Cleaning your vinyl gutters is a simple do-it-yourself task. It takes just a few basic supplies and a couple hours. It might not be a lot of fun, but keep in mind that it goes a long way in preventing damage to your home. Over time, leaky or overflowing gutters can destroy your foundation.

1.    Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need a few tools to complete the task. Gather a ladder, a bucket or tarp, some sort of scooping device, gloves and the garden hose. If the gutters are really clogged or dirty, you might want to rent a pressure washer, which costs about $100.

2.    Remove Loose Debris

Start by removing large branches and twigs. Then scoop out leaves and small debris into a bucket. (The other option is to place a tarp beneath your ladder and just drop the debris onto the tarp.) The gloves will come in handy here – they’ll protect your hands from cuts and scrapes.

When you’re setting up the ladder, don’t forget to rest it against the house, not the gutters. The weight of the ladder can damage vinyl gutters.

3.    Check Spikes and Rivets

It’s not very often that you’re on the roof inspecting your gutters. Use this opportunity to make sure the spikes and rivets that hold your gutters in place are securely fastened. If they’re loose, tighten them. If they’re missing, replace them. You can find spikes and rivets at any hardware store.

4.    Look For Leaks

Leaky gutters don’t function properly. Inspect the gutters for holes or cracks, particularly near the seams. If the old caulking is cracked, scrape out what remains, clean the area and apply a new layer of caulking.

5.    Wash the Gutters

Use your garden hose or pressure washer to clean any remaining dirt or debris. Pay particularly attention to the downspout, making sure water is able to run freely through the spout. If the downspout is really clogged, you might need to use a plumber’s snake to clear it.

If you’re using a pressure washer, be careful not to damage the gutters by applying too much water pressure. Keep the pressure washer at a safe distance from the gutters.

6.    Look for Rust
 
Once the gutters are clean, the only task left is to inspect them for rust. (Now you’ll actually be able to see it.) If there’s a lot of rust, you might want to think about replacing the gutters. If you can’t afford to do that, sand the gutters and repaint them with a rust-resistant paint.

This guest post was written by Karen Lawes.