DIY Gutter Cleaning as well as Maintenance: A Step-by-Step Overview

Gutters play an important role in protecting your home and your foundations from rainwater and water-logged debris. They funnel water out of your roof and away from the house while keeping your gutters free of leaves and other materials that could cause damage to your gutter system.

Whether you choose to do your own gutter cleaning or hire a professional such as Gutter Cleaning Newport News to complete the task, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a maintenance job. In addition to removing leaves and other materials, your gutters need to be checked for signs of damage and repaired as needed. 

Before you begin any gutter cleaning project, it’s important to make sure that you have the right tools and equipment. This includes a ladder, a hose, work clothes, and gloves, as well as a bucket to collect leaves and other debris you collect during the process. You’ll also need a gutter scoop and ladder stabilizers to help keep the ladder steady while you’re working on it.

Step 1: Start by inspecting the gutters for any signs of damage such as large holes, rot, or loose pieces that are barely hanging on. If you spot any of these, stop and take the time to fix them before continuing with the gutter cleaning process.

Using a garden trowel and a small shovel, remove any large objects that are blocking the gutter. Once you have enough of the material removed, drop it into a bucket that hangs from your ladder or onto a tarp on the ground.

Once the bucket is full, use a garden hose to rinse out your gutters and downspouts. This is an easy way to check for leaks and clogs, and it’ll also help you find areas that require a bit more attention.

If you want to be even more thorough, consider investing in a long garden hose that has an angled spray nozzle that can be used for gutter cleaning. This nozzle will allow you to direct the water more accurately and efficiently.

You should also look for PVC gutter joints that are split or have clips popping open. If you see any of these, clip them back together and examine the seals on each joint for any damage.

It’s best to clean gutters twice a year, particularly in fall and spring, to ensure that they stay clear of debris from trees, twigs, grasses, and weeds. This will reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do on a regular basis, and will help to prevent a host of issues that may arise later on in the year including mold and mildew, rotting wood, and leaking.