--- title: "Do's and Don'ts of Cleaning Your Gutters" url: https://vertexroofingslc.com/dos-and-donts-of-cleaning-your-gutters/ updated: 2025-04-21 --- # Do's and Don'ts of Cleaning Your Gutters Regular gutter cleaning in an important aspect of home maintenance that can prevent damage to your roof, walls, foundation and beyond. ***Depending on your location and proximity to falling leaves and other debris, you may need to clean your gutters several times each year.*** Homeowners who have installed gutter guards will have less frequent gutter maintenance requirements, but small objects can still pass through the guards and warrant occasional cleaning. ***Learning how to safely and properly clean your gutters can make a huge difference in the long-term care of your home,*** but if you are not comfortable climbing a ladder or would just appreciate a little extra help around your house, the professionals at [Vertex Roofing Contractors](https://vertexroofingslc.com/) are ready to answer your call. ## **Gutter Cleaning Do’s** - **Start with a study ladder on solid footing.** Inspect your ladder to ensure that all steps are solid, and ***make sure that the legs are resting on firm, flat ground every time you reposition them.*** Use plywood as a base if the ground is soggy. - **Clean your gutters no less than once per year.** If you frequently notice many leaves on your roof, ***you may have to clean your gutters as often as three times per year.*** - **Remove gutter debris by hand and/or with a small broom.** With gloved hands, ***carefully and completely remove any leaves, stones, sticks, etc.*** A handheld broom may also be helpful after the larger pieces are removed. If needed, remove gutter guards before cleaning beneath them. - **Keep your eyes open for sections of gutter in need of repair.** Gutters that are ***sagging or hanging may be easily fixable before they develop into a larger problem*** that can cost you thousands of dollars in damage. - **Make sure your gutters are clean before winter's chill sets in.** Waiting until you have ice in your gutters is not a good time to clean out debris; ***leaves also tend to allow ice to build up in the gutters, making damage to your home much more likely.*** ## **Gutter Cleaning Don’ts** - **Don't create a habitat for pests.** Clogged gutters are ***the perfect environment for harboring mosquitos and other insects,*** rodents, mold and more. - **Don't put off gutter cleaning for another season.** Gutters are there to protect your home from water damage, but ***when regular maintenance is ignored, they can no longer serve their intended purpose.*** - **Don't trust gutter guards to do all the work for you.** Installing gutter guards will undoubtedly reduce the frequency of required cleaning sessions, but ***nothing can keep smaller particles like flowers and pine needles from accumulating inside.*** - **Don't lean your ladder against the gutters themselves. **The extra weight can result in gutter damage. - **Don't forget to check all the connections within your gutter system.** Downspouts, leader pipes, fasteners and more should all be ***properly connected and provide free movement of water*** to adequately protect your home. - **Don't do anything you feel uncomfortable with. **If you feel unsafe climbing a ladder, ***call a professional*** to help you complete your gutter cleaning job. ## **Professional Roofing and Gutter Services in the Salt Lake City Area** Residents of the Salt Lake City Area who are looking for a little extra help around their home may appreciate the professional services offered through Vertex Roofing Contractors. We provide free bids on [our services](https://vertexroofingslc.com/services/) and the expert eyes of our technicians are well practiced in spotting problem while they are small and [easily repaired](https://vertexroofingslc.com/roof-repair-maintenance/). By scheduling a bi-annual [roofing inspection](https://vertexroofingslc.com/roof-inspections/), you'll have ***peace of mind knowing you are taking proactive steps to keep your roof*** in excellent condition for many years to come. Give us a call today at (801) 639-0477 or [fill out our online contact form](https://vertexroofingslc.com/contact-us/) for a prompt response from a member of our team. [Download a PDF Version of This Page Here](https://vertexroofingslc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/vertexroofingslc.com-Dos-and-Donts-of-Cleaning-Your-Gutters.pdf) - [Author](#abh_about) - [Recent Posts](#abh_posts) ![Vertex Roofing Contractors - Salt Lake City, UT](https://vertexroofingslc.com/wp-content/uploads/gravatar/starbox.png) [Vertex Roofing Contractors - Salt Lake City, UT](https://vertexroofingslc.com) Vertex Roofing Contractors has been Utah’s most trusted resource for all types of roofing repairs and installations. 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