The Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Your Home's Rain Gutters

A home’s gutter system is designed to protect the roof, siding, and foundation from costly water damage as well as the accumulation of mold, mildew, and insects. Gutters get dirty quickly though, accumulating dirt, animal feces, leaves sticks and more which can cause an expensive clog in the entire system.

The gutters become blocked when the system is clogged, and water can't flow through. As time goes on, the obstruction grows worse, trapping more debris. The rainwater then trickles down the edges of the gutter and around the house's base, causing long-term damage to your property. To avoid injuring yourself and avoiding future problems with the gutter system, clean them regularly.

Don't forget to clean your gutters.

The gutter cleaning on your home are meant to direct rainwater and melting snow away from the house. If they're not placed properly or if they get clogged, water can pool around the foundation and cause serious damage. To avoid problems, make sure your downspouts are directed away from the house, and clean out the gutters at least once a year (plus after any big storms).

If gutters are blocked, rainwater will not flow through the system. This results in gutters overflowing and water to run down the walls and siding, pooling around the foundation. Insects and rodents can also enter your property as a result of this blockage.

Before you begin, ensure that all safety gear is secure and ready

In order to clean your gutters, you will need some basic safety equipment including thick work gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, safety glasses and nonslip boots or shoes. Each piece should be inspected for any damage such as holes or cracks before using. The nonslip footwear helps you grip the ladder while climbing and the other items protect you from various dangers such as insects and small rodents.

Don't work without a partner

When working on the gutters from a high vantage point, cleaning them poses a danger to your safety due to uneven ladder footings, passers-by who are careless, and sliding ladders. In order to steady the ladder, regulate foot traffic in the area, and call for help in an emergency whenever you're working on a ladder, you'll need a partner, friend, or even a helpful neighbor nearby.

Although the spotter's responsibilities are not very demanding, this person does need to stay alert and be aware of what to do in an emergency. It is best if you assign this job to someone who is older than 16 and can fully comprehend the dangers associated with it.

A ladder that is wobbling or too short is not a good idea

To avoid injury, only use a ladder that is the appropriate length for your gutters. A standard four-legged ladder is good for single-story homes, but an extension ladder is necessary for taller dwellings.

Whenever possible, it's best to use a four-legged ladder as they are more stable. If you need additional height for your project though, be sure to utilize leg levelers and stabilizers with an extension ladder so that it is properly supported on uneven ground or surfaces.



Cleaning your rain gutters is vital to protecting your home from water damage, but it's not always a fun task. If you're unsure of when you should clean them or how to go about doing so, we've put together a list of dos and don'ts for gutter cleaning. Keep reading for more information, or give us a call today! Our team would be happy to help you keep your gutters clear and protect your home.

Gutter Maintenance

What Does Gutter Cleaning Include and Why Should You Bother with It?