How to Clean Gutters – The RIGHT Way

It’s Important to Clean Your Gutters Regularly

Gutters play an important role in protecting your home from water damage. They are designed to collect water from your roof and direct it away from your foundation. However, gutters can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. 

This prevents water from flowing freely through the gutters and may instead back up under your shingles or pour over the sides of the gutters. Clogged gutters don’t just look bad, they can also cause water damage to your roof and foundation. That’s why it’s important to clean out your gutters regularly. 

You can do this yourself using a ladder and a garden hose, or you can hire a professional gutter cleaning service. In addition, you can install gutter guards to help keep your gutters clean and prevent future clogs.

How to Clean Your Gutters the RIGHT Way

Rain gutter systems are an important part of any home, yet they are often neglected. Cleaning them is essential to prevent damage to the gutters that cause standing water around the foundation of your home. However, cleaning gutters can be a messy and dangerous job. That’s why it’s important to know the right way to do it.

Firstly, you’ll want to make sure you have all the tools you need. This includes a sturdy extension ladder, gloves, a garden hose, a gutter scoop or trowel, a tarp, and possibly a gutter-cleaning hose attachment that works like a pressure washer. Once you have all these tools on hand, you’re ready to get started.

PRO TIP – always wear long sleeves, eye protection, and gloves when cleaning gutters. 

Start by laying out the tarp underneath the gutters. This will help to protect your landscaping and keep any debris from going into the garden. Then, set up the ladder securely against the house and climb up to reach the gutters. Make sure you use a ladder stabilizer attachment for added safety when possible. 

Once you’re in position, start by removing any large debris with your hands. This includes leaves, twigs, and small branches. Use the trowel to scoop out any smaller debris that is stuck in the gutters. 

Then, use the garden hose or gutter-cleaning attachment to flush out the gutters. Make sure you go back over them again to ensure all of the remaining debris has been removed. Be careful with using a power washer because the high pressure can damage the gutters. 

Once you’ve finished cleaning the gutters, check to make sure that all of the downspouts are clear and flowing freely. If there is any blockage, use the trowel or hose attachment to remove it. After this, you can inspect the gutters for any signs of damage or corrosion and make any necessary repairs. If gutter repairs are needed that need more specialized knowledge, contact a professional like those at JET Contracting.

Finally, make sure you put away all of your tools and clean up the tarp before removing it from underneath the gutters. This will ensure that no debris is left behind in your landscaping. 

The Dangers of Cleaning Your Gutters the WRONG Way

Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is an important part of maintaining your home, but it can also be a dangerous job. Every year, thousands of people are injured while cleaning their gutters. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if the homeowners had followed some simple safety tips. 

First of all, always use a ladder when cleaning your gutters. Never stand on the top rung of the ladder, and make sure that the ladder is leaning against a solid surface. The best option is to use a ladder stabilizer attachment for added stability.

Secondly, make sure you wear protective gear when cleaning your gutters. This includes gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection to protect against debris and sharp metal edges. 

Lastly, never use a pressure washer when cleaning your gutters. The high pressure of the water can cause the gutters to break or even come loose from the house. Additionally, if you are using a pressure washer from a ladder, there is a risk of falling and being seriously injured.

Tips for Keeping Your Gutters Clean in the Future

One of the best ways to keep your gutters clean is to have them professionally cleaned and serviced on a regular basis. However, there are also a few things you can do to help reduce the amount of debris that builds up in your gutters. 

First, make sure that any trees or shrubs near your gutters are trimmed back so that they are not hanging over the gutters. Secondly, be sure to remove any debris from your gutters after severe weather events such as storms. Lastly, if you have gutters that tend to collect a lot of debris, consider installing gutter guards or covers to help minimize the amount of buildup. 

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your gutters clean and reduce the need for frequent cleaning in the future.

Don’t Let Gutters Become a Problem 

Cleaning your gutters is extremely important to the health and maintenance of your home. Not only will it help protect your home from water damage, but it will also prevent animals and pests from taking up residence in your gutters. 

If you notice any damage to your gutter system that you don’t have the tools to handle, reach out to the professionals. JET Contracting offers gutter repair and replacement services to keep your gutters in tip-top shape all year long. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!