How To Clean Gutters

If your rain gutters are overflowing due to being clogged with leaves, pine needles and other debris, it's time to clean them out. For those who may be wondering how to clean gutters. Here is a simple guide to help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.

You have basically two options with this job; cleaning them yourself or hiring a gutter cleaning company. Hiring it out is the best way for anyone who shouldn't be climbing a ladder for whatever reasons. You can expect to pay a cleaning company upwards of $100, depending on how big your home is and how high up your gutters are.

To get started on the project yourself you will need a good sturdy ladder to put up against the roof. You can either work from the ladder in cleaning the gutters or you can get on the roof.

Next, you'll need gloves, safety glasses, a water hose and a garden spade. The reason for wearing gloves is due to the fact that gutters can have razor sharp edges and roofs and gutters both can have nails poking out.

Of course, another quick option for many people is with a leaf blower. If your rain gutters are dry, you could use a blower to clean out all the leaves and junk. Just be sure to wear eye protection.

Now that you have your tools ready, you'll want to start at one end of the gutter channel and scoop out the debris with a garden spade. You can let it fall to the ground or the better option is to put it in a trash bag.

Once you've scooped out all the debris you can now take your garden hose and clean out the gutter. Check the downspouts and be sure they are flowing properly. It's very easy to see them get clogged.

If everything is flowing correctly, your job is done. One last thing you should do while on the roof is to check the gutter system. Is it connected properly? Is it sagging or missing hangers? Take this time to give everything a good check.

There you have it, a simple guide on how to clean gutters. Now it's time to actually do the work.