Since gutters help prevent water from ruining a home, they are essential items, but if you don't keep them clean you might as well not have them. Follow these steps to get the gunk out of gutters.
Before getting up on the ladder, try making these handy tools to help you clean:
Gutter scooper - Using a knife or razor, cut the bottom off a half gallon plastic jug (figure A). When cleaning, grasp the handle and just scoop through the debris.
Hanging bucket - Take a regular bucket with a wire handle and cut the handle in half at the top. Bend the wire from the cut handle on each side to make hooks. Now just hang the bucket on the gutter beside you as you clean.
Cleaning the gutters and downspouts
- Don't just flood your gutters with the garden hose trying to blast the debris in the gutters through the downspouts. First, clean them out by hand using the scooper and the hanging bucket.
- After all of the debris is removed, use the hose for a final rinse to make sure the water is moving through your downspouts properly.
- If they are clogged for some reason, first try to stick your hose in the down spout and see if the water pressure forces the debris out.
- If the debris is stuck in the curved portion of the downspout, try inserting a plumber's snake (figure B) into the spout to see if that will loosen the debris.
- To prevent leaves and other debris from getting in your gutters, try installing gutter and downspout guards (figure C). There are several brands and models on the market to choose from.
Here's a few more tips to keep in mind:
- Since you'll be dealing with sharp objects in the gutter like pine needles, thorns and old roofing nails, make sure to wear gloves when you clean.
- Stuff a cloth in the downspout to prevent debris from draining out.
- Try to clean your gutters after they have dried out. This will make the cleaning go much quicker and you won't have to deal with mud.
- Make sure to inspect and clean your gutters at least twice a year, especially in the fall.
Repairing your gutter
Over the years, your gutter takes a beating so you might find a few holes in the bottom. If you do, take a little bit of roofing cement and spread it on the hole. After the cement dries, the hole will be sealed. If the hole is a little bigger, sand down the rust, dirt and grime from around the hole, lay in a little roof cement, place a piece of metal flashing on the hole, then seal around the flashing with some more roofing cement.
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