Add gutter cleaning to your spring cleaning to do list

Home maintenance fall leaves clogging rain gutterClean gutters are more than just an aesthetic issue. They can prevent damage to your landscaping and siding, and to head off expensive repairs to your foundation. To prevent damage, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned out at least once a year. Consider it an exterior spring cleaning project. You’ll need to account for big storms, too.

If you opt to do it yourself, there are a feel things you should know. First, it’s important that you wear a shirt with long sleeves, as well as rubber gloves. Also, have a reliable extendable ladder on hand.

Once you’ve done the prep work, you’re ready to get down and dirty. Use a small plastic scoop to remove gunk and place it into a plastic tarp. After you’ve cleared out the debris, flush the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose to finish the job.

Cleaning out gutters may be hard work, but it’s worth the time when you consider possible alternatives. Flooding is no day at the beach!