How To Clean Roof Gutters

In the early fall clear out leaves and other debris that accumulated during the warmer months.

How to clean roof gutters.

You ll run out of cleaning solution really quickly if the water is on full blast. Try not to spray under the shingles as it can loosen them. Remove the strainers from the downspout and place a garden hose at the opposite end of the gutter. Wear a long sleeved shirt work pants and rubber gloves.

Once you ve got all that you can with your hands use a hose to flush the finer debris starting at the end opposite the downspout. Then turn the water to the hose on but not at full power. When possible avoid cleaning gutters after a rain. If your gutter isn t draining you may have a clog in your downspout.

Pull the hose to the furthest end of the gutters with enough slack so that you can lift the bottle over your head comfortably. Your other hand should be holding the ladder to help keep you balanced. A gutter cleaning attachment can be helpful too. Cleaning gutters is a dirty job.

Cleaning gutters in early spring will prepare them for the heavy spring and summer rains. Dress for the job. Start at the far end and move toward the downspout. Once you ve gotten rid of everything that you can collect with your hands and scoop you need to get rid of the finest debris.

To remove the gunk from the gutters use a small plastic scoop. Gutter scoops are available at the hardware store or a child s sandbox shovel also works just fine. With one gloved hand pull all the debris out and put it in your bucket. It requires only a few tools and an afternoon to get water flowing from your roof and away from your home.

Flush out the rest of the debris with a hose. Flush the gutter with a garden hose. Use your scraper if the debris is sticking too much or the gap between your gutter and tiles is too narrow. Once you ve removed most of the mess give the bottom of the gutter a good sweep with your brush.

When you ve cleaned as much as you safely can in one spot move the ladder on down and repeat the process with all your gutters.