Roof gutters that run along the overhanging eaves are an important feature of the roofing system, especially in rainy areas. The gutter system, along with the downspouts and extensions, ensures that water flows properly down the roof and away from the home’s foundation. The system protects against wood decay and failure at the roof fascia boards and siding, as well as keeping your basement or crawlspace dry by redirecting water away from the foundation.

Gutters and downspouts can become clogged with leaves and debris, causing the system to break down, so keeping them clean and running smoothly is critical. Gutter clogging is more common at particular times of year, such as in the spring when trees throw seeds and in the autumn when leaves fall.

Cleaning gutters and downspouts is a simple task, and a couple of cleanings each year should keep them running freely. This profession does, however, require working on a ladder. Make sure you have a strong extension ladder that is long enough to reach over the edge of your roof and always use a ladder safely.

When working on the ladder, make sure the base is strong and level, and prevent leaning. It is preferable to adjust the ladder regularly rather than risk falling because you are reaching.

The first decision you must make is how you will collect the leaves and other debris that you remove from the gutters. Depending on whether the debris in the gutters is moist and soggy or loose and dry, the approach will vary.

Cleaning gutters is easier when the debris is dry and loose, but occasionally it is necessary to clean them while the debris is moist. When the gutter contents are moist, you can use either the scoop and drop method or the gutter bucket approach.

THE SCOOP AND DROP TECHNIQUE

This technique involves scooping out the gutter and dumping the contents onto a plastic tarp or drop cloth that is laid on the ground below. This is the quickest approach, and all you have to do is carry the plastic tarp along with you as you move the ladder. When the tarp is full, just dispose of the leaves in your compost container or trash bag.

THE GUTTER BUCKET TECHNIQUE

The gutter bucket method, which requires using a plastic bucket with a metal handle, is quite popular. Cut the handle in half through the center. Then, bend the ends of the handle halves into hook shapes, which you will hook onto the gutter’s edge. Simply scrape the debris out of the gutter and place it in the bucket. Prepare to climb up and down the ladder a lot to empty the bucket as you fill it.

THE GUTTER BAG TECHNIQUE

If the gutter is dry, this approach is ideal for clearing out debris. Cut and bend the handle of a plastic bucket so that it may be looped over the sides of the gutters as you work. You will also chop out the bottom of the bucket here, resulting in a bottomless bucket. Wrap a garbage bag around the bucket, just beneath the metal handle. A large rubber band, duct tape, or a huge Velcro strap can be used to secure it.

Dry leaves will fall into the garbage bag as you scoop them into the bucket. This method works well with bulky but light dry leaves, but not with heavy, wet gutter debris. Ensure not to completely fill the bag to the point where it is too heavy to take down the ladder. When working on a ladder, use good judgment and keep focus on your safety.

1. Select a Scoop

After you’ve decided on a debris collecting strategy, it’s time to get to work cleaning the gutters. To scoop the contents of a gutter into your bucket, you can use a variety of tools. You may make your own scooper out of a plastic jug with a handle, but a trowel or garden shovel would suffice. Even old cooking items, such as a spatula, can be used.

2. Place the Ladder

When working along the edge of the roof, extension ladders are usually the best option, and they are the only option when working on a two-story house. You might be able to conduct this task on a tall stepladder with a single-story house. Never, under any circumstances, climb above the highest level specified by the ladder manufacturer. If you don’t have a ladder long enough to accomplish the work safely, rent or borrow one.

Ascertain that the ladder is on a flat, secure foundation. Avoid moist ground where the ladder’s legs may sink. Make sure the top of the extension ladder is securely resting on the gutter or the side of the house, and that the ladder is at an acceptable angle.

3. Clean the Gutters

Scoop up leaves and debris from the gutters using your preferred technique (scoop and drop, bucket, or bag). Work in small pieces along the gutters and avoid reaching too far from the ladder. Maintain an upright posture and reach only as far as you can without leaning away from the ladder. The ladder will need to be moved regularly, but safety is important.

4. Clean the Downspouts

Once the roof gutters have been cleared of debris, check sure the downspouts have been cleansed as well. Remove any horizontal extension pipes from your downspouts to clear them.

Insert a hose into the downspout through the top hole where the gutters feed into it. Turn on the water and check for downspout flow with a helper.

If the downspout is clogged, clean it out by wrapping a cloth around the top hole of the downspout and closing the hose tight. Turn the water spigot on full blast to generate as much pressure as possible. 

Keep an eye on the downspout’s end for the clog to clear. If the clog remains, remove the hose and clean it manually using a plumbing snake. Feed the snake from the downspout’s top until it reaches the obstacle, which is commonly found at a bend in the downspout pipe.

Once you believe you have cleaned the downspout, test the flow by flowing water through it. Check your downspouts’ horizontal extension pipes for blockages and clean any obstructions you encounter.

5. Rinse the Gutters and Downspouts

After cleaning the gutters and downspouts, rinse the system to flush it out and eliminate any residual material.

Turn on the water and insert a hose into the gutter portion farthest away from the downspout hole. If the roof isn’t too high, you might be able to do this by just spraying a stream of water up onto the roof towards the end of the gutter. Allow the water to run for a few minutes, or until the water running out of the downspout is clear and debris-free.
Cleaning gutters is not only messy, it can be very dangerous. Luckily, it one of a large list of things HomeSmiles can do at your home during an 18 point thorough inspection and maintenance in your home. To book an appointment at a time that is convenient for you, contact us today.