Cleaning out the gutters is one of the least favorite things that a homeowner has to do routinely. However, rain gutters are very important and help to protect your home. Gutters protect your home’s foundation from erosion and leaks when it rains. If leaves and debris clog your gutters it can hold stagnant water that could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Cleaning out the gutters on your home is a fairly simple task to do. It involves using a ladder and your garden hose to flush out the debris. It is best if you have assistance when doing this. You will want to have someone around to turn the water on and off and to be there in case you slip or fall. If you have someone helping you the task will go faster and you won’t have to climb up and down the ladder as much.

It is best to this task in the early morning. That way you won’t get excess sun exposure. You will want to use a sturdy ladder that is tall enough for you to reach the gutters easily. One thing to remember is that rain gutters are not designed to support any weight. The person helping you should help steady the ladder when you are cleaning out the rain gutters.

To make the job easier and so you have less cleanup afterwards use a garbage bag to put the debris in and also make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands. Cleaning out your gutters is one of those dreaded jobs that needs to be done routinely to protect your home from damage.

If you let your gutters deteriorate, then eventually water will pour down on to woodwork, siding and create damp around brickwork and foundation of your home. More than this, the weight of accumulated debris and trapped water will eventually lead to a weakening of the gutter fixings which in turn, can lead to the gutters and downpipes coming loose from their mounting.

You can hire someone to perform the service for you, and if you are uncomfortable working up a ladder, and certainly if your roof is more than one story in height, you should consider this option, otherwise you can easily do the job yourself and save some valuable money.

You should clean your gutters at least twice a year and more often if your roof is situated under trees (because of the debris not just from falling leaves but also from branches and twigs). You will need a sturdy ladder; a step-ladder is best but an extension ladder can also be used as long as you are careful when you set it up – it will lean against the gutter and you must not break it. You can protect the gutter to some extent by placing a piece of 2 x 4 inside it. At all times, ensure the ladder is standing on a firm base and is secure before you climb it.

It is dangerous to work from the roof side rather than from a ladder – only if you have a very gently steeping pitch and have good weather conditions, so the roof is not wet, icy or has snow on it and there is no wind, should you consider working from the roof itself.

First step is to scoop out the loose debris and start from the low end of the gutter at the point where it meets the drainpipe. Next, use your water hose to apply a jet of water under pressure to clean away any more stubborn debris and finally, make sure the drainpipes are not blocked (use a plumber’s auger or snake to clear blocked drainpipes).