Gutter Cleaning & Maintenance

Debris can build up and cause damage to your downspouts and/or cause water damage to your roof. To avoid thousands of dollars in repairs, you should clean out your gutters at least once a year. Below we have tips and a step by step guide on gutter cleaning and maintenance. 

To clean out your gutters you will need: a trowel (or another tool to remove debris), ladder, buckets, garden hose, gutter cleaning attachment (if you have one), gutter sealant, safety glasses or goggles, a long sleeve shirt, and gloves. 


Preparation Tips: 

Be sure to place your ladder on a firm, level spot. If you're using an extension ladder, you can protect your gutters while leaning against them by placing a small 2 x 4 inside the gutter. When on the ladder, stand with your hips between the rails and do not lean to the sides. Never stand on the top two rungs!

If your roof has a low pitch, you may want to work from the rooftop instead of using your ladder. Make sure you are doing this under safe conditions, you should only do this when someone else is home in case you do have an accident and be sure to wear non-slip shoes. Never work on the roof when it's wet or icy or when it's windy outside and do not lean over the edge of the roof near power lines. 

Wear heavy work gloves to protect your hands since most gutters have sharp metal parts or screws sticking into their troughs. You should also wear safety glasses or googles, carry a bucket to collect debris, and place a drop cloth in the areas beneath the gutter you're working on. 

Rake any leaves and debris off the roof before you begin so that the next time it storms, the rain doesn't wash it all back into the gutters, filling them up all over again. 

Installing a leaf catching gutter guard system is useful, but they are not a complete solution. You will
eventually find that leaves settle through the screen and you will have to remove it to clean out the gutters. Some of these systems are pricey and removing them can be challenging, make sure to do your research to find one that is easily removable for cleaning and maintenance. 

Steps:


      1. Remove Gutter Covers (if you have any) 

      2. Clean Out Any Loose Debris

Start at the drain outlet at the low end of the gutter, using your hands or one of your tools, scoop out loose debris, working away from the drain outlet. Make sure to wear glove. Place any debris into a bucket to minimize cleanup afterwards. 

      3. Flush the Gutter

Flush the gutter with water from your hose. Wash each length of the gutter working toward the drain outlet. You may need to use a stiff scrub brush to remove any dirt that doesn't spray off. 

     4. Clear Obstructions in Drainpipes

Remove any debris or buildup in drainpipes. If water does not drain freely through them, try flushing them with the hose. If it's still not flowing freely, you may need to use a plumbers auger (snake) to pull out the jammed debris from the bottom. If you don't have a snake, you can also use your hose, just remove the nozzle and insert it into the downspout. 






     5. Secure any Loose Gutters

Once finished do a final walk-through to check for any missed debris and make sure all gutters are attached securely to your roof. 



     6. Apply Gutter Sealant


If your gutters were sealed when they were installed or last maintained, you should notice a black caulking covering the seams. If you notice any cracks or missing spots at the seams or gutter end caps, these areas will need to be resealed. 




Gutter Maintenance


Inspect and clear gutters at least once a year, preferably twice a year, once in spring and again in autumn. Note that clogs often occur where downspouts meet the gutter, check this area the closest. 

Check the slope of your gutters from time to time. You may need to adjust them to keep water moving toward your downspouts. Check to make sure they are properly positioned by running water through them, if they drain slowly, move them so that they slope toward the downspouts at a rate of 1/4 inch for every 10 feet. 

Downspouts should expel water away from your house, if necessary add downspout extenders to carry the water away. You may also want to consider concrete or plastic splash blocks, which are slightly sloped and extend away from the house at least 4 feet. 


If this seems like a lot to tackle on your own, you may want to consider hiring a pro. Call Top Dog and we will clean and maintain your gutters for you all for a great low price. Call 571-221-5493 for your free quote today!