This is the season remember to clean your gutters from the debris that has collected in them all year round. You will need a sturdy ladder, garden hose and compost bags.

It is very important to clean your gutters before winter sets because water damage can occur when the ice that forms in your gutters melts during this time.  This can lead to basement flooding and damage to your roof and walls.

Everything you need to do this job you can find

at your neighborhood ACO Hardware. 

Steps to cleaning your gutters properly:

1. Place your ladder* as close to your job as possible and climb
   up being careful to have another person to hold the ladder to steady it at the bottom. 
2. With a gloved hand, gutter scoop or small hand trowel scoop out the leaves and debris that you find in your gutter.  Remember to use compost bags for the disposal of this debris.
3. After you have scooped out your gutters take your garden hose and flush the gutter with water. Take note of were the water is being channeled and that it is being directed away from your home's foundation and not onto any walkways or driveways. 
   Ice can freeze and become a slipping problem for any pedestrians that may use that route.

  *Do not stretch too far reaching for a problem area in your gutter, be sure to climb down and move your ladder when needed for safety reasons.

For this season of home improvements visit your ACO Hardware and pick up “The Little Giant Ladder”

New at ACO Hardware, this tool is like having 24 ladders in one. 

Use it on any project that may arise during your home winterizing such as your yearly gutter cleaning.

17ft. Little Giant Ladder can be purchased

at all ACO Hardware Locations.

22-ft. Little Giant Ladder is available at select ACO locations only.