Why Get On Your Roof? Learn How To Clean Gutters From The Ground

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If you don’t like the idea of balancing precariously on a ladder, then it’s time to find the best way to clean gutters from the ground.

Why do I Need Clean Gutters?

Before we get to discuss the easiest way clean gutters from the ground, or ground guttering,  it is important to know why it’s necessary to have clean, efficient ground gutters or underground gutter drainage system, in the first place.

Did you know that poor, inconsistent underground gutter drain maintenance is the leading cause of flooding and foundation erosion in the US today? 

Also, damages resulting from poorly maintained gutters are often not covered by insurance leaving you liable and out-of-pocket for large, unexpected expenses.

Additionally, uncleaned gutters or drainage system are more prone to rust. This can drastically shorten their lifespan. Debris and other materials that are left to accumulate on your roof also run the risk of voiding that roof’s warranty. 

As if that was not enough, gutters that are not cleaned can become a haven for pests and other unwelcome guests that can then spread into the rest of your home.

Luckily, cleaning gutters doesn’t have to be a dangerous nightmare that is put off until it’s too late. 

Keep reading to see just how simple and easy it can be to have well-maintained gutters, all year round without, and much fuss.

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Here Are the Best Ways to Clean Gutters from the Ground

Before we dive into the best way to clean gutters from the ground, or gutter cleaning without a ladder, we should take the time to think about how often we need to remove debris from the gutter and the signs to look out for in a failing gutter.

As a rule of thumb, gutters should be serviced at least twice a year, once in the spring and for a second time in the autumn. 

However, some gutters require more attention than a bi-annual cleaning. You may find that if your property has large trees that produce more debris, then you need to clean them more frequently with a gutter scoop or even install a gutter guard. 

If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your gutters, there are a few signs to look out for to see if they are clogged and in need of a cleaning.

  • Visible debris in the gutters
  • Birds nesting as clogged gutters make great homes for them
  • Water overflow and leaking gutter seams

If your gutters have not had any attention in the last six months or are showing signs of being clogged, it’s time to learn how to clean gutters from the ground.

1. Prevention

If you want to reduce the frequency with which you need to clean your gutters and to make it easier to do when you must, installing a mesh screen on your gutters or better yet, install a gutter guard is an option worth considering.

It is a comparatively inexpensive method of reducing the amount of debris build-up over time and will improve the overall health of your gutters dramatically.

There are different systems available and the option that suits your gutters best is something you should speak to a professional gutter cleaning service about.

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Seamless Gutters

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Gutter Guards

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Gutter Cleaning

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2. Reach for the Power Washer

This is a great option, better than using a gutter scoop with a telescoping wand,  if safety is at the top of your list when it comes to priorities. That’s because you can keep your feet firmly on the ground when using a power washer to unclog your dirty gutters. To avoid using a ladder completely, it may be necessary to get an extension wand to properly clean the harder-to-reach areas.

Bear in mind that this method can get dirty quickly and it is advisable to invest in a good set of goggles and a waterproof jacket before attempting to clean gutters from the ground with a power washer. You may also have to wash the walls of your house after you’ve finished as much of the debris you dislodge will end up running down them during the cleaning process.

This method also will not work well on houses that are larger as a power washer has limited reach, even with an extension.

This is a great option for average-sized homes whose gutters need a quick clean.

3. Using Your Garden Hose

This can be a challenge but if you have the water pressure, a garden hose can be the only tool you need to give your gutters a well-deserved clean.

To do this correctly, you are going to need to place the hose in a way that you can get water flowing into both ends of your gutters. Luckily, there are several attachments available for the garden hose that can give it the extra reach and flexibility you need to do the job right the first time.

It is also worth bearing in mind that if your gutters are clogged with dense debris and haven’t been cleaned in a while that a garden hose may not have the power you need. 

4. Shop Vacs

Sometimes referred to as a wet/dry vacuum, a shop vac is one of the most effective ways to clean your gutter if you have one already. Even if you don’t, they are easy to rent for a day or two when you need to clean your gutters from the ground. They can also be used with a variety of extensions to help you get into those tighter spots.

Shop vacs pack quite a punch and can be used to clean gutters that are heavily caked in plant debris and mud. They are durable and meant to be used in commercial applications. This means that anything your gutter throws at it should be well within what the shop vac can handle.

This is an inexpensive, powerful way to clean your gutters. This is especially true if it has been some time since they were last professionally cleaned.

5. Leaf Blower

This handy tool that most of us use in the autumn months to clear away leaves can be adapted to clean your gutters from the ground. Most blowers are sold with attachments that are specifically designed to clean gutters. 

If your leaf blower doesn’t have a gutter cleaning attachment there’s no need to panic as it’s easy to make a curved tube out of materials you already have. Anything that seals onto the end of the blower and can reach into the gutter will work perfectly.

This method is going to rely on blowing the debris out of the gutters from the ground so the more powerful the leaf blower, the better your results will be.

6. Gutter Cleaning Tools

If you are going to go the route of purchasing specific tools, then it’s best to know exactly how much length you will need to reach all your gutters. 

Before heading down to your local hardware store, taking the time to accurately measure the walls of your home is important if you want to avoid spending money on something that won’t work.

Tools of this nature come in many shapes and sizes. Most of them are telescopic, offering some adjustability and flexibility, depending on which you choose. Gutter cleaning tools are also sold with different attachments for clearing out debris or unblocking a clogged downspout.

A good set of tools designed specifically to clean gutters from the ground are a good choice if used correctly.

7. Get Professional Help

If the thought of dealing with the mess and hard work of cleaning your gutters from the ground is too much to bear, then hiring a professional gutter cleaning service is the best way to make sure your gutters are clean year-round.

Professional gutter cleaning services use industrial-grade equipment that is guaranteed to clean the most stubborn and difficult to dislodge debris.  They also make sure that after the work is done, any mess caused by flushing the gutters is taken care of. 

Staff and technicians at professional gutter cleaning services are well trained in terms of safety and the specialist equipment they use. 

If you are looking for a gutter cleaning service, try and find one that offers:

  • A complimentary evaluation
  • Before and after pictures
  • Vacuuming of all gutters
  • Flushing all downspouts
  • Cleaning of all work areas
  • Gutter monitoring service

It can be tempting to go it alone but there is no better way to clean your gutters than by engaging the services of a trained professional.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to forget how important it is to make sure that your gutters are clean and doing their job well. 

Not only are clogged gutters unsightly, but they can be the cause of unexpected damages or leave you vulnerable to unforeseen costs if they become an insurance issue due to poor maintenance and cleaning.

It’s easy enough to learn how to clean gutters from the ground.

However, if you aren’t willing to compromise and need your gutters cleaned, then talking to a professional gutter cleaning specialist is the way to go. They will make sure that the work is done correctly the first time, that ongoing maintenance is scheduled, and that your home is returned to you cleaner than when they arrived.

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