DIY Tip -Top Gutter Cleaning 101

A clogging problem can lead to sagging gutters, ice damming, or worse yet, a FLOODED BASEMENT or FOUNDATION PROBLEMS.

Leaves and other debris will accumulate — especially in Fall or after a storm — so a biannual cleaning is recommended. (Three times if you’re in wooded areas in the Northeast.)

We do ours late Fall, after trees shed their leaves, and again sometime in summer.

TIP: For the Ladies out there — If climbing ladders is not how you like to have fun, enroll your husband or big brother, or hire someone to do the job.

Either way, know how to clean gutters and do not neglect them!

STEP 1: GATHERING TOOLS COMES FIRST

For the DIYers out there, here’s what you’ll need:

— EXTENDABLE or EXTENSION LADDER :

— GLOVES

— LONG SHIRT

— GUTTER SCOOP (optional):

— HOSE (optional)

In addition, if you want to do an A job — and keep gutters clean for a long time — you can also get:

— GUTTER CLEANING ATTACHMENT (optional)

— GUTTER GUARDS MESH (optional)

— ROUND WIRE GUTTER STRAINERS (optional)

— RODENT GUTTER GUARD:

Got your tools ready? Let’s get started!

STEP 2: SAFETY FIRST! TAKE YOUR TIME TO SET YOUR LADDER CAREFULLY

Setting your ladder at the CORRECT ANGLE is key.

TIP: To set it properly put your toes against the ladder's feet, stand straight up and extend your arms. The palms of your hands should just reach the ladder's rung. That should give you the angle.

If you need to set one foot on a step, use an LADDER LEVELER KIT (As shown in the picture.)

Also make sure the feet won't slip backward!

— On SOFT ground, FLIP UP THE ladder SHOES so the spurs poke into the ground

— On HARD SURFACES, CLEAN the bottom of the FEET and SWEEP and remove dirt off the GROUND before setting up the ladder.

TIP: For extra safety, consider installing a cleat to prevent the ladder moving backward.

If your set up is a tricky one, check this article for more tips:

http://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/tips-and-techniques-for-safe-extension-ladder-setup-and-use/view-all

Now — IS YOUR LADDER SAFE? Let’s go up and get the work done!

STEP 3: CLEANING YOUR GUTTERS IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK!

Let me tell you: I’ll claim a pyramid but I won’t go up on a tall ladder! So men out there , time to give your ladies a hand. :-)

TIP: Your ladder should be long enough for your to see the gutters while you’re cleaning them.

This is the “easy” part: Wear your GLOVES and a LONG SLEEVE SHIRT and remove debris with your hand or a gutter scoop.

I know, hubs forgot to wear his gloves, but don't forget to wear yours! Ya never know what you can find up there.

Seriously!

Almost there! Let's wrap this gutter up and move on.

Once you’ve removed all visible debris off, get the hose and FLUSH the GUTTER with water to check for proper flow.

STEP 4 (RECOMMENDED): DO YOU THINK IS CLEAN ENOUGH? LET’S FLUSH IT!

You can use a gutter cleaning attachment as shown in the picture.

Go down the ladder — or have someone down — and check water coming off the down (or vertical) spouts for any lodged debris.

If there is a clog, remove the nozzle and work the hose up the down spout as you hose.

Repeat until is clear.

STEP 5 (RECOMMENDED): LET’S TAKE CARE OF THE DOWN GUTTERS NEXT!

Now that your top — i.e. horizontal — gutters are ok, let’s check those open down — i.e. vertical — spouts for any lodged debris!

Put the hose on full force and SPRAY the VERTICAL SPOUT first from the TOP then from the GROUND. If the volume of water coming out is less, there is a clog.

If clogged, flush the hose up the vertical spout at the ground level and again from the top.

Repeat until is clear.

NOTE: You may need to call a GUTTER CLEANING SERVICE if the clog persists. Don’t delay!

Let me repeat myself: clogged gutters can even cause foundation problems when left unattended.

STEP 6 (RECOMMENDED): DID YOU HEAR ABOUT PREVENTION? ;-)

Ever since we installed MESH and STRAINERS, gutter cleaning has gotten a lot easier for us!

Want to make sure yours stay clean for a long time? Use guards to prevent debris from accumulating.

When it comes to MESH GUARDS, you can chose from plastic to aluminum, even foam (my least favorite), most are inexpensive — so no excuses!

Ours have been there for a few years - bet you can tell! - and still do a nice job keeping it clean

To cap the vertical gutters from the top, use HALF ROUND STRAINERS, either copper or aluminum, are great to avoid leaves and other debris into the down (vertical) gutter.

Finally RODENT GUARDS.

In some areas, down gutters can make a nice lil nest for small rodents — Not cute! So use GUARDS to prevent critters turning your down spout into a cozy home for the family. :-)

STEP 7: NOBODY HERE TO HELP? YOU CAN DO IT FROM THE GROUND!

Let’s say you can’t find anyone to clean your gutters or are unable to do it yourself. No worries.

Get a CLEANING TOOL that you can use from the ground!

It won’t likely do such as good job as going up on the ladder, but hey — better than nothing. Don’t you think? Here’s a good option: http://www.improvementscatalog.com/imp/10150?cm_mmc=Nextag-_-ProdAds-_-2016-_-Main&code-macs=MM6XNEXTAG&SourceCode=%20MM6XNEXTAG&CAWELAID=120245390000232930&ntclickid=-8574134589208860081

And that makes it for gutter cleaning 101.

If you like this post, follow me: Next time I’ll show you how to make an easy DIY ironing board wall storage.

Happy Holidays you all!