How to clean gutters the quick and easy way
Cold, rainy fall days are right around the corner. Rather than hop on your roof in unfavorable conditions (see also: wet, slippery) to unclocg your downspout, why not make it a priority this weekend to take care of things before they get out of control? This new series will discuss the easiest and most effective ways to clean gutters. A future series will detail how to keep your gutters clean.
Cleaning your gutters should be a quarterly activity. Keeping your gutters free of leaves, twigs, sticks and debris will ensure that water makes its way down the downspout and not against your foundation. A dry foundation is a happy foundation, and will go a long way in reducing cracks caused by water seeping and freezing. Because nobody wants to deal with a cracked foundation, you should think about that old adage, “An ounce of prevention…”
First, here is a list of the essential equipment for the job:
- 100 ft. Garden Hose
- Hose Nozzle
- Step Ladder (one-story homes)
- Extension Ladder (two-story homes)
- Waste bucket
With the equipment list in hand, the next few posts will be about finding the right tools for the job.
Posted on September 16th, 2008 by Stephen
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September 30th, 2008 at 6:39 pmThe average homeowner cannot safely clean their own gutters using this method. What this post proposes will make the ground where the homeowner’s ladder wet and slippery. This method works well only for homes where the gutter is low enough so no ladders are needed. The proper way is to scoop out debris into a bucket and have a 1/4 hose with shut off to put down the downspout to make sure it is clear of obstructions. This assures the ground and roof to stay dry while the homeowner is working. It also keeps dirty water from splashing on the house and windows. The safest way for homeowners to clean their gutters is to call a professional. $80 is much cheaper than a trip to the hospital. Seems like cheap insurance to me.
October 15th, 2008 at 10:55 amI found the most safe and effective means of cleaning gutters.
October 15th, 2008 at 3:57 pmA kit originally designed for use with a leafblower combined with some duck tape and a powerful shopvac, allowed me to vaccuum out the gutters.
- No dangerous climbing
- No risk of damage to the roof or gutters
- No expensive call bill for the service
- No buckets or debris on the lawn, deck, or elsewhere
And best of all, I can easily clean the gutters on a more regular basis preventing any clogs