How to Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Exterior, Roofing, Video by Allen Lyle

Clogged overflowing gutters can lead to rotten fascia boards and even cause damage to the foundation. Clean them during dry weather starting at the downspout and working back. Wear gloves and use a gardening trowel or a scoop made from a plastic container. Rather than throwing the leaves and debris away, put them on your compost pile. After the gutters are clean, use a garden hose to wash out the inside, and check to be sure the downspouts are flowing freely.

For more detailed information on cleaning and repairing your gutters, see our article on The Trouble with Gutters.

3 Comments on “How to Clean Gutters and Downspouts”

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  1. tony Says:
    September 10th, 2008 at 9:42 am

    how to get ny front porch lights wire throught the back of
    my hard broad,i dont no if there is insolation behine it or
    seatrock I think I,have to drill from outside to the top of the inside wall,also how to wire a dimmer witch for them,
    thanks,tonyn nilton2002@yahoo.com.

    or drill from the top ,down to outside witch is the easy.

  2. Heather Says:
    January 21st, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    My gutters used to clog all the time with leaves and pine needles from all the trees around my house. my husband hated getting out the ladder and cleaning them. I finally installed a gutter guard so that we wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore. It’s called Gutterglove Gutterguard. It’s has a stainless steel mesh on an aluminum frame. It looks and feels pretty heavy duty. I ordered it and installed it myself. I am so happy with the way it is performing. We don’t have to clean the gutters anymore. It was well worth the investment and I would recomend it to everyone!

  3. DIY: (689) Your Home and the Weather - Danny Lipford Says:
    May 15th, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    [...] In addition to roof leaks, rainwater can rot the eave boards on your house if the gutters or downspouts become clogged, allowing water to run over or behind them. More information on gutters can be found in our article The Trouble with Gutters and video How to Clean Gutters. [...]

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