Fall is the season of falling leaves, which, while beautiful, quickly transform your gutters into a clogged, heavy mess. For homeowners with a two-story house, the task of gutter maintenance is essential but presents unique challenges related to safety and access. Neglected gutters can lead to serious and costly problems, including foundation damage, fascia rot, and ice dams. This DIY guide for cleaning and inspecting gutters on a two-story house provides the necessary steps to safely and effectively protect your home.
⚠️ Safety First: Essential Gear and Ladder Protocol
Before you even touch a ladder, prioritize safety—especially when working at height.
- Secure the Right Equipment: You will need a sturdy extension ladder (rated for the height you need to reach), work gloves, safety goggles, and a small bucket with a hook to attach to the ladder.
- The Three-Point Rule: Always maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) with the ladder at all times.
- Ladder Placement: Position the ladder on firm, level ground. For a two-story house, ensure the ladder extends at least three feet above the gutter line for a safe handhold when stepping on and off the roof or when transferring from the roof to the ladder. Use a ladder stabilizer or ‘stand-off’ to brace the ladder against the wall or roof, keeping it off the delicate gutter itself.
🧤 Step 1: Clearing the Debris
Once safely positioned, you can begin the cleaning process.
- Scoop by Hand: The most effective method is often manual. Wearing durable gloves, use a small garden trowel or a gutter scoop to lift out the bulk of the wet, compacted debris, placing it into your attached bucket. Avoid dropping debris onto shrubs or driveways below.
- The Power of Water: After removing the large debris, use a hose with a pistol-grip spray nozzle to flush out the remaining dirt and grit. Start at the end of the gutter farthest from the downspout and wash towards the downspout.
- Check the Downspout: If water backs up, your downspout is clogged. Use the hose to shoot a strong blast of water up the downspout from the ground level. If that doesn’t work, a plumber’s snake can be used to break up the clog from the top.
🧐 Step 2: Thorough Inspection
Cleaning is only half the job. A proper inspection prevents future issues.
- Check for Leaks and Rust: As you flush the gutters, watch for water dripping from seams, joints, or cracks. Mark any leaks with chalk or tape. Look for visible signs of rust, which indicates the gutter material is failing.
- Verify Slope and Alignment: Gutters must slope slightly (about one-quarter inch for every 10 feet) toward the downspout to ensure proper drainage. Look for sections where water is pooling, which might indicate loose hangers or a sagging section that needs re-securing.
- Inspect Hangers and Fasteners: Check that the gutter hangers and fasteners are securely attached to the fascia board. Heavy debris can pull them loose. Replace any damaged or missing brackets.
🔨 Step 3: Making Minor Repairs
Address any minor issues immediately to avoid bigger problems later.
- Seal Leaks: Use a quality exterior-grade sealant or gutter cement to seal small cracks and joints. For rusted sections, you may need to patch or replace that portion of the gutter.
- Re-pitch and Re-secure: If a section is sagging, you may need to add a new hanger or adjust the position of existing hangers to restore the correct slope.
By following this DIY guide for cleaning and inspecting gutters on a two-story house, you ensure that your home’s drainage system is ready to handle rain and melting snow, protecting your property from water damage throughout the year.
