Cleaning gutters might not be the most exciting chore, but it’s necessary. If you ignore it, the debris can cause drainage problems and even damage your roof, which might not be covered by homeowner’s insurance. To prevent these issues, it’s wise to clean your gutters regularly. Keep reading to find out how to clean your gutters, how often to do it, and what tools you’ll need.
How Often to Clean Gutters
It’s best to clean your gutters twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall, to handle the heavy rain and leaves. If you experience a particularly stormy season or live near many trees, you might want to clean your gutters a third time each year.
Considerations Before You Get Started
You can save money by cleaning your gutters yourself if you’re physically able and patient. However, if you prefer hiring professionals, check websites like HomeAdvisor for local pricing. The average cost to clean gutters in the U.S. is $157, with prices ranging from $118 to $225. These costs often depend on your home’s height; cleaning gutters on two-story homes may cost between $90 and $225, while three-story homes or higher might add $75 to $200 per cleaning.
What You Need:
Gutter Cleaning Supplies:
- Extension ladder with stabilizer attachment: This keeps the ladder from resting directly on the gutters to avoid damage.
- Work gloves
- Hand trowel
- Hose with a sprayer attachment
- Rake
- Plastic garbage bags (or better yet, compostable paper leaf bags)
- Rubber-soled shoes (to prevent slipping)
- Patience: This task can take a few hours, especially for larger homes.
Downspout Cleaning Essentials:
- Extension ladder
- Work gloves
- Hose with sprayer
- Hand trowel (optional)
- Plumbing snake (optional)
How to Clean Gutters With a Hand Trowel
You can purchase a specialized gutter scoop for this task, but it’s not essential. A regular hand trowel works just as well for cleaning your gutters.
Step 1: Climb the Ladder and Remove Leaves and Debris
Set up the ladder at one end of the roof where you can comfortably reach the gutter. Once secure, climb up wearing your gloves. Use the hand trowel to scoop out leaves and debris from the gutter, dropping them to the ground below. Continue this process along the entire length of the gutter, removing as much buildup as possible.
Step 2: Slide the Ladder Over and Repeat
Carefully move the ladder a few feet down to the next section of the gutter. Repeat the cleaning process by scooping out leaves and debris. Continue shifting the ladder and cleaning each section until the entire gutter is clear.
Step 3: Flush Out the Gutter
After removing the debris, use the hose with a sprayer attachment to rinse the gutter. Aim the water stream towards the downspout to ensure any remaining debris is washed away and the gutter is thoroughly cleaned.
Step 4: Rake the Debris
Once you’re off the ladder, rake the debris you’ve dropped into your yard. Gather it up and dispose of it in garbage bags, or better yet, in compostable bags if the debris is organic.
How to Clear Downspouts With a Hose
People often remember to clean their gutters but overlook the downspout. When rainwater can’t flow freely through a clogged downspout, it may back up, risking damage to your home’s exterior and foundation. Here’s how to effectively clean the downspout as well:
Step 1: Detach the Gutter Elbow
Begin by detaching the gutter elbow, which is the curved part that connects the horizontal gutter to the vertical downspout. Unscrew it and carefully remove it. Once removed, use your hand or a hand trowel to clear out any debris trapped in this section.
Step 2: Flush Out Debris With a Hose
Place a hose at the top of the downspout. Have a friend turn on the water to help flush out leaves and debris using the water pressure. Keep an eye on the bottom of the downspout to confirm that the water flows freely and the clog is cleared.
Step 3: Clear With a Plumbing Snake
If flushing with a hose doesn’t clear the clog, use a plumbing snake. Insert the snake into the downspout until it reaches the blockage. Turn the handle to break up the clog. After snaking, insert the hose again to flush any remaining debris, ensuring the downspout is completely clear.
FAQ
How do I know if my gutters are clogged?
To determine if your gutters are clogged, look for these common signs:
- Rainwater Overflow: If water spills over the sides of your gutters during rain, it’s likely they are clogged.
- Plant Growth: Visible plants or weeds growing in the gutters indicate soil accumulation, which can block water flow.
- Wildlife Activity: If birds, critters, or insects are frequently around your gutters, they might be attracted to the debris and moisture in clogged areas.
- Sagging Gutters: Gutters that are weighed down or sagging could be holding too much debris and standing water.
- Water Stains: Look for stains or marks on your home’s siding directly below the gutters; these can be caused by overflowing water from blockages.
These indicators suggest it’s time to clean your gutters to maintain proper drainage and protect your home’s structure.
How do I know if my gutters need to be replaced?
To determine if your gutters need replacing rather than just maintenance, look for these key signs:
- Cracks or Seams Splitting: If you see cracks or the gutters are breaking apart at the seams, it indicates significant structural failure.
- Peeling Paint: When large chunks of paint are peeling off the gutters, it often suggests prolonged exposure to moisture and water damage.
- Rust and Erosion: Extensive rusting and erosion, especially in large portions of the gutter, compromise the material’s integrity.
- Loose Hardware: If nails and fasteners that hold the gutters in place keep falling out, it may indicate that the gutters are no longer firmly attached and are structurally unsound.
These conditions suggest that repairs may not be sufficient, and replacing your gutters could be necessary to ensure they function properly and protect your home from water damage.
How do I clean the mold stains on the outside of my gutters?
Cleaning mold stains from your gutters depends on the material they’re made from. Here’s how to approach each type:
For Aluminum Gutters
- Mix Solution: Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water.
- Scrub Gently: Use a soft cloth to scrub the gutters with the vinegar solution. Avoid using metal brushes or steel wool, as these can scratch the metal and cause further damage.
For Vinyl Gutters
- Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of dish soap with 2 gallons of water and ½ cup of bleach. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle.
- Apply and Scrub: Spray the solution onto the gutters. Use a soft scrub brush to clean the mold stains off the vinyl surface.
Always ensure to wear gloves and eye protection when using cleaning solutions, especially those containing bleach. These methods will help you effectively remove mold stains while preserving the integrity of your gutter material.