Tools and Materials
Tools
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Why Is Gutter Maintenance Important?
Leaves and twigs can build up over time and clog your home’s gutters and downspouts. You may also notice sections of the gutters are leaking, are sagging or have separated from the house. Gutters that aren’t working correctly can allow water to damage your roof, foundation and more.
If water doesn’t flow through the gutter system, it can collect under the roofing and damage shingles, underlayment and decking. Water under the roofing can also leak into your home, damaging ceilings, walls and floors, and allowing mold growth. In winter, water trapped in gutters can freeze, forcing ice back under the edge of the shingles and resulting in leaks when the warm air under the roof melts the ice. In addition, the weight of debris and accumulated water in a clogged gutter may cause it to pull away from the roof, creating gaps. Water can then cause damage and rot under the fascia that runs along the edge of the roof.
If clogged or damaged gutters allow water to reach your home’s foundation, the water can soften the ground, leading to cracks in the foundation. A damaged foundation can create more problems inside, including damaged floors, warped door and window frames, and cracks in walls. The water can also reach your crawlspace or basement, leading to more moisture and mold problems.
While poorly maintained gutters can cause expensive problems, you can avoid damage to your home, and the cost to repair it, if you follow a couple of simple steps.
- Clean your gutters at least twice a year — once in the spring and then once again in the fall.
- Check the gutters before and after heavy rain showers to make sure they’re still clear.
Cleaning gutters is typically easiest when rain has stopped and debris has dried out for a few days. However, that’s not always an option, and sometimes you’ll have to deal with wet leaves.
Using a Ladder and Gutter Cleaning Safety
The best way to access your gutters is with a ladder (leave working from the roof to the pros). If you’re uncomfortable on a ladder or if there are power lines near your gutters, call a professional for help.
Always set a ladder on solid, stable and level ground. Avoid standing on the top three rungs, and don't reach past the side rail or no farther than your belt buckle. Some ladders have an adjustable leg for uneven ground. Be sure to follow the safety instructions noted on the side of the ladder. For a two-story home, you’ll need an extension ladder. Use hooks to attach a bucket for tools or debris, or just drop debris onto plastic or a drop cloth on the ground. Make sure your ladder isn't sitting on the plastic. For more tips, see our Ladder and Scaffolding Buying Guide.
Wear work gloves when cleaning gutters because you may come in contact with some sharp metal. If you’re working with wet debris, consider wearing nitrile gloves under your work gloves.
Pondering a gutter repair or upgrade project? Lowe’s installation services can help.
Instructions
How to Clean Gutters With a Leaf Blower
With the right attachment you can use a leaf blower to clean gutters and keep rainwater draining efficiently without the need to climb a ladder. You can also avoid much of the manual labor. Gutter-cleaning attachments can extend the reach of your blower 11 to 12 feet, so they’re suitable for many single-story houses. While some kits are designed for specific machines, you can also find kits that offer a universal fit.
General instructions for cleaning clogged gutters are below, but always follow the instructions with your kit and follow the use and safety instructions for your blower.
Use a leaf blower to clean gutters only if you have the proper accessories that allow you to work from the ground. Ensure any attachments are compatible with your machine.
Instructions
When to Repair and Replace Gutters
- Clogged Gutters: If your gutters are overflowing, they may simply need to be cleaned and unclogged using the steps above. If doing so doesn’t fix the problem, your gutters may be too small for the size of the roof or the slope of the gutters could be incorrect. Call a professional and have your gutters checked.
- Sagging Gutters: This can happen when gutters have been clogged for a long period of time and water continuously backs up. All that extra weight can pull the gutters loose from the fascia board and the overflowing water can lead to rot over time. With sagging gutters, it’s a good idea to have a pro inspect the area to see if certain sections of the gutters or fascia board need to be replaced.
- Loose Downspouts: Sometimes the fasteners that hold gutter downspouts in place can become loose. If you notice this, start by tightening the screws. If the screw holes are stripped out and you have the do-it-yourself experience to repair them, you may be able to fix this problem yourself. If not, call a pro.
- Gutter Rust: If you notice small rusty spots, you may be able to repair them with self-adhesive roll flashing if the rust isn’t too deep. If entire sections of the gutters look or feel brittle, it’s best to replace them.
If you live in a multi-story house or are uncomfortable using a ladder, it’s best to call a professional.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
If properly cared for, gutters can last up to 20 years. However, you may need to replace them sooner if they’re damaged due to falling tree branches or severe weather.