to the edge. Maintain visibility of the roof’s edge to prevent accidental falls.
Safety Gear: Consider acquiring safety equipment such as a rope, harness, and carabiners to enhance your security while working at heights. Many of these items can be found at reputable home improvement stores.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Regular gutter maintenance is vital to safeguard your home’s foundation, framing, and walls from potential damage. Your roof acts as a net, collecting everything from rain to falling leaves, all of which must pass through your gutters. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to clogged gutters and water seeping into your home.

To keep your gutters in top condition, we recommend cleaning them three times a year:

Summer: In August or late summer, remove small debris like sand and grit that often accumulate from composite roofs before fall arrives.
Fall: Anytime between October and January, clear out debris from deciduous trees before spring showers begin.
Spring: With spring rains come more debris, so perform another cleaning in May or June to ensure your gutters remain clear before summer storms arrive.

Now, let’s explore three safe and efficient methods to clean your gutters like a professional:

Option A: Ladder-Based Cleaning

Position yourself at chest height with your body facing the house.
Use a gutter pole and gutter scoop to pull debris toward you.
Gather debris into manageable piles, avoiding overreaching.
Never lean too far from your ladder, prioritize balance and stability.
Utilize gloves, especially when handling wet conditions.
Keep a nearby bucket to collect falling debris.

Option B: Roof Perch Method

Ascend the ladder and carefully walk along the roof’s edge.
Gather debris into smaller piles using a pole and gutter scoop.
Create new piles every five feet, maintaining safety throughout.
Use a bucket to collect debris, being mindful of its weight when full.
Sit on the roof with legs crossed for a secure center of gravity.

Option C: Roof-Top Blower Technique (Suitable for Dry Conditions Only)

This method is exclusively for dry conditions and not recommended for specific roof types like metal, ceramic tile, or cedar shake roofs.
Walk along the gutter with a blower to direct debris onto the driveway or lawn.
A backpack blower is recommended for efficiency.
After completion, perform a quick cleanup of the driveway or lawn.

Inspecting Elbows and Downspouts

After clearing the gutters, turn your attention to the downspouts, critical for water drainage and overflow prevention.

Carefully remove the elbow connecting the gutter to the downspout using a flathead screwdriver or a quarter-inch nut driver.
Gently loosen the elbow if necessary, taking precautions against sharp edges and exposed screws.
Visually inspect the downspout and listen for changes in sound, indicating potential blockages.
Employ a high-pressure hose to assess downspout cleanliness. Water backup suggests a clog.
To dislodge stubborn blockages, use a plumber’s snake followed by high-pressure hose flushing.
Reattach the elbow securely once finished.

Final Hose Test and Cleanup

Conduct a conclusive test with a high-pressure hose, ensuring smooth water flow through the gutter system.

For the finishing touch, tidy up your workspace using a broom or blower, and eliminate any remaining debris.

Regular gutter maintenance can save you from future stress and frustration. Fortunately, this task is DIY-friendly when practiced with the appropriate safety measures.