Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Your Gutters

It’s the time of year again! As summer starts to come to a close, it is time to prepare your home for cooler temps and all that comes along with them. While there is probably no shortage of things you need to get accomplished around your home, maintaining your gutters should be pretty close to the top of the list. Leaves will start to fall and with snow inevitably to follow, the sooner you get started the better! To make your gutter cleaning adventures a little easier, we’ve compiled a few tips and tricks to help you out:

Safety

If you are going to clean your gutters yourself, remember: safety first. Nearly 500,000 people are injured in ladder falls every year and since it is safe to assume you are not a giant, you will probably need a ladder to clean your gutters. Find solid, even ground to place the ladder on and then jump on the first and second rungs to make sure it won’t shift when you start to climb. While we are on the topic of safety, gutters can serve has a catch all for debris of all kinds. When cleaning your gutters, make sure to wear gloves to protect against any rough gutters or jagged debris. 

Tools

The proper tools can go a long way when cleaning your gutters. Ideally, you will want to use a gutter scoop. In a pinch you could use a garden trowel but be careful- scraping your gutters with a metal tool can damage the seams of your gutters leaving them more susceptible to rust. If you have it in your arsenal, you can use a pressure washer to get any residual gunk out of your gutters once you cleaned the loose debris out. No pressure washer? No problem. You can use your trusty water hose and a pistol-grip trigger spray nozzle to blast the gunk out. 

Frequency

Make sure to clean your gutters at least twice a year. Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent or address any problems before they get out of hand. Having gutters that are in less than ideal condition can lead to poor run-off and drainage ultimately leading to foundation and structural issues. Inspecting your gutters should always be part of your biannual cleaning. 

Gutter Guards

If cleaning your gutters is the bane of your existence, investing in gutter guards may be a solution to consider. Virtually removing the need to clean your gutters, gutter guards prevent leaves, pine needles and other tree debris from getting into your gutters in the first place. Investigate and screen manufacturers and installers carefully- not all gutter guards are made equally and stand up to the claims promised. 

Not even sure where to start with your gutter problems? Let Hire it Done take the stress out hiring a contractor. Start your gutter project today and be connected with four Hire it Done approved contractors.