How to clean your gutters

Nobody enjoys gutter cleaning. But it's much more important than many homeowners think. Rain flowing over windows, doors and siding can rot fascia as well as door and window framing. It can erode the soil around your home and damage its foundation, and also cause a wet basement. To help keep gutters operating properly and to protect your home investment, try these tips:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A Sturdy Ladder
• Gloves
• Cleaning tools
• Leaf Bags

1. 1. Think Safety First. Always use a solid, quality ladder to reach your gutters. Safety glasses and gloves are a good idea, too. And watch out for power lines.
2. Use a gutter getter tool to make the job easier 2. Use the Right Tools for the Job. In addition to a container to hold gutter debris, you'll also need a tool to scoop it out. The Gutter Getter Scoop from Working Products, Inc. is a good option. It's flexible and shaped to fit the gutter, plus it will keep your hands away from the debris.
3. 3. Don't Overreach. Overreaching can destabilize your ladder and cause you to fall. Instead, consider using a special tool to extend your reach. The Gutter Grabber is a cleaning tool on an extension pole that lets you clean up to 18 feet of gutter without moving your ladder.
4. 4. Check the Downspouts, Too. If the spout is clogged, a coat hanger or the handle of your Gutter Grabber can help get the debris out of the spout. Then, use a garden hose to flush out any remaining debris. For stubborn clogs, it may be necessary to remove the downspout and back flush it with the hose. Covering your downspout with a strainer such as the Gutter Getter Big Top Downspout Strainer will help reduce future clogging.
5. 5. Clean Gutters Anytime They Need It. Most homeowners know they need to clean their gutters in the fall. But now that you understand the importance of gutters, you'll see it's vital to clean them out anytime they are full. To protect the value of your home, keep your gutters clean throughout the year. For more information, call [phone], or visit www.guttergetter.com.

Tips & Warnings

• If ladder access isn't possible you can work by sitting on the roof with your feet downhill, and clean the gutters by hand. I did this by scooping the debris into a small grocery bag and then transferring it to a large leaf bag when full.
• Clean your gutters before the bad weather sets in. it's no fun doing this in the rain or snow. (And very dangerous too!)
• Power lines will zap you, don't get close to them with either your hands or ladders.
• Have a helper when you use ladders and don't go above the top two rungs or you are too high and you could fall. Your helper will hold the ladder steady for you.