3 Things to Never Do When Cleaning Your Gutters

Wayne George
Nov 25, 2025
6 min read

Cleaning your gutters might not be the most glamorous home project, but it’s one of the most important. Here in Northwest Arkansas, where spring storms and fall leaf drops are both heavy hitters, clogged gutters can quickly lead to overflowing water, fascia damage, and costly repairs. Regular cleaning helps prevent all that—but only if it’s done safely and correctly.

Homeowners often underestimate how risky gutter cleaning can be. One wrong move can lead to personal injury, roof damage, or a ruined gutter system. So before you grab that ladder and start clearing debris, let’s walk through the three things you should never do when cleaning your gutters—and the safer alternatives that protect both you and your home.

1. Never Use an Unstable or Improper Ladder

Every year, ladder-related falls send thousands of homeowners to the emergency room. It’s one of the most common—and most preventable—accidents when it comes to gutter cleaning. Even a short fall from a single-story roof can cause serious injuries.

Why This Matters in Northwest Arkansas

The region’s hilly terrain and uneven yards make ladder placement tricky. Add in the damp spring ground or icy conditions in winter, and that wobbly setup becomes a serious hazard.

What Not to Do

Don’t balance your ladder on uneven soil, gravel, or mulch.
Don’t overreach to the left or right; that’s the quickest way to lose balance.
Don’t lean your ladder directly on the gutter—it can bend or dent the metal.

Do This Instead

Use a sturdy, level surface for your ladder base.
Have a partner hold the ladder for added stability.
Use a ladder stabilizer or standoff to prevent gutter damage.
Always move your ladder frequently instead of stretching to reach the next section.

Hypothetical Example: The Harper family in Rogers learned the hard way. Mr. Harper tried to save time by cleaning from one ladder position instead of moving it. One overreach later, he lost balance and dented an entire section of gutter. The repair cost more than hiring a professional cleaning service would have in the first place.

2. Never Clean Gutters Without the Right Tools and Protection

Many homeowners approach gutter cleaning with nothing more than a garden hose and a pair of gloves. That might work for light debris, but for most Northwest Arkansas homes surrounded by oak and pine trees, you need proper equipment to do the job safely and effectively.

What Not to Do

Don’t use bare hands; sharp edges and debris can cause cuts or punctures.
Don’t rely on high-pressure washers—they can loosen hangers and force water under shingles.
Don’t skip eye protection; debris can fly unexpectedly when flushing out downspouts.

Do This Instead

Wear heavy-duty gloves, safety goggles, and non-slip shoes.
Use a gutter scoop or small hand trowel to remove compacted leaves.
Flush gutters gently with a hose or specialized gutter cleaning attachment.
Inspect for signs of rust, loose fasteners, or small leaks as you go.

Why It Matters

The right tools don’t just protect you—they help extend your gutter’s lifespan. Forceful pressure washing or scraping can loosen fasteners or damage the protective coating on aluminum and steel gutters, leading to premature rust and leaks.

Pro Tip: Legacy Gutters NWA recommends using a low-pressure hose rinse combined with manual debris removal. This keeps gutters clear without compromising their structure.

3. Never Ignore Structural or Safety Red Flags

Sometimes homeowners get halfway through a gutter cleaning and notice problems—like sagging sections, visible spikes, or water pooling behind the system. Ignoring those warning signs is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.

What starts as a simple cleaning project can quickly reveal the need for repair or replacement. In Northwest Arkansas, where freeze-thaw cycles and strong winds are common, a loose gutter is more than a nuisance—it’s a weak point that can lead to water intrusion and fascia rot.

What Not to Do

Don’t patch cracks with caulk or tape—these are temporary fixes at best.
Don’t hammer spikes back into place. They’ll only loosen again with the next storm.
Don’t overlook rusted sections or joints that have separated.

Do This Instead

If spikes are pulling away, consider upgrading to hidden hangers, which provide a stronger, more permanent hold.
Replace rusted or damaged sections before the next rainstorm.
If you’re unsure how serious the problem is, schedule a professional inspection.

Hypothetical Example: The Morris family in Fayetteville noticed their gutters were separating from the fascia while cleaning last spring. Instead of calling for help, they tried to reattach them using old spikes. One season later, water was leaking behind the gutters, damaging the fascia and trim. A simple upgrade to seamless gutters with hidden hangers would have prevented it all.

Bonus Tip: Know When to Call a Professional

If you’re uncomfortable on a ladder or your gutters haven’t been serviced in years, hiring a professional is often the smartest move. Experts like Legacy Gutters NWA have the right tools, safety gear, and experience to clean, inspect, and repair your gutter system without risk.

Why Homeowners in Northwest Arkansas Trust Legacy Gutters

Locally owned and operated
Experienced in regional weather patterns and roofing styles
Equipped for safe and efficient cleaning and repairs
Experts in upgrading old spike systems to seamless, hidden-hanger designs

A professional cleaning isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your investment and avoiding costly damage.

Final Thoughts: Safety and Strength Go Hand in Hand

Your gutter system protects your home from the top down, but maintaining it shouldn’t put your safety at risk. Avoiding these three common mistakes—unstable ladders, poor tools, and ignored warning signs—keeps both you and your home safe year after year.

When in doubt, call the pros who understand the unique challenges of maintaining gutters in Northwest Arkansas. Legacy Gutters NWA combines craftsmanship, safety, and long-lasting protection so you never have to worry about your gutter system again.

Ready to schedule your spring gutter cleaning or upgrade? Call Legacy Gutters NWA at (479) 244-2411, email legacyguttersnwa@gmail.com, or visit https://legacyguttersnwa.com/.

Your safety matters—and so does your home. Trust the team that treats both with care.

Common Questions

Q: Why is gutter cleaning such an important task for Northwest Arkansas homeowners?

A: Regular cleaning prevents overflow, fascia rot, and costly water damage caused by heavy rains and falling leaves.