9 Gutter Cleaning Tools DIY Experts Recommend
Cleaning out your gutters might feel like a chore. Without gutter guards, this task becomes even more challenging, as they help keep leaves at bay. Accumulation of leaves and debris in your gutters can cause water to spill over, resulting in issues with your drainage system and the foundation of your house. Additionally, accumulated snowmelt could freeze, creating ice dams that might cause leaks inside your home. You can learn more about gutter terminology here.
Home maintenance usually depends on the season you’re in. And this also applies to your gutter cleaning needs.
However, if you have the grit and the extra time, you may want to handle the cleaning yourself. The first thing you need to do is to look over the following tools and equipment, as suggested by Gutter Supply experts all around. Try to assess if you have any of the tools mentioned in this comprehensive list. If not, you may want to invest in these gutter supply DIY tools for the long haul.
Sturdy Ladders
Before you consider DIY gutter cleaning, invest in a good ladder. Cleaning the gutter isn’t as safe as cleaning them from the ground since there’s always a risk of falling. Using the right ladder and avoiding a step ladder is essential to reduce this risk. Remember, a step ladder can easily tip over, so it’s not the safest option.
Stabilizers for ladders
Using a solid extension ladder with stabilizer arms is a better option for safety. These arms hold the ladder firmly against the siding and prevent it from tipping. You can either ask a helper on the ground to hold the ladder for you. Or they can also hand the tools up as needed to help you out. So, choose which of the following approaches best fits your preferences. Whichever you may prefer, always ensure that you’re safe before you climb up high and start cleaning.
Dry or Wet Vacuum
One of the most practical ways to clear dirt from your gutters is to use a wet or dry vacuum. Reaching blocked gutters from the ground level becomes easier because of the flexible hoses and curved attachments. After removing the majority of debris, you can then rinse the gutters and downspout with water from a garden hose.
Power Washer
Be prepared for a coating of dirt and debris that has likely accumulated since your last scheduled maintenance. Of course, if you have one, you can always use your power washer’s fine-spray nozzle to blast it away. There is no better solution than a pressure washer for blocked gutters and downspouts. To do this, just insert the nozzle into the hole. After that, rinse the shaft until water flows easily through it, then repeat.
Garden Hose
It’s pretty simple to clean your gutters from the ground using a garden hose connection. If you have another water-fed tube with a curved end, you may point that into the gutter to clear any debris. However, this option will only be possible if your gutters are not completely blocked. Don’t forget to dress accordingly because water, leaves, and small twigs may spray over the gutter’s sides.
Heavy-Duty Bucket
Sure, it may be easier to throw all those mucks and leaves on the ground. But that would mean you must complete yet another autumn cleanup task. A heavy-duty bucket can temporarily store all the debris you remove from those clogged gutters. With this, you won’t need to constantly climb your ladder to empty your bucket. You may even have various options to select the volume it can hold.
Gutter Scoops
These are adaptable and made to go beneath gutter supports, which makes the process considerably simpler. The good thing about gutter scoops is that they make clearing gutter blockages of even the trickiest debris effortless. These tiny implements look like plastic hand trowels, each designed to meet the contours of various gutter systems. Numerous variations and designs are also available in different types of materials. However, we advise choosing the ones made of hard plastic because they are strong yet flexible enough to fit into any gutter seam.
Working Gloves
According to experts at Gutter Supply, the greatest tool for the job is your own hands. So, when cleaning gutters, work gloves that protect without disabling your hands are a necessity. If not, you might come across something rusty or sharp. And if you get unlucky, you might need to visit your doctor for a tetanus vaccine.
Face and Eye Defense
Gutter systems frequently contain pathogens from bird feces, which can contain harmful diseases. When cleaning or fixing your gutters, you should always wear face and eye protection because of these dangerous toxins. High-quality eye protection, such as safety goggles or glasses, is advised. Put them on with the dry-easy cleaning attire that you find pleasant to wear.
Gutter cleaning can be quite simple to learn. By following the proper safety measures, you can rest assured that your next DIY project is as safe and secure as possible. Of course, there are plenty of ways to remove those leaves from your gutters. And remember, no single method will work best for all homeowners.
It’s essential to note that the ideal way to clean gutters is to employ a secure, efficient technique you are familiar with. Above all, your safety and health are still top-notch priorities. So, if you are unsure what to do, it is always best to seek the help of experts.