Tips on How to Clean your Gutter

Its going to be Fall soon and that means your going to need to clean out your gutter. Let’s face it, cleaning gutters is a grimy job. No one wants to do it. However, cleaning your gutter is a necessary evil. Yes it’s tedious, and you’ll most likely sweat but, you’ve got to do it or pay someone else to. So, here are a few quick tips on how to tackle a task that to some may seem a herculean feat.

Cleaning Gutter on your home can be accomplished with a few simple tools. You’re going to need a trowel, at least a gallon size bucket, a water hose and a ladder. Your going to need gloves as well. Depending on how long you’ve put this off, you may find cockroaches or even snakes in your gutter. Set your ladder up in a safe position, place the trowel in the bucket and climb up to your gutter. Shovel the debris into your bucket until the gutters are clear. Now, this may take several trips up and down the ladder depending on the size bucket you are comfortable lugging around so, be prepared. With that finished, set your ladder at the point furthest from the downspout, climb up and wash the gutter out with your water hose. If the downspout is clogged, remove the bottom elbow of the downspout. Then run your water hose up the bottom of the downspout until you clear the clog. If this does not work, try a plumber’s snake.

I know what you’re thinking, there has got to be a better way. Well, there is. It requires you to buy, or craft, a gutter attachment for your water hose that allows you to clean the gutters from the ground. You can craft the attachment out of PVC pipe. You will need enough 1/2″ PVC pipe to reach above your gutter height, 2 90 degree PVC elbows, PVC cement and a threaded hose adapter for the water hose. If you do not have the time or desire to craft your own gutter attachment, you can buy an attachment for as little as $20 at any major hardware store.

Cleaning Gutters is not fun, it’s dirty work. If you put it off too long, it will cause damage to your roof or fascia that could cost you down the road. When attempting to clean your own gutters, always remember safety first. If the job requires a tall ladder, you may want to call The Screen Guys. All that said, clean your gutters on a regular basis and after every major storm or you may be stuck with a massive mess and an expensive repair.

Call the Screen Guys and your gutters will be spic and span!!