If you take pride in your home, there are certain types of upkeep and maintenance you’ll have to make sure you carry out on a regular basis. Cleaning out your gutters is one such task. A somewhat unglamorous but absolutely essential part of being a homeowner, it’s rarely anyone’s favorite job—but nonetheless, it has to be done.
If you’d like to learn more about how to clean your gutters, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for everything you need to know.
1. Know When They Should Be Cleaned
Most sources will tell you that you have to clean your gutters around twice a year, however, for many people, this is far from the case. At any rate, the climate, as well as your surroundings, can cause how often you need to clean your gutters to vary. For example, if your home is close to trees or foliage, or prone to flooding, you’ll likely have to clean them more.
Twice a year is a good benchmark to aim for, but sometimes, once a year can be alright too. If you’ve got a gutter guard, as sold by Aboveallguttervac.com, even less frequently might be ok. You should keep an eye on your gutters so you’re able to develop a sense for when they need to be cleaned.
2. Get the Proper Tools
When you’re cleaning your gutters, the first thing you’ll need is the right set of equipment. This includes things such as a sturdy ladder, a bucket for the debris, a pair of gardening or kitchen gloves, and something for scraping. You should also make sure you’re wearing old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
3. Choose a Suitable Day
If you’re concerned about how to clean gutters safely, then you’ll need to be careful with the day you pick to do the job. You’re going to be up on a ladder, so you should make sure it’s not too rainy or windy, as you run the risk of slipping. Ideally, it shouldn’t be icy or snowing either.
4. Start Scraping
Once you’re up on your ladder and ready to begin, you can start scraping the gunk out of your gutters. You can either collect it in a bucket as you go or lay a tarp underneath you and throw it below you. Be prepared for possible splashback if you go this route.
5. Finishing Touches
Once you’ve scraped the dirt and debris from your gutters, the final step will be to flush the whole thing out with a hose. You can do this in stages. Be very careful when climbing up and down your ladder with the hose.
Cleaning Out Your Gutters Couldn’t Be Easier
If you’ve been putting off cleaning out your gutters, this is your sign to get up and go for it. It’s a pretty big task, but it doesn’t have to be so difficult, and the satisfaction you’ll feel after is second to none. If you’re after more tips or tricks, check out the rest of our DIY Dos and Don’ts!
