After a heavy rain, a clogged gutter can damage your landscape and siding, ruin your landscaping near your house, and cause water damage to your foundation. You should clean your gutters of leaves at least once a year, or twice if you have trees that hang over your house. If you have experienced a big storm lately, you should also clean your gutters and downspouts to make sure there is no need for repair. To help their customers with gutter maintenance Columbia Roofing in Eldridge, MD, put together a list of things you should know. 

Here are some tips for cleaning your gutters and downspouts:

• Have the Appropriate Gear: Wear a long-sleeved shirt and heavy duty gloves for protection. Use an extendable ladder, preferably one that has a standoff stabilizer. Also, make sure to have a small trowel or gutter scoop to remove the gunk and a bucket to place it in. When you have the right supplies, the job is much easier — and won’t be so messy.
• Rinse the Gutters With a Hose: Use a hose with a strong spray nozzle to gently remove any leftover debris and have it rinse down the downspout. This is a good chance to check for any holes in the connection between the gutter and downspout that might have occurred at gutter installation time.
• Wash Out the Drainpipes: Finally, use a hose to rinse out the downspouts. If you encounter a blockage, use a plumber's auger to loose and pull out the debris from the bottom. If that doesn’t work, try it again from the top instead.

Clearing out your downspouts and gutters regularly is a good way to prepare yourself for any rainstorms that might come your way, and keep your siding, foundation, and landscaping in top condition for years to come. If your gutters need to be repaired or replaced, call Columbia Roofing at (410) 479-6100 to reach one of their locations across Maryland for all of your roofing and gutter needs. You can also see their website for more information.