Gutters and downspouts play an important part in protecting your home. They redirect the water that is running off of the roof, keeping it from splashing against the foundation or running under the eaves of the house. This can help prevent water damage.

Proper residential downspout and gutter maintenance is essential. Even though it is something that many homeowners overlook, it can make a big difference in your home’s ability to withstand heavy rain without sustaining water damage in the process.

Over time, gutters and downspouts can become clogged with debris. When that happens, water is unable to drain properly. Instead, it backs up in the gutters, filling them up until it eventually runs over the edge. When this happens, the water can easily run back toward the house, getting up under the eaves or under the siding. There, it can cause damage to the underlying wood, which can lead to costly repairs.

Excess water can also fall down directly next to your home. Here, it can seep down into the ground where it is more likely to penetrate any cracks or openings in your foundation. This can lead to excess moisture or flooding in your basement.

The best way to avoid issues like these is by regularly cleaning your gutters. Even though it sounds like a hassle, it is relatively easy to do. Of course, any time you are working up high on your house, safety should be your top priority. Never clean your gutters alone and always make sure that you have the right tools for the job.

To complete the project, you will need a heavy-duty pair of waterproof work gloves, a small trowel, and a bucket where you can collect the debris. You also need a sturdy ladder that is tall enough that it allows you to reach your gutters easily without having to strain.

Before climbing up the ladder, review ladder safety guidelines online. There are plenty of documents and instructional videos that provide tips on how to safely use every type of ladder.

Once you have everything ready to go, you can begin scooping debris out of your gutters. Remove any large debris first, using your gloved hands to scoop it out into the bucket. Next, use your trowel to remove any dirt that has compacted on the bottom of the gutters. Finish by rinsing out any remaining debris with a hose.

The last part of the process involves cleaning the downspout. Residential downspouts can easily fill up with leaves, dirt, and other types of debris. You may find it easiest to remove the downspout to loosen any debris that has gotten stuck inside. By the time you are done, you should be able to look all the way through it and see light at the other end. Once it is clean, you can put it back in place so that it can properly drain.

Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is an important part of maintaining your home. Making sure that water drains properly away from your eaves and foundation is the best way to avoid any water damage over time.