5 Tips for Proper Gutter Maintenance When the Leaves Start Falling

As summer ends and fall begins, the leaves will quickly start falling. When they do, it is important that you are more aware than ever of the proper way of cleaning and maintaining gutters on your home.

On average, gutters accumulate anywhere from 40-250+ pounds of debris per year! It’s important to make sure to keep gutters clean from debris so that water may drain from the roof of your home properly. Neglecting to clean gutters over a long period of time could cause serious damage to your home.

If you can, pick a day when the leaves are dry to clean your gutter. It will make it easier for you to remove leaves and small twigs with your hands or a handheld leaf blower.

Here are 5 Tips to Help Keep Your Gutters Clean:

  1. For all gutter maintenance, you should use a steady ladder. Please use ladder safety precautions at all times. If your gutter is two or three stories high, use a ladder with a stabilizer.
  2. Remove all the debris from the gutter. Get every leaf and twig with a gloved hand. Go section-by-section, dump the debris you can reach in a bucket, and then move the ladder down (very carefully).
  3. After removing debris, check for corrosion and any holes or dents. Tip: If you find small holes, place a piece of painter’s tape by the hole so you can easily find it when you’re ready to repair. If you’ve found small holes in your gutter, you can seal them with a clear silicone sealant.
  4. Gently run water through your gutter with a garden hose to ensure your gutter is draining well.
  5. If the downspout is clogged, work to loosen the debris from the bottom up to avoid further clogging the downspout. Turn your water hose on high and run it up the spout from the bottom. If this doesn’t work, try a plumber’s snake (again, from the bottom to the top). If all else fails, remove the downspout and tackle the clog by hand.

There are now many gutter guards/covers available that fit on the gutter allowing water in while keeping debris out. Many of my customers have happily invested in this “one and done” solution. Shop smart and do your research if planning to purchase.

Published with permission from BGI Systems. Source.