Is There a Tool to Clean Gutter Clogs?
If you have a lot of heavy wet debris or clogged gutters that need a lot of force to dislodge, there are tools available that can make it much easier and safer than trying to use a manual claw on your own. They can be attached to a power washer or a standard leaf blower to allow you to stay safely on the ground while blasting the gutters clean with high-pressure water or air. The attachments also work well on a variety of other surfaces like sidewalks, decks, patios, and walls. Some even come with a built-in soap dispenser that can spray a cleaning solution on the surface of the gutter to help remove mildew and rust.
Gutter cleaning is an important part of your home’s maintenance. A well-maintained gutter system helps to direct rainwater away from your foundation, which can protect it from water damage and extend the life of your siding and roof. It can also protect your landscaping from overflow and water pooling, which can destroy expensive plants and shrubs that you have worked so hard to grow. It is recommended that you clean your gutters regularly, preferably twice per year to avoid the build-up of dirt and debris that can cause a clog.
If most of the debris in your gutters is dry, such as twigs, leaves, and pine needles, it may be easier to vacuum them without having to climb a ladder. These gutter cleaning tools can be affixed to the end of a leaf blower or Shop-Vac and can have a curved attachment that fits over the edge of the gutter and sucks up the debris.
You can also purchase a kit that allows you to stay safely on the ground while connecting certain tools to your pressure washer. This Sun Joe kit comes with a telescopic extension pole that can be adjusted to various heights, which makes it easy to reach all parts of your gutters. The gutter-cleaning attachment is designed with thick caterpillar “noodles” that conform to your gutter’s shapes, curves, and edges. This allows you to scrub away dirt, rust, and stains from the gutter while staying safely on the ground. After you’re finished, all that’s left to do is rinse off the remaining debris with your hose.
Regardless of which tool you choose to use, it is recommended that you wear gloves to protect your hands from the nasty materials that are stuck in the gutter. You should also consider wearing eye protection to prevent any debris from getting into your eyes while you are working. A sturdy pair of rubber or PVC work gloves should be enough to do the job and are a great investment for your gutters.
If you decide to tackle your gutters yourself, keep in mind that it is best to work on them before it rains. The soft soil and slick surface of the ladder can make them more unstable, and working in wet weather can also increase your chances of falling off. If you’re going to be using a ladder, it’s recommended that you set up a safety harness and make sure you have a partner to assist in case of an accident.
