Cleaning your gutters at least once every season may save you the cost of getting a professional for the same task.
But how can you do it safely and with minimal effort?
Well, there is an easy way to clean your gutters yourself — by pressure washing them!
If you’ve never used a pressure washer on gutters before, then don’t worry. Follow our steps, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time!
Gathering the Tools Needed
- Pressure washer
- Sturdy ladder or extension (you can also use a handheld pressure washer gutter cleaner/gutter wand/telescoping wand instead)
- Bucket
- Gutter scoop/scraper/trowel
- Waterproof gloves
- Safety glasses
- Detergent
- Garden hose
- Gutter sealant
To avoid making a mess on the ground or damaging your landscaping, lay out a sheet to catch debris. Also, remove any furniture or objects stored near your cleaning area or under the gutters.
Cleaning the Debris
- Wear your gloves and safety glasses
- Get a gutter scoop and bucket
- Set up a ladder
Before you start cleaning the insides of your gutters, make sure to remove the biggest pieces of debris clogging it up. Do not spray clean this debris by forcing it through the downspout, as it may damage your gutter system.
Begin by removing the solid debris and putting them in the bucket. Once this is done, you can move on to the next step.
Rinsing the Gutters
It’s best to use a low-pressure nozzle (1200 to 1500 pounds PSI) to loosen any stubborn debris and apply the detergent.
Be careful when using the washer on your gutters, as the high pressure can easily damage the more vulnerable parts of your roof, such as the fascia or soffits.
- Get on the ladder or prepare the pressure washer gutter wand to get started
- Start by spraying water all over the gutters. Use a low-pressure nozzle for the initial rinse
- Use water to rinse the outsides and insides of the gutters, starting from the end opposite the downspout. Note: This is a good time to check for leaks in the gutters or clogging in the downpipes.
- Fill up the gutters to watch for any water leakages
- Flush water down the downspout to check for clogs
- Dilute your detergent solution and put the mixture in the detergent tank
- Turn the detergent tank on
- Apply the detergent to all the parts of the gutters
- Allow the detergent to soak for a few minutes
- Switch to a high-pressure nozzle and switch off the detergent tank
- Wash off the detergent and dirt in the same direction you rinsed previously
- Use a low-pressure nozzle to remove any remaining detergent from nearby foliage
When Should You Clean Your Gutters?
The best time to clean your gutters is during a dry, sunny day during the summer months. It is also a good idea to prepare your gutter system before the winter snow begins to fall.
Do you live in an area with lots of trees in the neighborhood? Then you might also want to consider cleaning the gutters before and after the autumn onslaught of dry vegetation.
Cleaning gutters is not an easy task. It might also be highly dangerous for those without experience or professional training.
You will also have to buy all the tools needed for a cleaning job, which can get quite expensive. Not to mention the expense of fixing leakages with sealants. Then you’re also tasked with storing these tools.
Why take the risk and spend on equipment when you can hire a professional from Gutter-Vac for an affordable price? Our technicians come well equipped with high-quality tools, training, and professional experience.
Reach out to our team for a quote and more information on our services today!
