What is the best way to clean gutters?
Safety First
Gutter cleaning sends thousands of people to the emergency room each year, mostly from falls. Set your ladder on firm, level ground and extend it at least three feet above the roofline. Never lean out to reach; move the ladder instead. If your roof is steep or more than two stories, hire a professional.
Wear gloves, eye protection, and non-slip shoes. Avoid cleaning gutters near power lines, and never touch electrical wires with a ladder or tool. If you're unsure, call a pro.
Step-by-Step Cleaning
Start at the downspout end and work away from it. Use a small plastic scoop or trowel to remove leaves and debris, dropping them into a bucket hanging from your ladder. Once the gutter is clear, flush it with a garden hose to check for clogs and proper drainage. If water pools, the gutter may be misaligned or the downspout blocked.
For stubborn clogs in downspouts, use a plumber's snake or a hose with a high-pressure nozzle. You can also install gutter guards to reduce future debris, though they don't eliminate cleaning entirely.
- Remove large debris by hand or with a scoop.
- Flush gutters and downspouts with a hose.
- Check for leaks and proper slope.
- Consider gutter guards to reduce buildup.
- Clean twice a year, or more if you have many trees.
When to Call a Pro
If your gutters are more than two stories high, if you're uncomfortable on a ladder, or if you see sagging, separation, or water damage, hire a professional. Gutter cleaning services typically cost $100 to $250 for a single-story home, depending on size and location. It's cheaper than a hospital bill.
Common mistakes
- Thinking you can clean gutters from the ground with a leaf blower; it often just blows debris onto the roof or misses clogs.
- Neglecting downspouts; a clear gutter with a blocked downspout still overflows.
- Using a pressure washer inside the gutter; it can damage seams and force water behind siding.
