DIY Gutter Cleaning
Yes, gutter cleaning may not be the most entertaining way to spend your Sunday afternoon. But just think of alternatives: hiring an overpriced professional or ignoring the clogged gutter will both burn a hole in your pocket, either by paying someone to do it for you or suffering damage to your home. This is why we bring you the essential tips to master the craft of DIY gutter cleaning and turn this supposed drudgery into a fun and money-saving hobby.
How Often Do You Clean Your Gutter?
Clogging is the most dangerous thing that can happen to your gutter and it is usually caused by the accumulation of sticks and leaves. In addition to attracting pests, a clogged gutter can redirect drainage water to the spaces under your roof and foundations. This is why the early fall is the best time to clean your gutter before the onset of the rainy season. The second best time to do it is in the spring as the drier weather will make it easier to get the job done. Yet, you may want to go with quarterly checkups of your gutter, particularly if your gutter is found in the vicinity of numerous tall trees or pine trees with pesky needles.
DIY Gutter Cleaning Tools
Apart from timing and preparedness, establishing a gutter cleaning routine will require you to procure some basic tools. The first thing you’ll need is a ladder (a caveat: read on to learn more about ladder-free options) to reach the gutter, followed by protective gear such as puncture-resistant gloves and waterproof or regular long-sleeved clothing. Ladder-stabilizer is a useful addition to your basic toolset followed by a scoop and a heavy-duty bucket. Finally, don’t forget a cleaning solution for the exterior parts, while more ambitious homeowners will appreciate the help provided by a leaf blower.
What Is the Best DIY Gutter Cleaning Solution?
The jury is still out on the best homemade gutter cleaning solution but the lists provided by experienced cleaners are usually topped by the following:
1) white vinegar and warm water combo
2) water and tartar paste cream
3) liquid detergent combined with half a cup of bleach and two gallons of water
Once you get the pieces of debris out, you will need to flush the gutter with your hose. Since the majority of muck will be of organic origin, you can use it as garden compost.
Do You Need a DIY Gutter Cleaning Robot?
If you are looking into options involving DIY gutter cleaning without a ladder, you are left with several alternatives. A gutter cleaning robot is a remotely controlled device that does not operate autonomously but you can get it for a reasonable price these days. It is a great option for those who want to avoid using a ladder because of their health or age, are afraid of heights, or simply find gutter cleaning an unappealing task.
DIY Gutter Cleaning Without Ladder Is Possible?
DIY gutter cleaning from the ground is a perfectly viable alternative to using a ladder. You do not need to get a gutter cleaning robot to get the job done just as efficiently from the ground. There are several tools at your disposal to achieve this:
Telescoping gutter cleaning pole
Garden hose
Gutter cleaning applicator
Wet and dry gutter vacuum with accessories
Leaf blower with attachments
Pressure washer and flusher
Cleaning tongs
Rotary cleaning system
DIY gutter cleaning for a 2 story house presents a particular challenge because the risk of falling from a ladder and suffering a major injury is high. Take note of the above list and choose whatever suits your cleaning style and available budget. If you feel creative, you can also try to fashion a homemade gutter vacuum out of an old leaf blower or an industrial vacuum.
Finally, any gutter cleaning can profit from prevention - consider installing gutter guards if you are faced with particularly large accumulations of debris, or you want to have less to do once you get to the annual cleaning session. Just make sure you carefully calculate the cost of installing the guards and their regular maintenance as well as avoid the mistake of overestimating their ability.
Do not forget to browse through our website to discover other informative and entertaining articles on the best ways to caulk your pool or choose the right doors and windows for your home!