Gutters are a crucial part of your home, preventing water from accumulating on your roof and causing a wet, damaging mess. For millions of homeowners, they are key to making sure that a house feels comfortable, safe, warm, and dry all year long.

But a gutter is only going to work if it’s kept clean throughout the year. And you may think that cleaning a gutter is completely easy but it does require several steps, commitment to upkeep, and understanding of how these home essentials work. You also need to know about gutter guard installation, replacement, and more. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most helpful suggestions for keeping your gutters clean and unclogged no matter the weather outside.

Put gutter guards or covers in place: These specially-made, one-of-a-kind screens or meshes are placed on top of gutters and are made to prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from getting in while still letting all of the water pass through the gutters. 

There are multiple different types of gutter guards and they all come with their own benefits. Deciding which one is right for your home is up to you. 

Cut overhanging trees and branches: Trimming any trees that are extending over or close to the roof and gutters will lessen the buildup of debris from falling. As beautiful as trees are, they are the most frequent contributors to leaves, branches, twigs, and more - all of which can be a recipe for disaster. If you’re able to keep your trees under control, your gutters will also remain intact and clear of debris. 

Clean out gutters frequently: Even if you have gutter guards, it's important to examine and clear your gutters at least two times a year - once in late spring and then again in late fall after leaves have fallen.

A regular cleaning schedule will ensure that nothing is building up inside the gutters and you can easily clear them out by hand before it becomes a bigger problem. 

When you are clearing them out, consider using a gutter cleaning tool such as a gutter scoop, trowel, or vacuum to effectively remove debris and gunk from gutters.

Clean with a hose: Once you have removed large debris, use a garden hose with a nozzle to flush out any remaining smaller pieces of trash, leaves, or more. When you are doing this, start at the far side of your gutter and move in the direction of the downspouts. This will guide the debris and lead them to their proper exit. 

Inspect your downspouts: You should also use a hose to flush out downspouts and make sure that they are working well and free from any annoying blockages. 

Regularly cleaning your gutters and installing guards can prevent water damage from a number of problems, such as overflowing and clogged gutters. This doesn’t take much work and it will ultimately save you trouble and protect your home for years.