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Gutter Cleaning & Installation Tips

We all know how important it is to install gutters properly and keep them clean.  But do you know the best ways to accomplish these tasks?  Here are some tips of the trade every homeowner and professional should know.
Gutter Cleaning Tips 

Dress for the job – To stay both safe and comfortable while cleaning a gutter system, it is important for you to come prepared.   Always wear a long-sleeve shirt, rubber-soled shoes, and protective gloves when working.

Clean gutters before the rainy season – Don’t leave the gutters full of leaves and debris right before the wet season.  No matter which region you live in it is important to clear the way for the increased amounts of precipitations ensuring your gutters can handle the extra load.

A gutter scoop is the best tool to remove debris –While hosing down a gutter and using your hands to get rid of debris both work, the best and most efficient way to remove clumps of leaves is with a gutter scoop.  Gutter scoops are specially designed to glide on the bottom of the gutter to clear the space.  A good one to try is the Gutter Getter Scoop.

Ladder stabilizers can be a great investment – A ladder stabilizer can be very helpful when cleaning your gutters.  Products such as the Ladder-Max Stand Off Ladder Stabilizer not only help keep you more safe when high up but also prevents dents and scratches on the gutters themselves.

Gutter Installation TipsFigure in waste – Since many gutters come in standard lengths and sizes there will likely be some waste as you cut them to fit.  When calculating materials for a gutter installation project add 10% more to the final total to account for waste and trim.

Use a chalk line to stay straight – Draw a chalk line and align the top of the gutters with it during installation.  This not only keeps your gutters at the proper slope but also ensures a straight line.

Plan the placement – To make hanging the gutters go more smoothly, lay out the placement of each piece on the ground first.  This helps to visualize and plan out the downspout locations as well.

Use the right supplier – Rather than going to a big box retailer for your gutter supply needs, head online instead.  Online suppliers such as GutterSupply.com offer large selections at great prices and their shipping is quick, easy, and affordable.  They also have many resources such as toll-free phone support to help you find the right products for your project.

At GutterSupply.com, we make shopping for your gutter tools and supplies quick and easy.  As a leading online supplier in the gutter industry, we provide both professionals and homeowners the quality products they need to complete any size job.  We also offer bulk ordering and toll-free assistance.  Contact us at 888-909-RAIN or email us at info@guttersupply.com to learn more about how GutterSupply.com can help with your next gutter project.

Author: Mike Milliman

Mike is managing partner at Gutter Supply Inc. and has over 20 years of experience in the industry. His expertise and vast knowledge of the industry, along with his priority on customer service, has contributed to the continued success of Gutter Supply, it’s contractor customers and homeowner DIY’s.

16 thoughts on “Gutter Cleaning & Installation Tips”

  1. I just had gutters installed, but am still trying to learn how to maintain them. I had never heard of a gutter scoop. Is that the most effective tool for cleaning gutters?

    1. Hi Justin! Yes, the gutter scoop is the most effective tool we carry for cleaning your gutters. It is flexible and shaped to fit the trough of the gutter making debris removal easy.

  2. I’m not very handy when it comes to installing things in my house. That’s why I like your tip about using a chalk line so you can align you gutters in a straight line. I think that I would do best with hiring a service to do it for me so that it is installed properly.

  3. These are some great gutter tips! I like how you pointed out that the gutters need to be cleaned before the rainy season really starts. Our rainy season is just starting, so I think I need to go out and really clean out our gutters.

  4. This is some really good information about gutters. I just bought my first home and I want to take good care of it. I liked that you talked about how a gutter scope will help you clean out debris.

  5. These are some great gutter tips, i appreciate you explained each and everything very well. I like how you pointed out that the gutters need to be cleaned before the rainy season.

  6. I liked that you talked about really planning the placement of the gutter boxes. After all, it would be awful if you had to take them down and then install it again. It does seem like a good idea to have a professional install it for you.

  7. My wife and I haven’t cleaned out our gutters in years so we’ve been looking for tips to help us out. I like that suggest getting ladder stabilizers to help you while high up. Any roof work is dangerous business and safety is the number one priority to us, so we might invest in one of these. Thanks for the tips!

  8. Thanks for the tips on how you can properly install and clean your gutter. I had no idea that there was an actual tool for scooping a gutter out. In my opinion, it’s best to have a professional install your gutter so you know it’s done right.

  9. Thank you for pointing out that you can use chalk to make sure the gutters are straight. This seems like a great tip, thank you. My husband and I are needing to get new gutters put on our house and are wanting to hire roofers to do this for us. I’ll have to do some research and find the best roofers in my area.

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