Gutters may not be the most glamorous part of your home, but they are one of the most important because of the crucial role they play in protecting it from water damage.
Neglecting your gutters can lead to clogged downspouts, leaks, and even foundation problems—but with a little regular maintenance, you can keep water flowing and avoid costly repairs. Read on to find tips for cleaning your gutters safely, checking for damage, and making sure they’re in good working order all year long.
Why Gutter Maintenance Matters
Gutters direct rainwater away from your roof and foundation, but when they become clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, water can overflow and lead to roof leaks, basement flooding, and even structural damage.
How to Safely Clean Your Gutters
The first step in gutter maintenance is keeping gutters clear—a messy but important task. If you want to DIY it instead of hiring a professional, follow these steps to get the job done safely:
1. Gather Your Tools
Before you start, get your equipment together. You’ll need:
• Sturdy ladder
• Work gloves
• Gutter scoop
• Bucket or tarp
• Garden hose with a spray nozzle
• Safety glasses
2. Set Up Your Ladder
• Use a sturdy, extendable ladder.
• Place it on a level surface and have a helper hold it steady.
• As you work, avoid leaning too far to the side; instead, move the ladder so you don’t have to stretch to reach each section.
3. Remove Debris by Hand
• Start near a downspout and work your way along the gutter.
• Use a scoop to remove leaves, twigs, and dirt.
• Collect debris in a bucket or drop it onto a tarp for easy disposal.
4. Flush the Gutters
• Once the bulk of the debris is cleared, use a garden hose to flush out any little pieces of leaves or twigs that are left behind.
• Start at the farthest point from the downspout and work toward it.
5. Clear Clogged Downspouts
• Check that water flows freely through the downspout. If it isn't draining, try running the hose at high pressure into the downspout or use a plumber’s snake to break up stubborn clogs.
• If you can’t clear the clog, detach the downspout and remove the obstruction manually.
• Once downspouts are clear, add a downspout guard to stop future clogs.
Inspecting Your Gutters for Damage
As you’re cleaning, inspect your gutters for any signs of wear and tear. Look for:
• Leaks – Check for water dripping from seams or holes and patch any small leaks with gutter sealant.
• Loose Fasteners – Tighten any loose screws or brackets that secure the gutters to your home.
• Sagging Sections – If a section of gutter is sagging, check for broken hangers and replace as needed.
Upgrades to Improve Drainage
Want to take your gutter system to the next level? These simple upgrades can help improve drainage and reduce maintenance:
1. Install Gutter Guards Gutter guards are an easy and inexpensive fix that stops leaves and debris from getting into your gutters while still allowing water to flow through. Watch this video for installation tips:
2. Extend Downspouts If your downspouts are draining water too close to your home, they can cause foundation issues. Consider adding our Tilt & Drain downspout extender to easily direct water away from your home.
3. Adjust Gutter Slope If water is pooling in your gutters instead of draining, they may not be sloped properly. Gutters should have a slight incline—about ¼ inch every 10 feet—toward the downspout. Adjust brackets as needed to keep water flowing.
Seasonal Gutter Maintenance Schedule
To keep your gutters in good shape, give them a little TLC throughout the year:
Spring:
• Clean out debris from winter storms.
• Check for ice dam damage.
• Make sure downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation.
Summer:
• Inspect gutters after every heavy rain.
• Trim back overhanging tree branches to cut back on leaves on your roof and gutters.
• Look for signs of rust, corrosion or sagging gutters.
Fall:
• Clean gutters once leaves are off the trees.
• Install gutter guards if needed.
• Make sure downspouts are clear.
Winter:
• Check for ice dams and remove snow buildup near gutters.
• Ensure downspouts are clear to prevent water from freezing and blocking them.
• Inspect for leaks or damage after storms.
