Home /
Exterior & Roof /
Clean gutters
Trigger
Spring and fall
Who does it
DIY or Pro
Est. time
1-2 hrs
Est. cost
$0-200 (pro)
Difficulty
●●○○○
Step by step
Set up a sturdy ladder on level ground with a stabilizer.
Scoop out leaves and debris by hand or gutter scoop, working toward the downspout.
Flush the gutter with a hose to check the slope and flow.
Run water down each downspout to confirm it isn't clogged.
Check for sagging sections or loose hangers while you're up there.
Questions to ask your pro
- Are you insured for work at height?
- Will you inspect for loose hangers, sagging sections, and rust spots while you are up there?
- Do you flush the downspouts to confirm they drain freely?
- Will you check that downspout extensions are directing water at least 6 feet from the foundation?
- Do you take photos of any damage or problem areas you find?
- What is your policy if a gutter section is damaged during the cleaning?
Video guide
How to Clear Your Home's Gutters in a Few Simple Steps - This Old House
Watch this guide
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Community editing (coming soon)
See a better technique, a broken link, or a regional building-code note? Contributions will work like a wiki once accounts and review are live.