Tips for Roof Gutter Cleaning

At the end of a chilly winter, homeowners from coast to coast start thinking about roof and gutter maintenance as the urge to spring clean blooms. Spring is the perfect time of year to get a roof inspection from a professional roofing company, so it pays to make sure your gutters are clean, free of cracks, looking good and still working efficiently. Learn how to clean a gutter, why it’s so pivotal and which products and services can best optimize the process for you in this guide to springtime roof gutter cleaning.

When Is the Best Time for Roof Gutter Cleaning?

We recommend doing rain gutter maintenance every four months or at least twice a year, in the fall and spring. You can also use your judgment on how often to clean your gutters based on how frequently leaves fall in your area and the tree species growing in your yard. Before and after heavy rains, winds or snowfall, it’s a good idea to visually inspect your home’s gutters. If you see a buildup of foliage, twigs, berries and other outdoor refuse, use a garden hose to flush out the debris that’s blocking the free flow of water.

How Should You Clean a Gutter and Roof?

Even if the harsh winter did not leave you with roof and gutter damage, spring is an excellent time to look closely at your home’s exterior. Here’s a quick spring-cleaning checklist for your roof that every homeowner should know about:

  • Visually inspect all major components of your roof, including gutters, shingles and fixtures such as chimneys, air ducts and antenna supports.
  • Shine a bright flashlight into the guttering and look for blockages that may clog your water drainage system.
  • Note any areas where roof shingles are worn-out, damaged or missing.
  • Look under eaves and on all exterior walls for water and other types of damage, discoloration, hail dents, worn spots and chipped paint.
  • Walk around the foundation’s perimeter to find places where water might leak in, gully-like perforations in the ground and holes.
  • Contact a local roofing contractor if you spot anything that needs repair, replacement, professional cleaning or maintenance.
  • Photograph your findings during your short inspection, note your roof and gutters’ overall health and share this information when your inspector visits.

If everything appears in good shape, it’s still a good idea to call a roofing professional for a post-winter inspection. AmeriPro Roofing can come out and inspect your roof for any damage. Our highly trained team can also clean the gutters, install gutter guards and ensure your home is ready for the next round of climate extremes. Extend your gutters’ longevity by contacting us online today and learning more about our roof gutter cleaning services.

Why Are Gutters Essential for Homes?

Gutters are not always the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your home’s beauty and curb appeal. Still, architects and builders highly recommend these features for protecting your most substantial investment — your home.

Gutters redirect rainwater runoff away from your house, helping avoid soil erosion, water damage to the foundation, roofing problems, siding damage and wood rot. Keeping the entire gutter system around your home in top shape will go a long way toward preventing these issues.

Why Is Roof and Gutter Maintenance Important?

Rain gutters fail when leaves and other debris clog the downspouts, trapping water, which can then seep behind the fascia board and gutters, causing rot and mold. Luckily, a few maintenance and cleaning sessions per year can prevent this kind of water damage. Regular gutter cleaning with a high-pressure hose is a straightforward DIY task to minimize debris buildup. You can also invest in quality gutter guards.

It’s always better to take preventive measures rather than treating the problem after the fact. Gutter component replacements and repairs can be more costly and take longer to accomplish than routine maintenance. Though many homeowners clean their gutters themselves, it can be dangerous without the appropriate equipment, training and experience. When in doubt, reach out to professional gutter maintenance experts.

Signs of Gutter Damage

To prevent minor wear and tear from escalating to full-blown issues, look for these telltale signs of early-stage gutter damage.

  • Splits or cracks: See if you can spot visible splits or cracks in the gutter caused by age, exposure or impact.
  • Peeled paint: Peeling paint near the rain gutters may indicate water damage.
  • Mildew: Mildew growth near the foundation suggests improper drainage.
  • Pooled water: Pooled water around your foundation can lead to structural issues.
  • Watermarks or damage: Observe for watermarks or signs of water damage directly below the gutters.
  • Sagging gutters: Watch for gutters that are sagging or appear to be separating from the house.
  • Leaking seams: Are any joints connecting separate gutter segments dripping water?

What Are Some Tips for Cleaning Gutters Manually?

Even if you don’t own specialized gutter cleaning tools, you can still do a simple cleanup around your home’s guttering system. Check out our DIY gutter cleaning tips below:

  1. Wait for a clear, still day with a good weather forecast.
  2. Wear a strong, thick pair of plastic or rubber gloves and protective goggles or safety glasses.
  3. Put a tarp or cloth underneath the gutter section you’re about to clear out to easily catch and dispose of falling debris.
  4. If you don’t have a gutter scoop, take a quart-sized plastic drinking cup thick enough to withstand scraping up debris from a gutter and cut it into a scoop shape by carefully slicing it in half from top to base. If your gutters are particularly wide, you’ll want to use a 52-ounce cup for your homemade scoop.
  5. Use a sturdy ladder set up on a flat surface to place your eye level about 2 to 3 feet above the top of the guttering.
  6. Gently and slowly scoop the debris, mud, dirt, leaves and anything else from the gutter. Toss each load onto the tarp on the ground or into a bag hanging from the ladder.
  7. Have someone hand you a hose so you can rinse out all the guttering canals. If possible, use a high-pressure nozzle to do a thorough job. Be sure to aim the water flow from the hose toward the nearest downspout or drainpipe. If you get any backup due to clogged spouts, stop rinsing and get off the ladder.
  8. Move the ladder to the nearest clogged drainpipe and climb back up. Have your helper hand you a plumber’s snake and run it down the problem drainpipe to break up the clog. When you get through the clog, hand down the snake and take the hose. Run the hose at its highest pressure straight down the drainpipe to remove excess debris and accumulated soil.
  9. Remember not to climb onto your roof, as shingles may be loose or damaged while still looking intact. If you need any roof work done, contact professionals.

Do Gutter Guards Make Roof Gutter Cleaning Easier?

Most guttering systems are open to the elements, allowing all sorts of dirt, litter and debris to build up and block water flow. The team at AmeriPro Roofing can install gutter guards on your gutters to prevent debris buildup and minimize annual maintenance. An effective guttering system can include screen, topper or insert guards for maximum protection. Guards are one of the best ways to keep gutters clear and functional, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Even after an especially harsh winter, your home can still be in top shape if you have high-quality gutter guards, get twice-yearly inspections and pay attention to seasonal or incidental damage.

How Can a Professional Roofing Company Help?

Homeowners can do a lot on their own. Vigilance and a proactive approach make a big difference in a roof’s life span and a structure’s overall condition. Our professionals at AmeriPro Roofing are the other piece of the puzzle. They can follow up on anything you find when you inspect your roof, using their training to immediately spot problem areas.

Savvy homeowners work with roofing professionals to extend the life of their roofs, protect against harsh weather and ensure that when those unexpected climate events happen, your family and your most significant financial investment — your home — will be safe and sound.

Rely on AmeriPro Roofing to Inspect and Maintain Your Roof and Gutters

Keep your gutters clear of debris, preserve their longevity and have wear and tear expertly fixed when spring rolls around by reaching out to AmeriPro Roofing’s team of certified technicians. Since 2000, we’ve dedicated our efforts and time to maximizing the convenience and enjoyment of homeownership for our 150,000-plus satisfied clients. We have specialized experience in weatherproofing homes and restoring structures after extreme weather events.

For a firsthand look at how we earn our clients’ trust and repeat business, check out testimonials of our service quality from some of the valued homeowners we’ve worked with across locations spanning 15 states in the Northeast and Central U.S. You, too, can have an exceptional rainwater drainage system that’s easy to clean and maintain and works efficiently all year. Book your complimentary inspection online today, or contact us with questions about residential gutter cleaning.