Regular gutter cleaning, at least twice a year (in spring and autumn), can save you from costly repairs and ensure your home stays safe and well-maintained. If you’re unable to clean them yourself, consider hiring a professional service.
Keeping your house gutters clean and clear is essential for protecting your home from potential damage and maintaining its structural integrity.
If you’re noticing issues with your gutters, such as overflowing, sagging, or if they don’t appear to be draining properly, they’re probably due to be cleaned.
Gutters can become clogged by leaves and other debris, so it’s important to stay on top of cleaning. Putting it off risks costly repairs and potential water damage to your property. Luckily, it’s a relatively easy DIY task that just requires the right tools and methods.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to safely and effectively clean your gutters in three easy steps, and how you can keep them clear in the future.
Tools for the job
To thoroughly clean your gutters, you’ll need the following tools:
- A sturdy ladder to reach the gutters
- A trowel or gutter scoop for debris removal
- A bucket or bag to collect waste
- A garden hose or pressure washer to flush out any remaining dirt
- Safety gloves and protective eyewear to keep yourself safe from sharp debris or splashes.
Having the right tools ensures that the cleaning process is completed smoothly and safely.
Clean your gutters in three easy steps
Step one: Position your ladder
Working at height will require the use of a ladder, which is best handled by a professional. It should be placed close to the area you’re working on to prevent over reaching and at a 75 degree angle with someone holding it down. Three points of contact need to remain on the ladder at all times – two hands and one foot, or one hand and two feet. Any property with more than two bedrooms may need scaffolding to safely access the gutters.
Step two: Remove debris
Once your ladder is securely in place, put on your gloves and start removing any debris from the gutters. Use a trowel, scoop, or just your hands to clear out leaves, twigs, and any other blockages. You can put the debris directly into a bucket or rubbish bag to keep the area tidy.
Step three: Flush the gutter
Once the debris is removed, flush the gutter to clear any remaining dirt and check for proper water flow. You can do so using a garden hose or power washer. Start at the opposite end of the downspout and flush the gutter with water, ensuring that the downspout is draining correctly.
If water isn’t draining as it should, you may have a clog in your downspout. In this case, you can use a high-pressure hose attachment to break up the blockage.
How to clean gutters without a ladder
If you’re uncomfortable with heights or don’t have access to a ladder, you can still clean your gutters. There are various tools and methods designed for cleaning gutters from the ground.
Telescopic gutter cleaning tools or attachments that connect to your garden hose or a leaf blower can help you clean your gutters without climbing a ladder. They often come with extendable poles and specialised nozzles, allowing you to reach and clear the gutters. Just ensure the tools you’re using are compatible with your gutter system and can effectively remove debris.
How often should you clean gutters?
Cleaning your gutters regularly is essential for preventing blockages and water damage. It’s typically recommended to clean them at least twice a year, but this can vary. For instance, the type of gutter system you have, the amount of trees and bushes around your home, and your local climate.
To help you determine how frequently you should clean your gutters, check out our recent article ‘How often you should clean gutters’
Signs you need to replace your gutter
Although cleaning your gutters regularly should extend their lifespan, there may come a time when repairs or even a full replacement are required. If you notice that water isn’t draining properly even after cleaning, it could be a sign that your gutters are damaged beyond repair.
For further information on identifying these issues, check out our recent gutter repair guide to help you determine whether you can fix your gutters, or if it’s time for a replacement.
Regularly cleaning your gutters is an important task that helps to protect your home from water damage. By following these steps, you can avoid costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your gutter system.
If you’re looking for high-quality solutions or need to replace your current gutters, explore Eurocell’s wide range of guttering and downpipe products. Contact us today to kick-start your DIY projects.