Gutter Check

For most homeowners, cleaning gutters is near the bottom of our to-do list. However, keeping gutters clean can save lost of headaches; overflowing gutters can damage roofs and wreak havoc on your foundation.

Keeping water flowing properly isn't as big a deal as you may think. And if you clean your gutters every six months, you'll save yourself time and money.

According to HGTV you can tell if gutters need cleaning by looking up at a gutter's top, outside rim. If it is discolored, there's a buildup and water is not flowing as it should.

In my particular circumstance, I'm dealing with pine needles, cedar needles and alder leaves. Gutter guard systems will work with the alders and larger cedar but not the pine. So I haven't invested in gutter guards because I have to get up on a ladder and "scoop" the pine needles. I'm working on a plastic device that will fit inside the gutters and allow me to pull the residue towards me. This will save me time moving and re-positioning the ladder, especially on the second story gutters.