When reviewing a home inspection report, every buyer hopes for a clean bill of health. Since a home is often the largest investment people make, surprise repair costs can be a major stressor, especially when budgets are already stretched thin.
One of the most common causes of unexpected damage is deferred maintenance. Many homeowners don’t realize that skipping small tasks can lead to big problems down the road. The good news is that a simple maintenance routine can extend the life of your home’s key systems and help you avoid costly repairs. That’s where we come in.
In this edition of NPI’s Maintenance Minutes, we’re breaking down one of the most overlooked but absolutely essential tasks: cleaning your gutters. Let’s get started!
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Gutters?
Gutters are your home’s first line of defense against water intrusion. When working correctly, gutters direct rainwater off the roof and away from the foundation, preventing things like leaks, mold growth, wood rot, pest infestations, and basement or crawlspace seepage.
If gutters are clogged with seeds in the spring or leaves in the fall, water can get backed up and go where it’s not supposed to. Left unchecked, clogging can not only lead to structural issues in the home, the added weight can even cause gutters to sag, detach from the house, or collapse entirely.
To stay ahead of these issues, gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, and once every three months if your property has trees that shed frequently (like maple, oak, or birch). Up next: the tools you need to get started.
The Tools You’ll Need
- Ladder (A-frame or extension)
- Work Gloves
- Tarp
- Garden Hose
Note: Avoid using a power washer. Even on low settings, power washers can easily damage your gutters and downspouts. A steady stream from your hose will do the job. A little patience is all you need!
Step 1: Scoop Leaves Out of the Gutter
The fastest and simplest way to clear your gutters is the “Scoop-and-Drop” method. This strategy works well for both dry and wet leaves and requires minimal tools – just your hands or a gutter scoop, and a tarp below to catch the mess.
Start at one end of the gutter system and work your way towards the downspout, clearing out these corners last. This helps prevent pushing debris into the downspout, where clogs are harder to remove. As you move along the gutter, scoop out leaves and twigs, then drop the debris onto the tarp below.
Step 2: Drop Leaves Onto a Tarp
Place a tarp on the ground beneath your ladder to catch the debris as you clean. This keeps your yard tidy and makes cleanup a breeze. Any tarp will do! Just be careful to avoid covering plants, flower beds, or decorative features.
Step 3: Move Tarp With Your Ladder
Rather than stretching beyond your ladder’s safe reach (a common cause of accidents), reposition your ladder regularly as you progress along the gutter. Drag the tarp along with you so it stays beneath your work area, situated to catch more debris.
Step 4: Empty Tarp of Debris
Once your tarp starts to fill up, empty the debris into a trash bag or compost pile as needed. Keeping up with cleanup helps avoid spillage and makes the final disposal much easier.
While you’re working, it’s also important to keep a watchful eye out for damage to your gutters. Look for:
- Cracks or holes
- Sagging Sections
- Loose brackets or hardware
- Gaps between the gutter and fascia
Properly installed gutters should slope slightly toward the downspouts, with the center being the highest point. If you spot anything, mark it for repair.
Additionally, gutters can be nesting grounds for termites, bees, wasps, and other critters. Keep an eye out for signs of pests during disposal, and if you come across any active nests or infestation, contact a professional.
Step 5: Clean Out Your Downspouts
To wrap up the job, use your garden hose to run water through each of your downspouts. This helps clear out any remaining debris and confirms that your system allows water to flow properly. This can be a good opportunity to step in and turn on the water as well as monitor the downspout’s exit point. You’ll need to keep the water running until it is clear of dirt and any other waste.
That’s really all there is to it! Gutter cleaning is a simple but essential part of home maintenance that most homeowners can handle with the right tools and a good sense of ladder safety. Just keep in mind: falls from roofs and ladders are a leading cause of home-related injuries. If you’re not comfortable working at heights, don’t hesitate to call a professional..
Watch our step-by-step gutter cleaning video to see the method in action!
Check out our last Maintenance Minutes article on how to change your furnace filter. Small tasks like these keep your home running smoothly and help prevent expensive surprises later.
Looking for a new home? Let National Property Inspections help you make a confident, informed purchase. Call NPI before you buy!
