Although we love spring rain and Christmas snow, we don't like water getting back in the house. Your gutters serve two purposes: to divert water from the roofline to the house and to control its flow. This can lead to mildew, landscaping damage, and wet basements. While heavy rain, wind, and vegetal debris can cause gutter strain, expensive repairs can be avoided by diligent maintenance in the Fall and Spring.

While cleaning gutters is an easy task, as with all roof activities, safety is key. As such, helping hands are recommended. Let the professionals do it!

If you're ready to take on the challenge, then wait for the next sunny day. Grab your ladder and put on your radio. This will give you the tools to get things flowing again. Rain, rain, go away.

1. You must ensure that your ladder is ready for the job

It is great to see the whole neighbourhood from up high. Ensure that your ladder is placed on a flat surface and stable.

2. Assemble Your Tools

This job requires you to use work gloves, a toothbrush, and a container to collect the debris. You can use knee pads to navigate the rough surface, but they are not mandatory.

3. Clear the Gutters

Take your gloves (and any other tools if necessary) and remove all leaves and twigs from the gutters. A gutter scoop or another similar tool can be used to extract the leaf and twig debris from the gutters. You can start near a downspout. Make sure you take the strainer apart and clean it.

4. Flush Your Gutters

Once the majority of debris is cleared, attach a spray nozzle to your hose. This will allow you to spray at high pressure. Spray the gutters by directing the stream towards the downspout. Keep an eye out for blockages, and spray the gutter until it is clear.

5. Check Your Downspouts

A strainer can cause blockages in the downspout. You should notice a decrease in the flow rate from your downspout.

Use your hose to spray the blockage directly. If the blockage does not disappear, a plumber's snake might be needed. Continue working until the water comes out of the gutters and into the downspout.

6. General Maintenance

Once your gutters have been cleared, it's time to inspect the structure and wear. Check that gutters don't sag or become detached. If necessary, replace or add support immediately to avoid future headaches.

Use a gutter sealant to fill in any gaps and cracks. You can clean mildew off your gutters with a soft cloth and paint where needed. You should consider replacing your gutters if they are showing signs of excessive wear. These materials are designed to last.