Fall Gutter Cleaning

December 1, 2022 by Mulberry Maids

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While we typically talk more about interior home cleaning on the Mulberry Maids blog, we also think that cleaning exterior areas is an important skill to have. So, to make sure that your home is in shape for fall and winter, we are providing a quick guide to cleaning out your gutters easily and quickly!

As your go to Fort Collins housekeeping service, we have the knowledge and skill needed to keep your home looking great all months of the year! After all, home maintenance is an all year affair!

Keep reading to learn more about making sure your gutters are clean and clear for this winter!

Why should I clean out my gutters?

Cleaning gutters is an important part of any fall homeowner checklist to make sure that they do not get clogged up with leaves and debris in the fall. Similar to cleaning out your garage, cleaning your gutters should be done a couple times a year to make sure no damage occurs from leaves and debris sitting too long. 

Reasons to clean your gutters include:

• Protect your roof
  • If gutters are clogged, then water can flood over the gutter onto your roof. This can lead to roof damages. 
• Water damage
  • Additionally, when gutters are clogged, the excess water will find its way somewhere. This can lead to damage both inside and outside of your home. 
• Foundation issues
  • As water overflows from the gutter, it can pool at the base of your home, causing foundational issues. This is especially true when the water freezes in winter, which can crack your foundation as it expands. 
• Reduce pests
  • A gutter clogged with leaves can make a nice home for pests and rodents, so it is good to keep gutters clear. 
• Protect your gutters
  • Clogged gutters will be very heavy, and the excess weight can cause the gutter to crack or fall off your home. Cleaning your gutters will also extend the lifespan of the gutter to make sure they last a long time. 
• Prevent ice dams
  • As water is held in a clogged gutter, in the winter it can freeze when it has not been properly drained. This will further prevent proper drainage, and will add significant weight to the gutters. It will also pose a hazard to home occupants.  

What is a good process to clean my gutters?

As with anything related to home cleaning, safety should be the number one concern. As gutters can be high off of the ground, making sure that you are comfortable and have the proper equipment is key. If you are uncomfortable being high up on a ladder, it may be best to call a local handyman to help out with the job. 

To get started, you will need a ladder and hose, as well as a small hand trowel and potentially rubber gloves and a mask. You can also use a tarp to help catch the debris on the ground as you remove it from the gutter to make clean up easier. 

Once you have the ladder securely in place, simply go through the gutter removing any debris. While you are going through, inspect the gutters for any damage or leaks. Small leaks may be fixed with some waterproof caulk sealant. Keep working your way through all of the gutters to remove everything that will cause a blockage. 

It may be as simple as grabbing debris with your hands, or you may need to use the small hand trowel if the leaves and debris are really encased in the gutter. You can use the hose to help flush out excess debris, and also to give the gutters a final cleaning and rinse when any blockages are removed. 

Lastly, make sure to check all the downspurts or other outlets to make sure that water is running freely through the gutters. 

How long will the process take?

Just like cleaning wood furniture, the answer to this will vary depending on different factors. As with all things cleaning, the more often you do it, the quicker it will be. Other factors include the size of your home and the number and length of gutters that you have. The more clogged up they are, the harder it will be to get them clean and flushed out. If you have waited until late in the year, and the debris is wet or frozen, that will increase the difficulty of getting them fully cleaned.  

It is best to clean your gutters at least twice a year, especially in the fall after the leaves have fallen off of the trees. If you have a partner, the job will be that much more efficient, as they can help you move the ladder, and can also handle the hose while you are working with your hands. 

A Fort Collins housekeeping service that gives you back your time!

Here at Mulberry Maids, we offer competitive pricing, while working with the best cleaners around. From our happiness guarantee to the ease of booking a cleaning with our online system, there is really nothing to worry about for your next cleaning. 

So give yourself some extra time this fall to stroll around Downtown Fort Collins, instead of tirelessly trying to get all of your home cleaning done before the holidays. 

Reach out to us via text or email, or give us a call at (970) 460-4298 to transform your home back into the tranquil space it can be!