Gutter Cleaning Service SOP

Purpose

Standardize residential gutter cleaning so every customer gets the same thorough service safely. Most "cleaning" calls are also opportunities to identify leaks, sagging, + downspout issues before they cause major damage.

Scope

Residential gutters, 1-2 story homes. Excludes 3+ story (specialty access), commercial, + gutter installations.

Prerequisites

• Ladder (extension for eaves, step for porches)
• Bucket + scoop OR gutter cleaning kit
• Garden hose (customer's hose acceptable)
• Plumber's snake / spray nozzle for clearing downspouts
• Drop cloths or tarps under work area
• 30-60 minutes per residential gutter system

Procedure

Step 1: Ground inspection (5 min)

• Walk perimeter - note visible damage, sagging, gutter pulling away
• Check downspout discharge: clear of debris, water flowing away from foundation
• Note any fascia rot, soffit damage
• Inspect roof edge from ground

Step 2: Set up + safety (5 min)

• Position ladder with 4:1 ratio (1 ft out per 4 ft up)
• Tie off OR use levelers
• Spotter present
• Helmet, gloves, eye protection

Step 3: Clean gutters (15-30 min)

For each gutter run:

1. Climb to gutter level
2. Scoop debris by hand (gloved) into bucket - never drop into landscaping
3. Work from end nearest downspout
4. Inspect gutter floor as you go: rust, holes, seams pulling apart
5. Remove all leaves, twigs, dirt, shingle granules
6. Check hangers + fasteners - note loose ones for repair

Step 4: Flush + test (10 min)

1. Use garden hose to flush gutter
2. Watch flow to downspout - full flow indicates clear
3. If slow: snake the downspout
4. Test discharge - water flowing 6+ ft from foundation

Step 5: Inspect roof edge (5 min)

From the ladder:

• Drip edge present + intact?
• Shingles overhanging gutter correctly (1/2-1 inch)?
• Any obvious shingle damage near gutter?
• Soffit + fascia condition?

Step 6: Documentation (5 min)

For each issue found:

• Photograph location
• Note recommended action
• Provide estimate range
• Severity: monitor / minor repair / major repair

Step 7: Customer briefing

• Walk customer around exterior
• Show before/after photos
• Discuss any issues found
• Recommend annual or semi-annual cleaning
• Schedule follow-up if work needed

Acceptance criteria

• All gutters cleared of debris
• All downspouts confirmed flowing
• All hangers inspected
• Written report with photos of any issues
• Clean job site (no debris in landscaping)

Common pitfalls

• Dropping debris into landscaping: damages plants, customer complaint
• Ladder safety shortcuts: dangerous + insurance liability
• Skipping downspout test: clean gutter, plugged downspout = still overflowing
• No discharge check: water at foundation continues to damage even with clean gutters
• Missing hidden damage: clean gutter hides rust holes + separated seams
• Quoting upsells before inspection: customer feels sold rather than served

Safety notes

• Wet leaves + algae make gutter floors slippery
• Power lines: 10+ ft clearance
• Tie off ladder; spotter present
• No work in wind > 15 mph or rain
• Sharp metal: cut-resistant gloves
• Watch for wasps + hornets in soffit corners

Recommended frequency

• Standard homes: 2x per year (spring + fall)
• Lots of trees: 3-4x per year
• Areas with seed-bearing maples, pines: monthly during seed drop
• Pine needles: 4-6x per year typical
• Homes near woods: 4-6x per year

Service add-ons (high margin)

• Downspout flushing + clearing
• Minor sealant repair at seams
• Hanger reinforcement
• Roof debris removal (twigs, branches on roof)
• Soffit + fascia exterior cleaning
• Window cleaning (combined service for premium customers)

Year-round opportunities

• Spring: post-winter inspection + cleanout
• Late spring: pollen + seed-pod cleanout
• Summer: midseason inspection
• Late fall: leaf cleanout
• Winter: ice dam prevention + monitoring

Customer education

What customers should know:

• Why gutters matter (foundation, basement, landscape, mosquito breeding)
• How often to clean
• Signs of trouble (overflow during rain, water at foundation, soffit staining)
• When to call you (annual minimum, after major storms)

References

• NRCA gutter integration standards
• Manuall internal: Seamless Aluminum Gutter Installation SOP, Gutter Materials + Sizing Reference