How-to
How to Clean Gutters Safely
🇩🇪 Diesen Artikel auf Deutsch lesenClean gutters at least twice a year, typically in late spring and late fall, and more often if you have overhanging trees. Use a stable ladder with a helper, scoop out debris, then flush gutters and downspouts with a hose. If your roof is high or steep, hire a professional.
Gutters carry rainwater away from your house. When they clog, water spills over, soaks the foundation, rots fascia boards and can even cause leaks inside.
Step by step
- Gather equipment
A sturdy extension ladder with a stabilizer, gloves, a gutter scoop or small trowel, a bucket and a garden hose.
- Set up the ladder safely
Place it on firm, level ground, extend it at least three feet above the gutter edge and have someone hold it.
- Scoop out debris
Start near a downspout and remove leaves and dirt into a bucket hung from the ladder.
- Flush the gutters
Run water through the gutters with a hose to wash out remaining dirt and check that water flows toward downspouts.
- Clear the downspouts
If water backs up, flush from the top or use a plumber's snake to clear clogs.
- Check for damage
Look for leaks, loose hangers and sagging sections, and reseal seams as needed.
Signs of gutter problems
- Water overflowing during rain
- Sagging sections or gutters pulling away from the house
- Water stains on siding or peeling paint
- Pools of water or erosion near the foundation
Gutter guards
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh screens | Block most debris | Fine debris can still collect |
| Surface tension (hood) | Low maintenance | More expensive |
| Foam inserts | Cheap, easy | Can trap debris and clog |
Frequently asked questions
How often should gutters be cleaned?
At least twice a year; homes under pine trees or large deciduous trees may need cleaning three or four times.
Can I clean gutters from the ground?
Telescoping wands and attachments for leaf blowers or hoses let you clean single-story gutters from the ground.