How to unclog your gutters.

Good Neighbor Tips. A blog by Erin Doan, Erin Doan State Farm Insurance, Scottville;www.erindoan.com.

Cleaning your gutters is an important task to help avoid expensive damage to your home and yard.

If ignored, clogged gutters can cause:

• Detachment: The weight of several seasons’ debris can pull gutters away from your house, which can damage the roof and fascia.
• Water damage: An obstructed water path can cause water to leak into the roof or overflow down to the foundation. This moisture can cause mold growth and rot, which can affect your home’s structural integrity, as well as your family’s health.

How to Unclog Your Gutters

Follow these tips to tackle gutter cleaning at least twice a year:

• Call for help. If your home is tall or you’re uncomfortable on a ladder, consider hiring a gutter-cleaning professional.
• Use a tall ladder. Pick one that extends three feet over the gutter. Secure the ladder on even ground, preferably on pavement.
• Wear protective gear. A long-sleeve shirt and work gloves can help keep your arms and hands safe from sharp objects.
• Remove the clog. Scoop large debris with a small shovel or garden trowel, and drop them into a bucket hanging from your ladder or onto a tarp on the ground.
• Flush it out. Once you’re done clearing debris, use a garden hose to rinse out the gutters. This is also a great way to check for leaks.
• Stay safe. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 90,000 people go to the emergency room each year for ladder-related injuries. To avoid toppling your ladder, never climb above the second-to-last step.

If unclogging your gutters does not get them in working condition, you may need to replace them. See the guide to replacing gutters on the State Farm Learning Center.