Have you ever noticed water spilling over the edges of your gutters during a heavy rainstorm? Blocked gutters can quickly cause water to back up, pooling around the foundation, leaking into walls, and even damaging your roof. It’s one of those things we tend to put off until it becomes a much more extensive (and more costly!) problem.
The good news is that keeping your gutters clean is simple if you stay on top of it. With the right tools and a bit of time, you can keep them flowing freely and protect your home from long-term damage. Follow our simple guide to get the job done correctly, ensuring clean and functional gutters with help from Brisbane’s gutter experts.
6 Easy Steps for Cleaning Your Roof Gutters
1. Gather Your Tools & Safety Gear
Before you start, ensure you have all the tools and safety equipment on hand. Cleaning gutters involves working at heights, so it’s important to take safety seriously. Here’s a basic list of what you need:
- A sturdy, safe ladder
- Gloves
- A small trowel or gutter scoop
- A bucket or garbage bag
- Garden hose
- Safety goggles
Pro Tip: Wearing non-slip shoes is also important for safety, particularly if you’re working on a wet surface. If you feel uncomfortable working at heights, you may consider hiring a professional gutter cleaning Brisbane service to do the job for you.
2. Secure Your Ladder in Place
Place your ladder on flat, even ground to avoid slipping. When using the ladder, always keep three points of contact: either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. Avoid leaning too far to either side; instead, move the ladder to clean the next section of the gutter. It is safer to do so than stretch over too far and risk falling.
Pro Tip: If possible, use a stabiliser for extra support or ask someone to hold the ladder for added stability
3. Remove Debris From the Roof
Before you start cleaning the gutters, it’s a good idea to clear off any debris sitting on the roof. Leaves, branches, twigs, and dirt that gather on the roof can easily wash into your gutter when it rains. They could block them again after you’ve cleaned.
Use a broom or a leaf blower to remove loose debris from the roof. Just be sure to work slowly and cautiously, especially if your roof is steep or slippery. If the roof surface is hard to reach, consider using proper safety equipment like a harness or calling a professional to handle it safely.
Pro Tip: Use plastic tools or soft-bristle brushes to avoid scratching or damaging your roof.
4. Clean Out the Gutters by Hand
Once the roof is clear, you can start cleaning out the gutters. Wear your gloves and use a gutter scoop or a small trowel to remove any debris. As you work through the process, place the debris in a bucket or a garbage bag and throw it away. The most gentle method to wash them is to start from the downpipe (this is where water comes out of the gutters) and wash them along their entire length. Be sure to clear areas where water has pooled or isn’t flowing freely, as this could indicate a blockage or a damaged section of the gutter. If some debris cannot be easily washed off, use the hose to wash it off or use a gutter cleaning brush to scrub off the debris.
Pro Tip: Wear long-sleeved shirts and gloves to prevent getting splinters and to keep away bugs in the gutters.
5. Flush the Gutters with Water
After all the large debris is removed, it’s time to rinse the gutters to clear out any remaining dirt and smaller particles. Using a garden hose, start at the end of the gutter and direct the water flow towards it. The water should flow freely through the gutters and into the downpipes. If it isn’t draining properly, there may be a blockage that you need to address.
Pro Tip: Start with low water pressure when flushing the gutters to avoid damage. You can gradually increase it if needed.
6. Ensure Downpipes Are Clear
Downpipes are responsible for guiding rainwater away from your home, so it’s important to check if they’re clear. If water isn’t flowing easily, try flushing the downpipes with a garden hose. Once the downpipes are clear, make sure water is draining properly from the gutters into the downpipe and out of the system. This will prevent water from backing up and causing damage to your roofs or walls.
Pro Tip: You may need to use a plumber’s snake or a flexible rod to clear any stubborn clogs in downpipes.
Need Help? Contact the Gutter Cleaning Experts!
If gutter cleaning feels like too much of a hassle, or you’d rather leave it to professionals, Nev’s Roof Restoration is here to help you. In addition to gutter cleaning, we’ll also inspect your roof for potential problems to ensure your home is protected from water damage all year round.
Don’t wait until your gutters overflow. Contact us today to schedule a service and protect your home.