Step-by-Step

Debris clogs up gutters and downspouts and holds moisture that causes rust, rot, and corrosion. Fasten a metal angle to the end of a long pole or board, then use it to rake debris toward you. Finish up by scraping with a wire brush.

Hose your gutters clean, beginning at the high end of each run -- or in the middle of runs having spouts at both ends.

Often you can blast out spout blockage with water pressure or a plumber's snake. Otherwise, you may have to dismantle the downspouts.

If the inside of a gutter is rusting, scrape and wire-brush it clean, then apply a thin coat of roofing cement.

Sand wooden gutters down to bare wood, apply linseed oil, let dry, then apply two coats of roofing cement.