

Gutters clogged with leaves, mud, twigs and trash cause dirty water to overflow and stain the siding, so remove the debris that has collected inside. Handheld blowers or wet/dry vacuums are effective tools for removing debris, particularly on dry days when leaves are loose and light. Blow out as much loose debris as possible and collect it in yard refuse bags.
This is also a good time to see what kind of shape your gutters are in. Check if your drainage system shows any signs of corrosion. Look for holes or leaking joints and check for loose, missing or bent gutter hangers.
Use a gutter scoop to remove compacted debris. Attach a bucket to your ladder with a wire hook for more efficient collection. Start at the downspouts and work your way in, but avoid pushing debris together — this can create more clogs.
Safety Alert!
Wear heavy gloves for protection. Sharp objects such as thorns and roofing nails can end up in gutters.
Be careful when working on a ladder. For reaching high areas, you may want to invest in an adjustable ladder stabilizer.