Clogged gutters and how to unclog them

I like unclogging clogged gutters about as much as plunging a toilet. It’s dirty and messy, but just like a backed up john causes problems, so do clogged gutters.

On many houses, cleaning clogged gutters is a DIY-able job and in this clogged gutters video we show you some of the ways I’ve found I like to do it so I can get the heck off the roof and ladder and back to whatever it is that’s more pleasant than sticking my hand into a pile of cold, wet leaves.

A couple of things to look out for if you do decide to clean your own gutters:

• Ladder safety is key. Know how to use a ladder safely (yes, there’s more to it than leaning it up against the house and climbing up. Jut ask any ER doc)
• Even if you don’t have many trees, at least inspect the gutters annually and make sure the downspouts flow with water. You’d be surprised what a kids toy or ball can do to dam up water
• If you get winter and feel like waiting for Spring, think again. Snow that can’t melt and is stuck where it can re-freeze can cause major damage like ice dams.

And if you decide it’s too high or too steep, trust that instinct and find a pro you can trust at HomeAdvisor.