Why Clean Your Rain Gutters

Proper Rain Gutter Cleaning (The Right Way)

Here’s the correct way gutters should be cleaned — not the quick, half-done version.

1. Remove All Debris

Leaves, pine needles, shingle grit, and mud must be completely removed from both gutters and downspouts. Partial cleanouts don’t work.

Clogged gutters trap moisture, which leads to:

• Rust

• Rot

• Corrosion

• Ice buildup in winter

2. Flush the System With Water

After debris removal, the gutters should be flushed with water to:

• Verify proper flow

• Identify hidden blockages

• Confirm downspouts are draining correctly

Water should move cleanly to the outlet — no pooling.

3. Clear Downspout Blockages

If water backs up, the downspout is blocked. This may require:

• High-pressure flushing

• Mechanical clearing tools

• Partial disassembly in severe cases

Ignoring downspouts defeats the entire system.

4. Inspect for Rust, Damage, or Leaks

While cleaning, gutters should be inspected for:

• Rust spots

• Loose seams

• Cracks

• Fastener failure

Early detection prevents full replacement later.

5. Address Standing Water & Pitch Issues

Standing water is a red flag. Gutters must slope properly toward outlets.

If water doesn’t move:

• Hangers may be loose

• Pitch may be incorrect

• The gutter run may be sagging

These are fixable problems — if caught early.

What About Wood Rain Gutters?

Older homes occasionally still have wood gutters. These require special care:

• Sand to bare wood if deterioration is present

• Apply linseed oil and allow proper drying time

• Seal with roofing cement or appropriate coatings

Most homeowners eventually upgrade, but maintenance can extend service life temporarily.

DIY vs Professional Gutter Cleaning

DIY cleaning can work if:

• The home is one story

• You’re comfortable on ladders

• You know what to look for

Professional cleaning is smarter when:

• Gutters are high or steep

• Water issues already exist

• You want inspection + correction, not just debris removal

Many homeowners don’t realize their gutters are pitched wrong until damage shows up inside the house.

The Bottom Line

Clean gutters aren’t optional maintenance — they’re protection.

When gutters are neglected:

• Water finds a way in

• Repairs multiply

• Costs skyrocket

When gutters are maintained:

• Water flows where it should

• Foundations stay dry

• Roof edges last longer

If you’re seeing overflow, staining, or pooling water, the system is already telling you something’s wrong.