Four Steps to Clean Gutters

If you are moving into a new home or you have just discovered that you need to clean your gutters, then there are four simple steps you should take to get your gutters clean and then protect them from future damage and debris.  Starting from scratch on a gutter system that has not been cleaned in a while is slightly different than maintaining your gutters on a regular basis.  Different kinds of tools and methods need to be employed.

The first step when cleaning your gutter system for the first time is to prepare with the right safety equipment and knowledge.  Gutters are the perfect breeding ground for mildew, mold, and other bacteria so it is important to protect you with both a face mask and work gloves.  The face mask will protect your respiratory system from inhaling mold spores and the work gloves will prevent you coming into contact with any bacteria which could make you sick.  It is also important to review safety procedures for working on a ladder since you will need one to clean your gutter system.

Your second step with a clogged and full gutter system is to scoop out as much debris as possible.  There are gutter cleaning tools made especially for this purpose that are known as gutter scoops.   The gutter scoop will be a large scoop with high sides in order to hold as much debris as possible with each scooping action.  This is the right gutter cleaning tool to start with because you want to get the big pieces out without making too much of a mess.

The third step on your way to a clean gutter system is to use a gutter cleaning tool called a gutter wand.  Gutter wands are attachments that you put on the end of your garden hose.  They have an adjustable nozzle and a telescoping body so that you can reach the gutter system from the ground or you can reach large areas of the gutter system from one spot.  Gutter wands will use pressurized water to push out any small debris left behind by the gutter scoop and to dislodge any mold or mildew growth along the inside of the gutter system.

The last step to keeping a clean and efficient gutter system is to install gutter guards.  Amerimax gutter guards are one brand that is quite popular and they come in a variety of styles so you will be able to find the gutter guard system that works best on your home and looks aesthetically pleasing from the curb.  There are gutter screens that cover the gutter opening with a mesh to keep out larger pieces of debris, but they sometimes look bad from the ground and they can get clogged too.  A better type of gutter guard is one that works on the principal of water adhesion and covers the gutter opening completely.