How To Clean Your Gutters (From The Ground) And Maintain Them This Spring

Spring is drawing near, and you may be realizing you have a few projects to do around the house that you put off last summer and fall. 

One big thing that many people tend to avoid, but that is necessary for our homes well being, is to clean out the gutters.

According to Angies’ List, 

“Gutters are an integral piece of your home’s well being. They serve to control the flow of rainwater to protect your roof, walls, foundation and landscape.

But when neglected, experts say gutters can turn from a necessity to a nightmare. 

A gutter clogged with leaves, sticks and other debris can cause a leaky roof or water damage to the interior or exterior of your home. Contractors say gunked-up gutters also make nice homes for pests, rodents, mold and honeycombs from bee infestations.”

For some, this necessary task can seem rather annoying, time consuming, and even dangerous when ladders and climbing are involved.  

However, there are a few ways to make cleaning out your gutters a lot easier and safer. 

Today we will discuss some great options for cleaning your gutters from the ground that we often share with our own Hollister CA clients.

1. Power Washer

One great option is to use a power washer to really get your gutters nice and clean. 

You will need to get the right attachment and wand to be sure you will get the job done properly. 

A power washer is a great way to clean away the debris and leaves that have built up over time with little climbing. Depending on your home size and your washer attachment you may be able to reach all of your gutters from the ground.

This type of gutter cleaning can get especially messy, so you’ll want to wear safety goggles and something waterproof. 

You may also need to wash around the gutters if you accidentally spray some of the mess onto other parts of the house.

Overall this method can work wonders on long neglected gutters that have a lot of build up, as long as you are okay with getting a little messy in the process. 

2. Wet/Dry Vacuum 

If you have a shop-vac at home, this could be another good option for cleaning out your gutters from the ground. 

You will likely need to order an extension so you can reach, and you may need some help from a step stool, but in many cases a good shop vac can help you clean your gutters with minimal climbing. 

Backyard Gadget says, 

“One of the most common solutions out there is this set of plastic tubes that you can attach to your vacuum cleaner, Shop-Vac or maybe a leaf blower with vacuum functionality.

The end of the tube is bent at an angle allowing it to reach into the gutter while you are standing below it. 

This is a very comfortable and easy solution if you only have to deal with things like pine needles, smaller leaves and twigs or dust.”

3. Leaf Blower

Using a leaf blower to make sure your gutters are clean and functional is another good option.

Many leaf blowers come with the right nozzle to clean out your gutters, but if yours doesn’t, you can head down to your local home improvement store to get one.

Once you’re all set up, blow the leaves out of your gutter from one side of the channel to the other. Then repeat in each of your gutters until they’re all clear.

4. Garden Hose

Most of us have a garden hose at home, so this can be a very practical and easy way to clean out the gutters every year. 

Just make sure you have the right attachment and go for it!

As Bob Vila says, 

“So long as they are not thoroughly clogged, you can clean your gutters successfully with a garden hose. 

If the hose is equipped with the right attachment (a rigid tube with a curved end), you can stand on the ground, not on a ladder, as you work.”

Start on one side and wash through the whole gutter, from the safety of the ground. And proceed to do this with all of your gutters until the job is done. 

5. The Old Fashioned Way

If none of those options float your boat, then there is nothing wrong with getting out your ladder and a bucket and a scoop. 

When you use a ladder, you’ll be able to clearly see and thoroughly clean any clogs in your gutters. This viewpoint will also allow you to inspect the gutters and surrounding roofing for any damage or issues. 

Using a ladder yourself does come with some risk, so it’s wise to have a friend or family member there to help you. 

This process may take longer than the others listed and takes more effort, so if you want the job done right without putting yourself at risk, contacting a professional may be your best option. 

For help cleaning and inspecting your gutters, contact Hollister Roofing for a FREE quote today!