Clogged overflowing gutters can lead to rotten fascia boards and even cause damage to the foundation. Clean them during dry weather starting at the downspout and working back. Wear gloves and use a gardening trowel or a scoop made from a plastic container.
Rather than throwing the leaves and debris away, put them on your compost pile. After the gutters are clean, use a garden hose to wash out the inside, and check to be sure the downspouts are flowing freely.
Of course, some tools can protect your gutters year-round. Like GutterBrush Leaf Guard:
Further Information
- Gutter Maintenance Tips (video)
- How to Clean and Repair Gutters (article)
- How to Unclog and Clean Downspouts (video)
My gutters used to clog all the time with leaves and pine needles from all the trees around my house. my husband hated getting out the ladder and cleaning them. I finally installed a gutter guard so that we wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore. It’s called Gutterglove Gutterguard. It’s has a stainless steel mesh on an aluminum frame. It looks and feels pretty heavy duty. I ordered it and installed it myself. I am so happy with the way it is performing. We don’t have to clean the gutters anymore. It was well worth the investment and I would recomend it to everyone!
I have white aluminum gutters and white vinyl siding on my garage. It gets a dirty coating that is difficult to clean. The only thing that seems to work is Formula 409 cleaner, which usually cleans anything, but doesn’t completely clean these items. I used a brush and a rags the last time. I also tried a power washer, but that didn’t seem to do any better. (It did blow a lot of water passed the siding. Not good.) Any suggestions would be appreciated.
AND of all the home improvement shows out there, yours is the most down to earth and always has relevent topics. I just wish your show was on more often.
Thanks so much.
Mike Rush.