5 Steps To Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts Cleaning your gutters may seem like an easy job to put off, but these channels are actually vital to your home's health. Gutter installation is done to move water away from the home. A working gutter prevents mosquitoes, stops erosion, and protects the structural integrity of your home's foundation. Gutter cleaning is an important yearly task for homeowners. Here are five tips to keep those gutters working right and to avoid needing gutter repairs. Clean your gutters once a year Gutters need to be cleaned at least once a year, but preferably twice a year in the spring and fall. If you're only cleaning your gutters once a year, it's best to do it in the fall after the leaves have fallen off of the trees. Wait for a dry stretch of weather, as gutters are easier to clean when they're dry. Wet leaves will stick to the bottom of the gutter, making them difficult to remove. Use the right tools when cleaning your gutters Here are the most important tools for cleaning out a gutter: Ladder Bucket Gloves Small hand shovel Water hose (with high-pressure attachment) or pressure washer Safety glasses The ladder is used to access the gutters. If you're uncomfortable using a ladder while you work, you will need to contact a professional. The bucket allows you to catch the leaves and other debris without having to throw it onto the ground to clean up later. The gloves will protect your hands from dirt and grime. A small hand shovel is useful when removing packed debris or dirt. The water hose or pressure washer will flush out the spouts once they've been cleaned. Finally, the safety glasses will protect your eyes from flying dirt, debris, and twigs. Manually clean out the gutters by hand before using water Gutter cleaning isn't as simple as spraying a hose in the gutter and expecting the debris to float away down the downspout. It's important to first manually remove as much debris as possible. Use a ladder to access the gutters, starting at the downspout. Attach a bucket to the ladder to collect leaves, twigs, and other debris. Remove as much as you can by hand and work your way down the length of the gutter until you reach the other downspout. Wash out the gutters once they're mostly clear of debris Once all debris has been removed by hand, flush the gutters with a hose (and a high-pressure gutter attachment) or a pressure washer. Once all dirt and grime have been removed from the gutters, spray directly into the downspouts. If the spouts aren't draining properly, they're likely clogged. Use heavy water pressure to flush them out completely. Inspect your gutters every year Once you've cleaned your gutters, wait for the next rain and then inspect them for any damage, dipping, water pooling, protruding nails, or other problems. Minor gutter repairs can be done at home, but bigger problems require a professional. In cases of serious gutter damage, you might need a full new gutter installation. When debris builds up in the gutters, it causes water to pool. This creates an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, mold, and mildew. This debris can also damage the roof of the home and since the water has to go somewhere, it will end up around the foundation. Over time, water can erode the dirt and soil around your foundation, making it more susceptible to damage. Keep your gutters clean and in good working order to protect your home.

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