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Our Homeowner’s Guide to Spring Gutter Cleaning & Protection

Our Homeowner’s Guide to Spring Gutter Cleaning & Protection

Photo credit: Gutterglove®

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a fresh start, and that includes your gutters. Over the winter, debris, ice, and dirt can build up, causing clogs and damage that may lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. A thorough gutter cleaning ensures your home is ready for spring rains and prevents water damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping. Here’s what you need to know to keep your gutters in top shape—and how our products can help you minimize maintenance year-round.

Step 1: Inspect Your Gutters for Winter Damage

Before you start cleaning, take a close look at your gutters to identify any damage left behind by winter storms. Common issues to watch for include:

  • Cracks and Leaks: Freeze-thaw cycles can cause small cracks to expand, leading to leaks.
  • Sagging Gutters: Heavy snow and ice can pull gutters away from your roofline.
  • Clogs and Debris: Leaves, twigs, and dirt from winter storms can block water flow.

If you notice extensive damage, it’s recommended to replace those sections of your gutter system.

Step 2: Remove Debris and Clean Gutters

A clean gutter system improves water flow and prevents backups that can damage your home’s foundation. To clean your gutters:

  • Use gloves and a scoop to remove leaves, twigs, and dirt.
  • Flush the gutters with a garden hose to wash away smaller debris.
  • Check downspouts for clogs—a plumber’s snake is a great tool to clear them.

Remember to stay safe while using a ladder to clean your gutters. Falls from ladders, like those used for cleaning out your gutters, are a leading cause of injury-related deaths in the U.S.

Step 3: Ensure Proper Drainage and Water Flow

After cleaning, check to make sure your gutters are draining correctly:

  • Run water through your system and watch for leaks or overflowing sections.
  • Make sure downspouts direct water at least 4–6 feet away from your home’s foundation.
  • Adjust any misaligned or sagging gutters to maintain proper slope and drainage.

If water is pooling near your foundation, you may need to extend your downspouts or install a drainage system to direct water away from your home.

Photo credit: Gutterglove®

Step 4: Protect Your Gutters with Gutter Guard by Gutterglove

Tired of cleaning gutters every season? A high-quality gutter protection system can prevent clogs and reduce maintenance.  Our gutter guards, offered in stainless steel micro-mesh or all-aluminum, are a homeowner’s best defense against debris buildup. Here’s why they stand out:

  •  Our stainless steel micro-mesh guards are designed to filter out leaves, pine needles, pests, and fine roof grit while ensuring optimal water flow. Our advanced V-Bend and Trough Technology enhance performance by adding strength, rigidity, and prevent debris buildup.
  • Our all-aluminum guards, which are engineered with our patented RiserStep Technology, efficiently block bulky leaves, diverse debris, and larger pests from clogging your gutters.
  • Available in easy-to-install DIY or professionally installed products, with tools and resources to help you choose the right gutter guards for your home.

Whether your home is surrounded by trees, exposed to heavy rainfall, or in a region with frequent storms, Gutter Guard by Gutterglove gutter guards help protect your investment and save you time on seasonal cleaning.

Step 5: Perform Routine Gutter Cleaning

Even with a gutter guard system in place, occasional maintenance is important. Keep them working efficiently with these quick checks:

  • Inspect your gutter system after major storms.
  • Keep your roof and gutter guards clear of excess debris.
  • Check for any sagging or detached sections that may need reattachment.

Protect Your Home This Spring with Gutter Guard by Gutterglove

Gutter maintenance doesn’t have to be a time-consuming chore. By following these steps and adding our industry-leading gutter guards, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing your home is protected against spring rains and seasonal debris.

Ready to upgrade your gutters? Explore our selection of gutter protection solutions at Home Depot to find the perfect fit for your home.