Do-It-Yourself Gutter Cleaning

Living in Michigan comes with very distinct seasons and heavy foliage. This means that cleaning your home’s gutters is extremely important to your home’s maintenance.

Cleaning your home’s clogged gutters is one of those do-it-yourself projects that you can easily do yourself. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, roof leaks, problems with your home’s siding, foundation problems and pest control problems. All of these problems can be avoided by having someone clean them for you, or by doing it yourself.

If you do live in Michigan, you contact landscaping companies such as The Best Landscaping Service or J and J Tree Care Service, among many other companies that offer gutter cleaning services.

This article will guide you through the process of safely and effectively cleaning your home’s gutter yourself.

Materials Needed

This is a list of tools and materials that you will need for your do-it-yourself gutter cleaning project.

• Ladder
• Work gloves
• Bucket to collect debris
• Garden trowel or gutter scoop
• Safety glasses
• Ladder stabilizer
• Gutter repair sealant
• Trash bags

Step-By-Step Instructions

These are the step by step instructions for your do-it-yourself gutter cleaning project.

• Check the weather. You will want to avoid any bad weather when cleaning gutters, including rainy, windy or icy conditions.
• Make sure that the ladder that you use is in good condition and placed on stable, level ground. You will want a ladder stabilizer if you will place it on uneven surfaces. Have someone hold the ladder if that is necessary.
• Wear work gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes.

Set Up Your Work Area

• Position your ladder near one of the gutters, and move it as you progress, rather than try to overreach.
• Place a bucket on the ladder hook or place a tarp below the gutter to catch the debris.
• If you will be using a hose, make sure that it reaches all sections of the gutter.

Remove Debris

• Start at one end of the gutter, and work your way down to the other end.
• Use a garden trowel or gutter scoop to remove any leaves, twigs and dirt. Place the debris in the bucket or onto the tarp.
• Check the downspouts for clogs by looking for blockages at the top or the bottom.

Flush The Gutters

• Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to flush out the remaining dirt and any smaller particles.
• Start at the end farthest from the downspout and work toward the other end to make sure that water flows freely.
• If water doesn’t flow freely, check for any remaining clogs in the downspout.

Inspect the Gutters

• Inspect the gutters while you clean them so that you can repair them afterwards. Look for any loose screws or brackets that need to be tightened and for any small holes that need to be sealed.
• You will want to make sure that the gutters have a slight downward slope toward the downspout to promote proper drainage.

Clean Up

• Dispose of any debris that was collected in trash bags. You can compost organic material, like leaves, if appropriate.
• Rinse the exterior of the gutters with the water hose to remove leftover dirt.
• Store your tools for the next time.

Tips

• It is recommended to clean your gutters twice a year, once in the spring, and as fall begins. This is to prevent any buildup that commonly occurs during those seasons.
• Consider installing gutter guards to reduce accumulation of any debris in the future.
• Use a pressure washer using a low setting to clear any stubborn blockages.

If you are in Michigan and are looking for a gutter cleaning service, be sure to check out The Best Landscaping Service’s gutter cleaning service.

Safety Precautions to Keep in Mind

Gutter cleaning might seem simple, but it can be risky if proper safety steps aren’t followed. Before climbing up a ladder, make sure you are prepared with the right equipment and precautions.

• Never work alone: Accidents can happen quickly, especially when working from heights. Having someone nearby ensures help is immediately available if needed.
• Avoid electrical hazards: Many Michigan homes have power lines running close to rooflines. Always keep ladders and tools a safe distance away from wires to prevent electrocution.
• Take breaks and pace yourself: Cleaning long stretches of gutters can be physically demanding. Stopping for short breaks keeps you alert and less prone to mistakes.
• Wear non-slip shoes: Outdoor surfaces can be damp or icy depending on the season. Shoes with good traction prevent slips that can lead to dangerous falls.

Seasonal Considerations for Michigan

Michigan’s four distinct seasons make gutter maintenance especially important. Each season presents unique challenges that can clog or damage your gutters.

• Spring: Melting snow combines with heavy spring rains, creating a surge of water flow. If gutters are clogged from winter debris, water can overflow and damage foundations.
• Summer: Strong thunderstorms often scatter twigs, leaves, and seed pods into gutters. A mid-summer check can prevent blockages from forming later in the year.
• Fall: This is the most critical season, as falling leaves quickly build up and trap water. Clearing gutters before winter ensures ice and snow have a clear path to drain.
• Winter: Cold Michigan winters bring ice dams, which form when water backs up behind clogged gutters. Keeping gutters clean before freezing weather arrives helps reduce the risk of roof leaks and costly damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even if you’re eager to tackle the project, skipping key steps can undo your hard work or even create new problems.

• Overreaching from the ladder: Trying to stretch too far to grab debris may cause the ladder to shift or tip over. Always climb down and reposition your ladder to stay safe.
• Using the wrong tools: Kitchen spoons or sharp garden tools can scratch or bend gutters. A proper gutter scoop or garden trowel protects both the gutters and your safety.
• Skipping inspections while cleaning: Removing leaves is only half the job. If you don’t check for loose screws, sagging brackets, or cracks, you may miss early warning signs of larger repairs.
• Forgetting the downspouts: Many homeowners clear the gutter troughs but forget to check downspouts. A hidden clog in the downspout can cause water to back up and overflow during heavy rain.

When to Call a Professional

While cleaning your gutters yourself is cost-effective, there are times when it’s smarter to leave the job to experts.

• Multi-story homes: The higher the roof, the greater the risk. Professional crews have the tall ladders and harnesses needed for safety.
• Severe clogs or nests: If gutters are filled with compacted debris, moss, or even bird or rodent nests, professionals have the tools and experience to remove them without damage.
• Structural repairs: Sagging, leaks, or detached sections of guttering often require more than just cleaning—they may need sealing, new brackets, or replacement parts.
• Health or mobility concerns: If climbing ladders isn’t safe for you, hiring a professional ensures the job gets done without risking injury.

Conclusion

Cleaning your home’s gutters is a simple do-it-yourself project that will not keep your home looking aesthetically beautiful, it can help prevent any property damage to your home.