If you’re a homeowner, you need to make sure your residential roofing stays in good condition. The gutters are designed to direct water away from the property via the downspouts. Over time, they can become clogged with dirt, leaves, and other debris, which will prevent them from performing efficiently. You can avoid roof repairs and structural damage by cleaning them regularly. Here’s how.

5 Steps to Cleaning Your Gutters

1. Dress Appropriately

Never attempt to clean the gutter system without protecting yourself with appropriate attire, including long pants, a long-sleeve top, non-skid shoes with rubber soles, safety goggles, and a pair of work gloves. This will protect you from grime, as well as minimizing the risk of injury in the cleaning process.

2. Gather Supplies

You should have an extension ladder that is sturdy and in excellent condition. You may wish to use a stabilizer for additional security if your roof is particularly high. It may also be helpful to have a partner on hand who can spot you. Hook a debris bucket onto the ladder to keep your hands free and hook another bucket with a scoop and a garden trowel on the other side.

3. Clear the Roof

Begin by removing large pieces of debris from the residential roofing system first. This includes leaf piles and twigs  near the gutters. If you leave them, they’ll fall into the clean gutters when it rains, requiring more clearing. Use the scoop to dislodge any stubborn or stuck pieces, which you might encounter if it rained recently and caused the debris to become thick and gummy on the surface.

4. Loosen Debris

The gutters themselves could be packed with debris, especially if you haven’t cleaned them in a while. Use the trowel to loosen this debris gently, beginning at the downspout. Work your way through the system methodically, taking the time to remove any other grime from the residential roofing as needed.

5. Use Water

Once you’ve eliminated the debris, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment to direct water directly through the gutters. This will flush away any remaining bits that weren’t picked up while cleaning to ensure that they’re clear before the next rainfall.
 

Have clogged gutters compromised the integrity of your residential roofing? Trust in the team at Lasco Roofing & Sheet Metal in New Milford, CT, to assist. They offer a variety of services designed to improve its condition, from roof repairs to new roof installations. Visit them online for information on their services, or give them a call at (860) 355-8060 to schedule a roofing estimate.