September 20, 2024

Clean Your Gutters Without A Ladder

Gutters protect your home from water damage by diverting water away from your house. If your gutters are clogged they won’t work properly, which can lead to serious damage such as fascia and soffit rot, structural issues, mold and mildew or foundational damage.

Cleaning your gutters doesn’t mean you have to climb a ladder. Learning how to clean gutters from the ground without using a ladder not only keeps you safe, but it also ensures your gutters are properly functioning. Here are a few methods you can try.

Leaf Blower: If you have a leaf blower, chances are you can purchase an attachment which allows you to clean your gutters without climbing a ladder. The attachment is a long pipe with a curved end to fit inside the gutter. This allows you to blow debris from inside the gutter out to the ground below. It is best to wait for dry weather as this method is not always effective at removing wet, compacted debris.
Garden Hose: You can purchase a gutter cleaning nozzle for your garden hose. These nozzles are designed to increase water pressure and are often angled for better reach. Attach the hose with the gutter cleaning nozzle to a telescopic extension pole. Adjust the pole to a length that comfortably reaches your gutters from the ground. Start at one end and position the pole so the nozzle is inside the gutter. Turn on the hose; the water pressure should be enough to dislodge leaves, twigs, and other debris, but not so much to potentially damage gutters or roof. Move slowly along the gutter using the water stream to push debris towards the downspout. Clean the downspout by directing the water flow into it. This will clear any blockages that have accumulated.

Pressure Washer: You can purchase a gutter cleaning nozzle for your pressure washer. These attachments typically have angled nozzles and extenders to reach the gutters from the ground. Beginning at the end of the gutter, hold the pressure washer so the attachment reaches into the gutter. Turn on the pressure washer and use a moderate pressure setting to start. If the pressure is too high, it can damage the gutters. Move the nozzle along the gutter to dislodge and wash away leaves, twigs, and debris. Be cautious with the pressure and angle to avoid damaging your roof or siding. Clear downspouts by directing the nozzle into them to clear blockages.

With any of these methods, wear protective gear such as safety, glasses, gloves, and ear protection. Rinse off any splatters or debris that may have gotten on your siding. Do a final inspection to make sure all sections are cleaned out and the gutters are intact. Clean up the debris that you have removed from your gutters.

If this project does not seem like something you’d like to do, contact Doctor Clean. We’d be happy to help.

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