Gutters are seemingly humble, but they are an all-important part of your home. Their purpose of diverting rainwater, snow, and ice-melt away from your home keeps your house looking good inside and out. They also protect you and your family from mold, which is potentially harmful to many facets of one’s health. Here are some tips on how to clean your gutters:

How to Clean Your Gutters

You should clean your gutters at least once a year, and at least twice annually if you have trees hanging over your house. You should also check your gutters for clogged spots after a big storm – especially if nearby trees may have shed many of their leaves onto your roof.

Start with the Right Equipment

To clean gutters, wear a shirt with long sleeves and rubber gloves. Make sure you are equipped with a safe and sturdy extendable ladder, preferably one with standoff stabilizers or “horns,” which can prevent you from damaging your gutters by leaning the ladder against the house. Get a small plastic scoop to remove whatever is clogging the gutters. A child’s sand shovel can also work well. Have a plastic tarp below you at the ready so you don’t get the gutter muck all over your lawn.

Then, Clean Away

Once everything is in place, flush out the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose. You may want to have a partner for this part. Plus, it’s always best to have a spotter when using a ladder. This rinsing step of the clean-out is a good opportunity to spot any leaks or discover larger blockages.

Prevent gutter damage and the need for more frequent gutter clean-outs by installing gutter covers. This is especially helpful if you live near lots of trees.

Do You Need New Gutters?

If your gutters are cracked, warped, or otherwise damaged beyond what a good cleaning can take care of, you may just need new ones. These are sure signs it’s time to replace your gutters.

If you think you need new gutters, call Zephyr Thomas. Our Seamless gutters, available in five and six-inch sizes in a variety of colors, are built to last and you can rest assured that the professional installing them has the experience and expertise necessary to ensure that your home is protected from excess moisture and the water damage that can come from that.

When you choose Zephyr Thomas, you can also decide between Rhino, Leaf Relief, and LeaFree gutter protection. These three designs work in different ways to prevent leaves from weighing your gutters down and the leaks and damage that can result. If you live in a wooded area or have trees that shed their leaves on or near your house, talk with one of our professional gutter estimators about which option is right for you.