Clean Gutters

Introduction

Cleaning gutters is a task that should be done each Fall after the leaves drop. Clean gutters ensure water is properly channeled away from your foundation and roof, reducing the risk of damage to either.

Step by step

This task is relatively straightforward and easy. Ladder safety and hand protection are the primary safety precautions. 

Below is a video from Everything Gutter that shows how to set up your ladder and remove debris. We recommend the tarp on the ground rather than the bucket approach for safety reasons. This video also doesn't cover the flushing step, which is good for removing all the small debris.

Is this a job you dread? Consider hiring a local professional. Expect to pay $100-300 depending on the size of your home and if it is a one or two-story.

1. Get Ready
   Get your ladder and other recommended tools ready. Be sure your ladder is up to safety standards.
   Put the ladder up against the roof, making sure to keep a safe angle. You can do this by  keeping the base of the ladder away from the wall a distance of about 1/4^th the height of your gutters. For example, if your gutter height is 20’, the base of the ladder should be 5’ from the wall.
   
   We also recommend the use of a ladder stabilizer if you're working with an extension ladder. This bolts on to the ladder itself and helps keep the ladder from slipping or damaging your gutters. A recommended model is shown in the Tools section.
   
   Put on a long sleeve shirt and durable rubber gloves. Lay a tarp on the ground under the area you’re working in to catch the debris you pull out of the gutters and drop below. This will make cleanup and disposal of the debris easier than if you have to rake it up from the grass.
   
   
2. Clear the Big Stuff
   Start near a downspout and work your way out. Scoop up leaves and debris and drop them into the tarp below.
   
   
3. Flush Out the Small Stuff
   Once you’ve worked your way down a section, use a garden hose to flush water down the gutter toward the downspout. This removes small debris.
   
   
4. Inspect & Fix as You Go
   Be on the lookout for loose fasteners or leaky areas as you clean. Fix these before they get worse! Use gutter sealant for any leaking areas found. If you see loose fasteners, tighten up with a screwdriver or drill.
   
   
5. Mark Complete
   Awesome. Good to go for the winter and another year!