Pro tips for cleaning
gutters
By Melissa Erickson
T
he average price to hire a professional to clean out your
gutters is $145, according to Home Advisor’s True Cost
Guide. If homeowners are not afraid of heights or to get
their hands dirty, they can tackle the job themselves.
“Water has to go somewhere when it rains, and the job of the
gutter system is to direct the flow away from your home,” said
home improvement expert and contractor Danny Lipford, host of
TV and radio show “Today’s Homeowner.” “If that system breaks
down due to clogs, you’re risking damage to siding, foundation,
flooding and landscape erosion.
“During warm weather, clogged gutters and downspouts can
cause water to back up into the eaves of the home, leading to
water damage and rotten wood. In the winter that same backup
can freeze and result in ice dams, which can damage the roof of
your home. The slower water drains out of gutters, the easier it
is to freeze, and the longer it takes for gutters and downspouts to
drain once the temperature rises back above freezing. In addition,
the added weight of the ice can also cause gutters to pull away
from the house,” Lipford said.
10 • 2017 Fall Vermont Home, Garden & Car
WIKIPEDIA.COM
Not sure if your gutters need cleaning?
“The very best way to ensure your gutters are working properly
is to head out during the next heavy rain and carefully observe
the flow of water to see if you have leaks, or any other problems,”
Lipford said.
How often
Cleaning the gutters is a top-10 must-do in fall and spring.
“Gutters should be cleaned thoroughly at least twice per year,
and more often if they are prone to collecting significant debris,”
Lipford said.
Yes, you can
“Cleaning gutters can actually be very DIY-friendly,” as long
as you follow some precautions like ladder safety and wearing
protective gear, Lipford said.
Gather the following materials:
• Ladder
• Garden trowel or homemade plastic scoop from a recycled
antifreeze container