Clean the Gutters: What Homeowners Should Know
Before you begin the project, gather the supplies needed to clean the gutters.
- ladder
- gloves
- trowel
- bucket or tarp
- garden hose
- gutter sealant
- paint (for touch-up)
Begin cleaning gutters by scooping out debris with a trowel or gutter scoop. Take care to not poke or scratch the gutters; this could cause cracks or holes. Use the trowel to remove the leaves, sticks, moss, and other debris from the gutters.
Place the debris into the bucket or toss it down onto a tarp. Clean a small section of guttering before climbing down, repositioning the ladder, and moving on to the next area. After removing debris, use the hose to flush the gutters, washing away any fine or stuck-on materials. Check to make sure the water is flowing freely from the downspout.
Adjust the gutters and make simple repairs as necessary during the gutter cleaning process. This will help prevent further damage to the gutters, ultimately prolonging the life of the system. When you learn how to clean gutters yourself, it saves money compared to the cost of hiring a professional.
Hire a Professional Gutter Cleaning Company
If cleaning the gutters yourself isn’t on your to-do list, hire a professional with the tools and equipment necessary to get the job done. Not only do professional gutter cleaners ensure that the job is correctly done, but they also look out for damages like rust that signal trouble and might otherwise go unnoticed. Most companies charge $200 or less for gutter cleaning and stand behind their work, which is an advantage over DIY gutter cleaning.
Carolina Homechek offers home inspections to the Greater Charlotte area. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request our services.