How to: properly clean gutters and downspouts

Cleaning out your gutters is a fairly easy project that needs to be done on a regular basis. It is recommended by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that your home’s gutters are cleaned at least twice per year, once in spring and again in fall. By consistently cleaning them, you are able to inspect them and can prevent bigger problems with your roof.

Supplies:

Ladder, leaf shovel, wire-handle bucket, gloves

Safety First

When cleaning the gutters, stand on a sturdy ladder, not the roof itself. Be sure to clear the area below the gutter before you start. When on the ladder, avoid standing on the top 3 rungs and leaning too far over the sides. You want to keep your weight balanced and the ladder sturdy to decrease your chance of falling.

4 Simple Steps To Clean Gutters

Although the steps to clean the gutters are relatively easy, sometimes it is best to hire a professional to do it. They know what to look for in terms of potential damage and can get the job done quickly and efficiently. But if this is a project you want to take on yourself, here are a few simple steps.

Step 1:

Clean the gutters near the downspouts around your house. Then as you work your way around there won’t be clogging.

Step 2:

Use your leaf shovel or garden trowel to remove the larger debris like leaves and twigs.

Step 3:

After the larger debris is cleared, flush the finer materials out with a hose starting opposite of the downspout.

Step 4:

After the gutters are thououghly cleaned, it’s important to check the check the spikes, check for sagging, mildew and mud, identify any leaks or holes, and rust

Common Issues Caused by Clogged Gutters:

• Water damage
• Loose/damaged gutters
• Ice dams
• Vermin

After cleaning out your gutters, you may notice some of these things that need to be repaired. Remember that ARC Contracting specializes in gutter repair along with roofing and siding.