Cleaning gutters is one of those chores nobody loves. What people may not realize is clogged gutters can damage your roof and your house. 

Leaves and other debris, like twigs and pods, that sit in your gutter too long can build clogs in the gutter and the downspouts. When those clogs get significant enough that the water cannot drain, the standing water can cause the roof to rot. The standing water can also attract pests like mosquitos and birds.

In addition, overflowing water can damage the fascia and cause a different set of problems. One of those problems is cracks in the foundation caused by freezing water in the winter.

You can avoid all of that by cleaning your gutters at least once a year. Twice, if you have a lot of trees with leaves that clog your gutters. Wait to clean the gutters and downspouts until after the leaves have fallen. If possible, wait a couple of days after it has rained so the leaves can dry, which makes your job easier and less messy.

Here are a few easy steps to clean your gutters quickly and efficiently.

  1. Dress appropriately
    It is best to wear long sleeves and pants when cleaning your gutters since it is a dirty job. Gloves are also a must. Wear latex gloves under your work gloves to keep your hands dry.
  2. Have all your tools at hand
    Your job will go a lot smoother if you have all your equipment and supplies ready before you climb that ladder. That way you do not have to climb up and down more often than necessary. Always be mindful of ladder safety and take appropriate precautions. The ladder needs to be long enough to reach the highest gutter. Also, you should never reach more than two feet to either side of the ladder to avoid instability or tipping. In addition to the ladder, have one or two buckets handy, a scoop to get the leaves out, and a hose that is long enough to reach the gutters.
  3. Clean and flush the gutters
    Use your hands or a scoop to clean all large debris out of the gutter. After that, use the hose with a high-pressure nozzle to flush out smaller debris and dirt and to clean the gutters.
  4. Check the downspouts
    When you finish with the gutters, do not forget to check the downspouts, as there could be clogs that might cause problems. Remove debris and flush them as you did with the gutters.
  5. Check for leaks
    Make sure the gutter does not sag and check the hangers. Spray your gutters again, this time checking for leaks on seams and standing water.

All done! Your gutters should be in great condition again. You do not have to worry about them for the next six to 12 months.

Cleaning Your Gutters Benefits Your Roof

Take proper care of your roof by cleaning your gutters. Otherwise, you compromise the lifespan and durability of the roof. Roof damage can go undetected from clogged gutters. Ensure your roof is in top shape. Contact SKYYGUARD Roofing to schedule a roof inspection.