Cleaning your gutters regularly is crucial if you want to prevent materials from building up and causing blockages, which could lead to a hefty repair bill.

By mastering gutter maintenance, you will also avoid moisture problems in your home, such as water damage or mold.

Below we share advice from a Which? Trusted trader on how to effectively clean your gutters once or twice a year, as well as the best course of action if your pipes are clogged.

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Why is it important to clean gutters?

Climbing a ladder and cleaning your gutters certainly isn’t the most exciting task in the world, but it’s easier than dealing with water damage. A transparent gutter allows rainwater to flow freely, preventing it from backing up under the shingles.

Lee says: “Neglected gutters tend to accumulate excess weight from moss and standing water, leading to increased pressure on all components, especially at critical points like joinery, corners and tips.

“This added stress can reduce the lifespan of your gutter system.”

How often should gutters be cleaned?

Lee recommends getting into the habit of cleaning your gutters at least once or twice a year. However, the frequency may vary depending on your environment and the condition of your roof.

Lee says: “Some lucky homeowners might find that it can go a few years between cleanings. However, if you have trees nearby or heavy moss coverage on your roof, you may need to clean the gutters more frequently.

By visiting Which? Trusted tradersyou can find a professional in your area. Read our article to find out more how much do roofers cost.

What is the best way to clean your gutter?

If you are confident in climbing a ladder and it is firmly planted on the ground, you can clean your gutters yourself. Ideally, you will have someone to hold the base of the ladder for stability.

Avoid bending too far to reach the blockages while on the ladder.

Hand cleaning

“In many cases we prefer to clean by hand – try using an extension wand with gutter attachments to accommodate most shapes,” says Lee.

“If working with a ladder is not feasible, we also use gutter vacuums. These are great tools, although they may struggle to completely remove debris, especially in tight corners of gutters or in the goosenecks of downspouts.

Putting on gardening gloves and using a trowel can also help you remove debris that you can drop into a bucket. Once you have worked the entire length of the gutter and it is clear, use a hose to rinse it.

Consult our guide to best garden hoses and hose guns for tools to help you.

Can you use a pressure washer to clean your gutter?

Major manufacturers such as Karcher recommend against trying to use a pressure washer while standing on a ladder for safety reasons. Additionally, experts say a high-pressure water jet could damage your gutters and roofing materials.

Instead, you can find specially designed gutter cleaning accessories to use in combination with a pressure washer that is safe to operate from the ground. These often have to be purchased separately.

Used correctly, pressure washers can help dislodge debris in gutters.

Lee says: “Typically, gutters are filled with leaves and moss, making pressure washing a complicated option that could make the job harder rather than simpler. However, we use pressure washers equipped with accessories to clean gutters, when necessary.

We tested pressure washers from Bosch, Karcher, Nilifisk, Ryobi and more. To see the best performing models, explore our guide on best pressure washers.

What if your pipes are clogged?

The team at London Gutter Clean Ltd recommend cleaning the downspouts along your gutters.

Lee explains: “If you discover any blockages below ground level, it is usually best to call a drainage specialist, as these problems can be serious. However, you can attempt to clear minor blockages by using a drain cleaning hose with your pressure washer as a DIY solution.

If you don’t feel confident climbing up and down ladders, your gutters are severely clogged, or your home has succumbed to water damage, it’s time to call an expert.

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