As we welcome in the season of spring, homeowners must focus on a plethora of outdoor duties. Don’t let inspecting gutters for debris and destruction be disregarded – it’s essential!
Many homeowners are unaware that a clogged gutter can lead to roof leaks and potentially even cause the gutters themselves to break away from your house. To prevent this, it’s essential to keep your gutters clean! We offer several solutions—some requiring no ladders or climbing whatsoever—for how you can effectively clean out those pesky blockages. Let’s start with our most basic technique and work up from there!
Gutter Cleaning Method 1: Ladder And Hose
To properly clean gutters, you will need three important items: a garden hose, a jet sweeper or high-pressure nozzle and a trustworthy ladder. The gist of this method is straightforward – position the ladder, ascend it and slowly work towards the top with your hose until complete. In some scenarios you may have to physically remove any litter from within the guttering itself.
If the debris is too large to be handled, then enlisting an assistant with a sizable garbage bag can help clear it away. However, if you stay on top of this task regularly, all you need do is drive the refuse towards one end and collect everything in one spot. I would suggest starting at the higher areas and driving downwards until reaching your downspout as quickly as possible; wet or damp debris will tend to cling together making cleanup easier than picking up dry leaves by hand.
After you have thoroughly cleaned the gutter, move up to its highest point and run a hose through it. Ensure that your downspout is functioning perfectly and all of the water is streaming properly down your gutters with no obstruction in between. If there are any drainage problems noticed while performing this process, adjust the angle of your gutters now so they will work as intended.
Method 2: How To Clean Gutters From The Ground
If you wish to stay footed firmly on the ground, scooping and moving is your quickest option. But if that doesn’t suffice for your needs, there is an accessory tool readily available which can prove quite effective! Now let’s be honest here – it may get a bit messy as dirt tends to spray everywhere while you work. Yet consider this small price to pay when compared with not having to use a ladder!
If you’re looking to clean your gutters without having to climb up a ladder, investing in a gutter cleaning wand is the way forward. You’ll find several models available in the market that extend or telescope so that you can reach the necessary height while still standing on terra firma. These wands attach to your hose and are designed with curved ends for redirecting water pressure into your gutters – quickly blasting away dirt and debris from their depths down towards the downspout!
When selecting a gutter cleaning tool, you’ll find they range significantly in cost from $30 to upwards of $100 depending on features, options and build quality. To ensure the best performance possible, make sure it has adequate power at its business end to effectively drive debris out or along your gutters for maximum cleanliness.
Method 3: Use A Pressure Washer To Clean Your Gutters
Just like Method 2, a pressure washer can also be used to scrub your gutters clean. With the proper accessory, this device supplies enough strength to remove any unwanted clutter from your rain gutters. If you are dealing with years’ worth of accumulated debris in your gutter systems, then this might be the answer for you!
Safety Gear For Cleaning Gutters
Though gutter cleaning doesn’t necessitate a large amount of effort, it can be an expansive and grueling process. Plus, you may need to stand on a ladder for an extended period – not exactly ideal! Here are some tips that could ease the stress of this task.
- To keep your hands safe from any sharp debris or the sharp edges of gutters, make sure to always wear sturdy and protective gloves.
- Invest in reliable work boots to ensure a firm footing while you’re on the ladder. Don’t let your grip slip away!
- Protect your eyes! When using a power washer or high-pressure hose nozzle, you may be exposed to all sorts of flying debris and experience blowback.
Final Gutter Cleaning How-to Tips
Regularly cleaning your gutters at least once or twice a year prevents them from becoming too clogged and overwhelming, making the task more time consuming. By maintaining this routine you can significantly reduce the amount of time spent on ladders; mitigating any risks associated with gutter maintenance.
If you’re seeking the safest way to clean your gutters, cleaning from the ground is your best bet. It’s a great alternative to using ladders and may require some additional tools such as extended wands or other accessories. By opting for this method, you can ensure that you remain safe while getting the job done right!
Don’t neglect your downspout! Debris can easily accumulate and lead to clogs, so be sure to clear out the spouts regularly. If a clog does occur, try blasting it away with some water pressure from the hose first. In extreme cases however, you might need to take more advanced measures such as manually using an augur or plumber’s snake.