Essential Supplies for Gutter Maintenance

How-To

It’s officially Fall which means it’s the best time of year for cleaning gutters, amongst other exterior home remodeling upgrades. We’re rounding up a list of the essential tools and materials you’ll need to master gutter-cleaning yourself this season.

Why Gutter Maintenance in the Fall?

With the fall season comes significant debris from leaves, pinecones, you name it. Left unattended, debris can cause major blockage in your gutters that prevent water from being able to escape; and with nowhere to empty, this water will start to cause moisture erosion on your siding and eventually could infiltrate your home’s foundation.

Additionally, because of consistent precipitation build up during winter months – like snow, icicles, or ice damming (the repeated process of thawing and refreezing water on the roof) – gutters may pull away from your fascia board due to the weight. If your gutters are compromised, which means precipitation is getting behind your gutter and dripping down, refastening the gutter to its proper position is a key step in allowing it to function properly. Even if you have gutter guards installed (which homeowners often assume prevents them from needing to maintain their gutters), it’s still important to head up on a ladder and check out what’s happening, so here’s everything you’ll need for cleaning gutters.

1. Ladder

Woman standing on ladder cleaning gutters. — A senior woman on a ladder cleans leaves and twigs from rain gutters or eavestrough. Photo is from above on the roof looking down. Good copy space.

While there are a few types of ladders — step, static, extension, etc. — the ladder that is best suited for cleaning gutters is an extension ladder. As our homes vary in size and height, an extension ladder will ensure you can reach the gutters on your roof. Using the wrong ladder for any type of home improvement project — but especially one dealing with a roof and heights — can be a hazardous situation.

Be sure to review ladder safety tips from a trusted source before you begin.

2. Ladder Standoff

A ladder standoff is a brace or stabilizer for your ladder. It’s particularly useful when you’re working on surfaces that are elevated, uneven, or have multiple depths, such as gutter-cleaning because the gutters and roof jut out significantly from the exterior wall you’re resting your ladder against.

3. Ladder Leg Extension

Depending on the slope or grade of the ground, you might need additional support or stabilization. Also known as ladder levelers, ladder leg extensions stabilize your ladder by extending one leg longer than the other to ensure the ladder remains level and secure.

For example, if you need to position your ladder over an exterior porch stair while cleaning gutters, the leg extension will create an even foundation, ensuring your safety.

4. Rubber Work Gloves

Man wears rubber gloves while performing gutter-cleaning. — *_{Photo Credit: Getty Images}*

Investing in a good pair of rubber work gloves is not only essential for cleaning gutters, but for many home improvement projects. Avoid using gloves made of latex, cotton, or leather as they’re not as durable and water-resistant. When you clean out gutters, the leaves and debris are going to be wet. If you use cotton or leather gloves, those gloves will be soaked after your first initial reach into the gutter. Also, don’t use dish-washing gloves either; they are too thin for this job; twigs, sticks, or pine needles could rip or tear dishwashing gloves quickly.

5. Pressure Washer

Close up of a pressure washer lightly cleaning gutters. — *_{Photo Credit: Getty Images}*

Pressure washing is not necessary for cleaning gutters, but it is a way to make sure you successfully removed all debris. If you choose to use a pressure washer, proceed with caution and be sure to start with the lowest PSI setting (or “Pounds per Square Inch”) to avoid causing serious damage to your gutters or home. Be sure to use a soft wash with no harsh chemicals.

6. Pressure Washer Hook Extension

If you want to use a cleaning solution for cleaning gutters, a mild, soapy water is recommended. Keep in mind this will create soap suds that could end up in your flower beds or lawn, depending on where your gutters drain. Be sure to avoid using abrasive, harsh chemicals or solvents.

Once you have all of these supplies in-hand, you’re ready to clean your gutters this Fall season.

Check out our gutters and all other exterior home remodeling services!

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