Gutter cleaning isn’t difficult, but because it involves using a ladder, it requires planning and a commitment to safety. The roof repair professionals at First Quality Roofing & Insulation highly recommend that one person removes leaves, twigs and other debris while someone else holds the ladder. Gutter cleaning should never be a one-person job.

Remind yourself of the benefits

Keeping your gutters free of debris will ensure water runs through them freely and exits far away from your foundation. Plus, it will prevent your gutters from being overloaded by excess weight, which could cause them to break away from the side of your home.

It pays to clean your gutters at least twice a year, in the spring and fall. But if your home is situated on a heavily wooded lot, you may have to increase the frequency to keep your home safe and free of water leaks and the possibility of a roof repair.

Pick your method

Believe it or not, you have a choice when it comes to deciding how to dispose of the leaves and debris from your gutters. And your choice may be driven by whether the contents are wet or dry.

You can lay a tarp on the ground, gather the contents with a gloved hand or a plastic scoop and drop them to the ground. This method may be quicker, though you will have to move the tarp and the ladder as you make your way around your home.

Alternatively, you can gather the contents and put them directly into a large plastic bucket. Obviously, you’ll need a ladder with a shelf so you can place it next to you as you work. Pay attention to the size of the opening on the bucket. A bucket with a wide mouth is best; it will allow you to drop leaves and other debris quickly. The drawback to this method: no matter how large the bucket, you probably will have to make many trips up and down the ladder as you empty the contents.

Gather your tools

Assemble the tools you’ll need before you get started, though people have been known to change their methodology once they begin. You will need:

• A ladder
• Work gloves
• A tarp
• A plastic bucket (not a bag with a flat opening)
• Leaf scooper (though even an old kitchen gadget like a spatula will do)
• Hose

Why the hose? You’ll need it to rinse the gutters and downspouts – to both flush out the system and ensure there aren’t any blockages you cannot see.

It’s not uncommon for Las Vegas residents to spot something amiss with their roof while they’re cleaning out their gutters. If this happens to you, and you suspect you might need a roof repair, call First Quality Roofing & Insulation at 702-262-7847 to schedule a roof inspection.