How to Maintain Gutters on a Two-Storey House in Lebanon, NH

October 21, 2025

Keeping your gutters clean might not be the most exciting home project, but it’s one of the most important especially if you live in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Between heavy spring rains, autumn leaves, and snowy winters, your gutters work hard all year to protect your roof and foundation from water damage.

If you own a two-story home, maintaining your gutters takes a little more planning and care. The added height can make cleaning tricky, and safety becomes even more important. But with the right approach and a few helpful tools you can keep your gutters in great shape and extend their lifespan for years to come.

Before You Begin

1. Choose the Right Time

Timing matters when it comes to gutter maintenance. The best times to clean your gutters are late spring and early autumn after the trees have dropped most of their leaves and before the first big rain or snow.

Regular cleaning twice a year helps prevent clogs and buildup. If your home has a lot of nearby trees, you may need to clean them more often.

2. Prioritize Safety

Working on a two-story home requires extra caution. Here are some important safety tips:

Use a sturdy extension ladder designed for your home’s height.
Always place your ladder on flat, stable ground.
Use a ladder stabilizer to protect your gutters and improve balance.
Wear gloves, long sleeves, and safety glasses to protect yourself from debris and sharp edges.
If you’re uncomfortable with heights or don’t have the right equipment, consider hiring professionals like Udderly Gutters to handle it safely.

Step-by-Step Gutter Maintenance

Step 1: Clean Your Roof First

Start by removing debris from your roof before you clean the gutters. Use a broom, rake, or leaf blower to clear away leaves, pine needles, and twigs.

Cleaning the roof first prevents debris from washing into your freshly cleaned gutters the next time it rains.

Step 2: Remove Debris from the Gutters

Once the roof is clear, move to the gutters. Using a gutter scoop, small trowel, or even your gloved hands, remove all the debris you can reach.

Work your way from the downspout outward, placing the debris into a bucket or tarp below. Taking your time during this step helps prevent clogs and ensures water can flow freely.

Step 3: Flush the Gutters

After removing the larger debris, use a garden hose to flush out the remaining dirt and grime. Start at the end opposite the downspout and let the water flow through the system.

This step helps you check if water is draining correctly. If you notice slow drainage or water backing up, there may be a blockage in the downspout that needs attention.

Step 4: Check the Downspouts

Your downspouts are responsible for directing water away from your foundation. Use the hose to ensure they’re not clogged.

If water doesn’t flow freely, try gently tapping the downspout or using a plumber’s snake to remove the blockage. Make sure the bottom of the downspout is angled away from your home so water drains safely into your yard, not toward your foundation.

Step 5: Inspect for Damage

While cleaning, take a few minutes to look for signs of wear and tear. Check for:

Leaks or cracks in the gutter seams
Sagging sections where brackets may have loosened
Rust or holes forming in metal gutters
Loose fasteners that could cause the gutter to pull away from the house

Catching these issues early can save you from expensive repairs later.

Step 6: Make Minor Repairs

If you spot small leaks, use a gutter sealant to patch them up. For loose brackets, tighten the screws or replace missing fasteners.

If you notice more serious problems, like rotted fascia boards or gutters pulling away from the roofline, it’s best to call a professional. A company like Udderly Gutters can inspect and fix these issues properly to keep your system secure and long-lasting.

Optional Enhancements

Maintaining gutters can be time-consuming, especially on a two-story house. Here are a few upgrades that can make your job easier in the future:

1. Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are screens or covers that help block leaves, pine needles, and debris from entering your gutters. While they don’t eliminate the need for cleaning entirely, they reduce how often you’ll have to do it.

For Lebanon homeowners surrounded by trees, this simple upgrade can save you time and prevent frequent clogs.

2. Consider Downspout Extensions

Adding extensions to your downspouts helps direct water even farther from your foundation. This prevents pooling, erosion, and water damage to your basement or landscaping.

3. Schedule Regular Inspections

Even if you’re keeping up with maintenance, having a professional inspection once a year ensures everything is functioning as it should. Experts can spot small issues you might miss, like slow leaks or hidden blockages.

Why Gutter Maintenance Matters

Keeping your gutters in good shape protects your entire home. Clogged or damaged gutters can cause:

Roof leaks and water damage
Mold growth on siding or walls
Foundation cracks from poor drainage
Damaged landscaping and erosion

A few hours of maintenance each year can prevent these costly problems—and extend the lifespan of your gutters by decades.

Schedule Your Gutter Cleaning Today!

Maintaining gutters on a two-story home can be challenging, especially when it comes to safety and reaching higher areas. That’s where Udderly Gutters comes in. Whether you need seasonal maintenance, gutter guards, or a full replacement, we’re here to help. Call Udderly Gutters today at (603) 899-2465 to schedule your next gutter cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is maintaining a two-story house harder than a single-story home?

Yes, a two-story home usually needs more maintenance because it’s taller and larger, meaning more roof, siding, windows, and gutters to care for. Reaching upper levels safely often requires special tools or professional help.

What safety precautions should I take for two-story maintenance?

Always use a sturdy extension ladder on level ground and wear safety gear like gloves, goggles, and non-slip shoes. If you’re not comfortable with heights, it’s best to hire professionals.

What’s the best way to clean second-story windows safely?

Use an extendable window-cleaning pole or hire a professional window cleaner. Never lean out of upper-story windows—it’s dangerous and can cause falls.

How often should I inspect my gutters and downspouts?

Inspect them every few months and after major storms. Look for blockages, loose hangers, or disconnected sections that could lead to leaks or water damage.

Can I install gutter guards on a two-story home?

Yes! Gutter guards are a great way to reduce cleaning frequency. For tall homes, professional installation is safest and ensures they’re fitted correctly to prevent future clogs.