Cleaning gutters is a home maintenance task that many homeowners dread, and for good reason. Not only is gutter cleaning a less-than-enjoyable task, but it can also be very dangerous, depending on the height of your gutters, the slope of your roof, and the condition of the area surrounding your home.
Fortunately, modern innovations in gutter-clearing products offer more efficient and safer ways to clean gutters. Below, we’ve provided tips for clearing gutters in the fall and spoken to a home cleaning expert about which products the pros use to clean gutters.
Orbit Telescoping Gutter Cleaning Wand
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So, what tools do the pros use to clear gutters in the fall? According to Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare, the best tool for clearing gutters is a telescoping gutter wand attachment for a hose, such as this option from Orbit.
Unlike those designed for pressure washers, this gutter-clearing attachment fits directly on a standard garden hose.
“With a telescoping gutter wand attachment, I can flush out the debris with minimal effort and while standing on the ground, or a ladder, rather than scooping clumps of wet leaves with my hands, which seems safer, cleaner, and far more complete,” Schrader says.
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While the water makes quick work of removing most gutter-clogging debris, he says he also keeps a narrow gutter scoop around for compacted buildup that water won’t remove.
For best results, remove any large debris from your gutters before attempting to wash them out with a hose attachment. Large sticks are especially prone to causing clogs by anchoring leaves and other debris, which isn’t easily washed away with a water hose.
Schrader emphasizes that he prefers using a telescoping gutter wand hose attachment to clean gutters because it allows him to thoroughly clean gutters without the added danger of scaling a ladder, which is often poorly positioned on uneven ground or unstable surfaces such as mulch or landscaping stones.
He says a telescoping hose attachment is both efficient and cleaner.
“It also helps ensure the gutters are fully cleared all the way to the downspouts, which is critical for preventing clogs and overflow,” he says.
Tips for Clearing Gutters in the Fall
To ensure your gutter clearing job is thorough and as safe as possible, follow these pro tips for clearing gutters in the fall.
Avoid Leaning Too Far on a Ladder
When used correctly, ladders are generally safe. However, when using a ladder to clean gutters, users are often tempted to lean and reach further parts of the gutter to avoid climbing down and repositioning the ladder. Schrader says this can quickly lead to a fall.
Hire a Professional for Two-Story Buildings
If your gutters are positioned more than one story above ground, Schrader recommends hiring a professional gutter cleaning service to handle your gutter clearing rather than taking the risk on yourself.
Pay Attention to Damage
Schrader recommends hiring a professional if you notice sagging gutters, rust, or other damage, as these can increase the danger of clearing gutters. Professional gutter cleaners will have the appropriate ladders and safety equipment to tackle the risky gutter cleaning job.
Clear Gutters Twice a Year
While many homeowners only clear gutters in the fall after leaves have fallen, Schrader recommends a second cleaning in the spring after all pollen and blossoms fall, as these and other spring tree debris often clog gutters. If left undone, heavy spring and summer rains can cause immense damage.
Don’t Forget to Clean the Downspouts
Even if you clean your gutters thoroughly, your home is still at risk of water damage if you fail to clean your downspouts. This oft-forgotten task can cause the same backup of water, which can then drain behind siding, into walls, and into your home’s foundation.
You can often feed a water hose directly down the downspouts, though stubborn clogs may benefit from the use of a plumber’s snake.
Clear Underground Drainage Pipes
Many downspouts feed directly into underground drainage pipes to carry the water further from the home’s foundation. While this design is effective in improving drainage and protecting your home from water damage, it also has a drawback: these drainage pipes are prone to clogs. This is because debris from the gutters can make its way down the downspouts and into the pipes.
Disconnect the downspout from the drainage pipes and feed a hose through the pipes to ensure they’re totally free of debris.