Cleaning your gutters isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, but it’s a necessary task for homeowners. Clogged gutters can cause expensive damage to your home. Allowing leaves and debris to collect in your gutters can also become a safety hazard if gutters become heavy enough to separate and fall from the house.
Once or twice a year, it’s a good idea to clear gutters and downspouts. Safely using a ladder to get eye level with your gutters makes it easier to see and remove debris. However, if getting on a ladder creates a safety problem for you, it’s possible to clean your gutters without using a ladder.
Keep reading to learn how to perform gutter cleaning without using a ladder!
Schedule Your Gutter Cleaning
Drop us a line today for your quote!
Explore Gutter Cleaning Tools
DIY gutter cleaning is possible without a ladder, but you’ll need some help! Leave your ladder in the garage and explore different gutter cleaning tools that allow you to keep your feet on the ground while removing debris from clogged gutters.
Gutter Vacuums
One way to pull debris from your gutters is to use a gutter vacuum. This can be a useful tool for removing leaves, pine needles, and other small things getting in the way of proper drainage through your gutter system.
In most cases, gutter vacuum attachments fit onto the end of a shop vac or leaf blower using the reverse settings to vacuum debris (instead of blow). Make sure the attachment you choose is long enough to allow you to stay on the ground while using it. You won’t be able to see into the gutters, but with a slow, steady pace, slide the vacuum back and forth from one end of your gutter system to the other.
You’ll know your gutters are clear when the vacuum moves easily within your gutter without removing any more debris.
Gutter Flushers
A gutter flusher attachment fits onto the end of your water hose or a power washer. When used correctly, this tool also allows you to clean your gutters without a ladder.
Be sure the attachment and hose allow you to reach your gutters with the stream of water while you stay on the ground. For two-story houses, choose a flusher attachment that comes with extension poles to extend your reach. Much like the gutter vacuum, extend the end of the attachment so that the water runs into the gutter.
Move the flusher back and forth along the length of the of your gutters allowing the high-powered water spray to flush difficult-to-remove debris toward the downspouts.
To ensure your gutters are completely free of dirt, leaves, and other debris, use a gutter vacuum first. Then wash the interior of your gutters with the gutter flusher.
Exterior Gutter Cleaners
What about the exterior sides of your gutters? They can become caked with moss, mildew, and dirt.
Use a broom to brush dirt away. For more stubborn things like moss or mildew, use a gutter brush applicator that attaches to a painter’s pole or the end of your water hose. Scrub hard enough to remove moss or mildew, but not so hard that you dislodge your gutters from the edge of your roof.
Safety Equipment and Care
Even if you aren’t using a ladder, be sure to protect yourself while cleaning your gutters. Wear gloves, safety goggles, and stand away from your roofline to avoid falling debris.
If you live with others, make sure you let them know that you’re cleaning the gutters and to avoid entering or exiting the house while cleaning is in progress.
Do You Have Gutter Damage?
Schedule an estimate that’s convenient for you
It Takes Time and Effort
If you have the time and patience to use gutter cleaning tools, you can keep your gutters clog-free without using a ladder. However, without seeing into your gutters, it’s difficult to know if they are completely clear of debris.
You also can’t check seals or make sure your gutters are firmly attached to your roof. Unclogging a downspout can also be challenging without using a ladder to get to the top of the downspout.
Thorough gutter maintenance includes removing debris from your roof and looking for damaged parts of your gutter system. If a tree limb fell on your gutters, a dent or shift in how the gutter fits against your house can affect how well your gutter system moves water away from your home and foundation.
Avoid the Ladder and the Work
The best way to avoid using a ladder to clean your gutters is to let professionals handle the job!
Gutter cleaning is a messy work that can be unsafe without proper precautions. It’s also easier than you might think to cause damage to your gutters. A gutter vacuum or flusher on an extension pole can get away from you, no matter how careful you are.
You might feel like you’re saving money by doing the job yourself, but if you hurt yourself or damage your gutters, your DIY project becomes more expensive than hiring a professional service.
Professionals Save Time and Money
Gutter cleaning experts can make quick work of unclogging your gutters and getting them ready for the next rainy season. When your gutters are free of debris and properly affixed to your house, your home has better protection against water damage, mold, mildew, rot, and pests.
With regular gutter maintenance, you also extend the life of your gutters. Your gutter expert knows the issues to look for when cleaning your gutters. When they complete your cleaning, they can highlight areas of concern and recommend solutions to keep your gutters in excellent condition.
Professional Gutter Cleaning Keeps You Off of the Ladder
You never need to climb a ladder to clean your gutters when you let professionals handle the job! Professional gutter cleaning is the safest, quickest way to maintain your gutters and keep them debris-free.
Since gutters don’t clean themselves, let Excellent Roofing handle the job for you. We offer gutter cleaning and maintenance for any size home! Contact us for a free estimate.
Need a New Gutter System?
Drop us a line today for your quote
