It’s That Time Again: Gutter Cleaning 101

As Fall quickly approaches and the leaves begin to drop, it will be time for many of us to grab our ladders and begin the age-old tradition of gutter cleaning.  Tedious, messy, and possibly dangerous – what’s not to like?  Before you head to the garage, especially if this is a new task to some of you, take a minute to read these gutter cleaning tips that can save you time, hassle, and even medical bills.

Robert Lenney, a professional gutter cleaning expert in northern California, whose company has cleaned over 3.5 million feet of gutter since 1996, offers a number of tips and facts about gutter cleaning that homeowners should take to heart to make the task a little easier.

For instance, did you know that every year in the U.S., about 180,000 homeowner accidents and fatalities occur from ladder-related incidents?  Lenney recommends a safe and sturdy step ladder for the one-story jobs or an extension ladder for the multi-story homes, always with a strong shelf to hold a 5-gallon bucket for easier cleanup of the bigger trash.  Fiberglass or aluminum ladders usually beat-out their wooden counterparts in stability and strength.  Check the ladder for defects or damage before you begin, and on the first rung, take a moment to jump a few times to check the ladder’s footing.  For extra stability, place a piece of half-inch plywood under the legs, and never forget the “3 Point Rule” that recommends both feet and one hand secured on the ladder at all times.  Most of all, don’t lean or reach for one more scoop of debris, moving the ladder a few feet takes a lot less time than setting a broken limb.

Once you get to the task itself, you should use a scoop to get to the big debris first.  Lenney warns against metal tools that can damage the bottom of the gutter or its seams, and recommends a plastic “Gutter Getter” (available at many hardware stores) that more closely fits the shape of the gutter and can be attached to an extension pole to limit ladder moves.  After the big stuff is gone, Lenny suggests a simple garden hose with a pistol grip, which not only provides one-handed control of water pressure, but also provides a hanging element when moving the ladder or scooping the larger debris you may have missed from before.

Additionally, Lenney suggests raking the roof before you even begin so that the next storm doesn’t ruin all of your hard work, and wearing gloves to protect against not only cuts, but bacteria from debris and animal droppings.

With these tips, gutter cleaning can be a much safer and easier task that warrants little more than a few hours of your time in return for problem-free drainage.