Fall is a beautiful and colorful time of the year. Unfortunately, those gorgeous colors inevitably clog up our gutters in the spring. We know no one wants to do it, but you have to eventually. Clearing debris from your gutters prevents water buildup and damage to your roof and gutters. Below, read several different gutter cleanup methods, choose what best suits you, and learn how to clean your gutters correctly and safely. It is also important to note that you should try to clean your gutters at least twice a year.
Gutter Cleaning Safety & Prep
First, we will cover the most crucial topic: safety. Cleaning your gutters can lead to many injuries, so proper safety equipment is essential. This job can get dirty, so we recommend wearing a long-sleeved shirt and work pants to cover yourself. Next, have safety glasses and gloves to protect you from debris getting into your eyes and cutting yourself during the process. To ensure security, consider buying fall protection, such as a harness, anchor, etc.
When working with ladders, falling can cause serious injuries. Ensure you have a sturdy extendable ladder on a sturdy surface and a helper to hold the ladder. When standing on a ladder, set it up so that when you are standing with your feet at the ladder’s base and reach out to grab it, your arms are at a right angle with your legs. Capping the ends with rubber prevents the metal feet from gouging into your exterior wall and increases friction, making the ladder less likely to slide.
Gutter Cleaning Methods
There are three different methods for cleaning your gutters. Depending on what materials you have, safety concerns or preferences can help you decide which option you want. The three methods listed below are cleaning your gutters on a ladder, sitting or standing on your roof, and cleaning from the ground.
Gutter Cleaning From a Ladder
The first method for cleaning your gutters is with a ladder. For this method, you will need a garden hose, a high-pressure nozzle, and a ladder. Once you have the required materials, place your ladder in a secure spot. Then, climb the ladder with your hose and go down the gutter. You may be required to manually remove some debris throughout the job.
Gutter Cleaning Sitting or Standing on Roof
The following method for cleaning your gutters is sitting or standing on the roof. Like the previous method, you will start by securely placing your ladder and climbing it safely. You will want a bucket, a pole, and a gutter scoop for this method. Start by gathering debris and creating piles every few feet or so. Once you have gathered all the debris, start placing your debris in your bucket. When doing this, sit down placing the debris in the bucket. When filling up your bucket, ensure you do not fill it up too much, or you may become uncomfortable with how heavy it can be, especially if the debris is wet and risks injury.
Another option when on the roof is using a leaf blower or pressure washer. Start by working your way down the gutter, blowing out all the debris. This way is a bit messier as you must clean your driveway or lawn, but you can also put a tarp on the ground to make it easier.
Gutter Cleaning From the Ground
The final method for cleaning your gutter is staying on the ground. This option is excellent for those uncomfortable climbing onto their roofs. For this method, you will need a gutter cleaning wand to extend your reach to your gutters. Once you have the necessary materials, you can attach them to your hose and place them into your gutter. Then, slowly work your way down the gutter as the water pressure removes the debris from the downspout. This option can be as messy as the previous method.
Check Elbows & Downspouts
After you have cleaned out your gutters, you will want to ensure that there are not any blockages. To start this, remove the elbow connecting the gutter to the downspout. Once the elbow is out, spray water into it with a hose. If the water flows out quickly, your gutter is clean.
You must remove a clog if the water is not flowing out fast or backed up. To do this, use a plumber’s snake into the downspout to loosen up the debris. Then try your hose again. If the problem continues, repeat the previous step until water begins to flow out quickly. Reattach the elbow when ready.
Clean Up
Now that your gutters are cleaned, you have a few final steps to ensure the job is done. It is essential to do one final water test with your gutters. It never hurts to make sure the job is 100 percent complete. With high pressure, use your hose and ensure water runs smoothly through your gutters. Once you have made your final run, the last thing to do is clean up your workspace.
Check out our other blog on the best gutter cleaners to learn about the best tools for cleaning your gutters.
