How do you safely clean roof gutters? A step-by-step guide explains the procedures and materials needed for a thorough gutter cleaning.
We generally pay much attention to keeping our surroundings clean and attractive. However, we tend to neglect our guttering system out of the cleaning routine, probably because we perceive the task to be demanding.
Gutter cleaning may not be as tasking as you thought.
How to Clean Low and Steep Roof Gutters
Today, I won’t discuss how easy it is to clean our surrounding gutters but exceptional on how to clean the roof gutters- put, cleaning gutters from the top.
I am writing because the roof gutters are usually ignored, even when the surrounding gutters are being cleaned.
The gutters are to be cleaned at least once annually, especially in the fall, in readiness for winter.
Benefits of Cleaning Rooftop Gutters
Knowing the importance of the task is one sure way to motivate anyone to clean. This makes the seemingly arduous task seem less stressful and probably fun. One of these benefits is-
It prevents roof leaking. Many homeowners do not care about the condition of their roof gutters until there is a problem on the top.
Usually, during the fall, dried leaves and other debris accumulate in the roof gutters to a point that prevents the free flow of water, leading to water stagnation, which could eventually culminate in rot on the roof of the house.
Secondly, a cleaned roof rain gutter helps to direct rainfall away from the building during the rainy period.
Conversely, a clogged roof gutter can lead to dampness, which could threaten the building, causing a crack in the foundation of the building. Also, a rotting roof can lead to leaking.
Finally, when the roof drain gutters are clogged by debris like dried leaves or twigs, it can become a fertile ground for the breeding of pests such as mosquitoes and others. This can expose you to some illnesses like the West Nile, etc.
These are some of the few salient reasons a clean roof gutter is essential.
Methods and Tools for a Roof Gutter Cleaning Task
Cleaning a roof gutter requires climbing up to the roof, which is quite dangerous as it can lead to a height-related accident like falling.
To prevent a fall, especially in a high building, I strongly advise you to hire the service of a well-trained professional for the job.
For a not-too-high building, use a good ladder with a standoff and lean it properly on solid ground before climbing to the roof.
Since you may not be a professional in this job, you will need someone to assist you with sending the required tools while on the roof.
This can be done by simply going up with a rope and leaving the other free end on the ground to tie any tool you need; you pull up the string with the device connected to it.
Now that you are on top of your roof, it is essential to inspect it correctly for any possible damage before you begin the task.
If you find any damage, like a loose spike, you can call for the service of a professional. An open end can cause damage to the gutter, so a trained professional should fix it.
With hand gloves on and a rubber-soled shoe (to prevent slip and fall from happening), use a rake to remove the leaves and other dirt off the rooftop first, then work your way to the gutter with a gutter scoop to remove the leaves and debris.
The plastic scooping tool is highly recommended over the metal scooping tool to avoid scratching your roof. This is because the front scooping edge of the plastic tool is fragile and can quickly go through to the bottom of the gutter, making it easy to remove dirt from different gutter sizes.
Once the gutters are entirely debris-free, the downspouts are the next place to work. Using a water hose, focus on the downspout at full pressure and run the water through it to flush down all debris from the downspout. If the downspout has been clogged by debris, the water will not run through.
To unclog the downspout, tap on its side, which will loosen up the debris to eventually give way for water to pass through.
However, if the debris that clogged the downspout did not loosen up, the downspout must be removed to gain access to the dirt.
This should be done by trained personnel to avoid damaging the downspout. The plastic scooping tool can be easily obtained from a shop.
Safety Tips During Roof Gutter Cleaning
It is essential to use a good ladder. I highly recommend you use a sturdy ladder when climbing to the rooftop of your house. Be also mindful of a power line cable that runs through the roof.
Take time to assess the electric cable, paying attention to the protective insulation wire as it may wear or tear over the years.
If the protective insulator has worn out, please do not attempt cleaning the gutter, obviously to prevent possible electric shock.
You should contact the service of a trained electric professional to fix the wire before you carry out the cleaning.
Also, wear a rubber-soled shoe to prevent a slip or a fall. Shoes with rubber soles stick firmly to the roof, avoiding a decline.
Also, be sure to use a thick hand glove, this is to protect you from bacteria that have accumulated in the gutter and also to protect your fingers from injury which might result from rusted irons on the roof or twigs.
Also, it is essential to carry out this cleaning in the presence of other house members. This might not be necessary, but it is recommended as a safety measure in case of an accident.
To reiterate, do not carry out this exercise in isolation.
Best Roof Gutter Cleaning Equipment For The Money
Would you like to know some of the best tools for cleaning roof gutters?
Here are some of the most recommended ones that can help make cleaning a lot easier.
- The Gutter Tool – Gutter Cleaning Spoon and Scoop
This is undoubtedly one of the best tools for cleaning roof gutters. It has a uniquely shaped hook to help you pull debris from the drains in one spot. You don’t have to keep climbing up and down your ladder and changing positions now and then to get the dirt out.
This will help you do it all from just one spot.
It is made of durable design and can last quite a long time. The Gutter Cleaning Spoon and Scoop will not scratch or damage surfaces on your roof. You can check it out on Amazon Now.
- Joy Light Gutter Guard
This tool prevents debris like seeds, leaves, and others from clogging the gutter downspout. Though you will still have to clean out the debris from it, it makes the job much easier. The roof gutter cleaning tool is made from pure stainless steel and lasts over ten years.
Unlike other rooftop gutter guards, this particular one is straightforward to install. Just confirm the size of your downspout and pick a suitable gutter guard size from the four pieces in the pack.
Once you’ve done that, push the right gutter guard in the downspout that fits its size, and you are done. It will start trapping every debris to keep your downspout from being clogged.
- AgiiMan Pressure Washer Extension Wands – 120 Inch Power Washer Gutter Cleaning Tools
This product comes with a non-slip handle, an adjustable length, and replaceable o-ring washers so you can choose what is perfect for you during your gutter cleaning.
You can connect the wands to gutter cleaner attachments, cleaning brushes, nozzles, water brooms, undercarriage cleaner, foam cannon, and others.
It is one of the best roof gutter cleaning tools you can find out there today.
In Conclusion
Cleaning gutters from the top keeps your house clean and beautiful but also helps to protect the integrity of your roof and foundation from sickness.
Cleaning the gutter of our rooftops might be a difficult task to undertake, however, the benefit derived from these tasks is enormous. Here is the average cost of cleaning gutters.
Therefore, this exercise is highly recommended to be carried out once annually in every household, especially those surrounded by many trees that can clog the downspout, thereby preventing the free flow of water from the roof, which is unhealthy for the family and the house.