Gutters are essential to maintain the integrity of your building’ structure. They surround the roof of your home and effectively move water away before they can penetrate the building and cause damp issues. And cleaning those gutters is imperative to prevent those problems with damp.

But it has to be said that guttering systems are not usually thought about very much until something goes wrong with them. Issues such as blockages and leaks can end up being costly repairs. But with a little DIY gutter maintenance, you could save yourself a lot of money and hassle.

So, in this blog, we’re going to explain how you can clean your own gutters at home. We’ll look at the tools needed to complete your gutter clean and how you can do it from the ground too.

But first, here’s a video of Philip Dalton looking at a blocked gutter and explaining how he’ll clean it.

Equipment needed to clean your gutter:

Here is a list of basic items you’ll need to clean your gutter system.

• A ladder
• A bucket
• A pair of gloves (two pairs for extra protection)
• A trowel
• Sink unblocking wire
• A hosepipe that reaches up to the roof

How to clean your own gutters

1. Put the ladder to the appropriate height and ensure it is properly secure (see our ladder safety blog).
2. Climb the ladder and start to clear any leaves, twigs and other debris that’s blocking the water flow in your guttering system.
3. Once you’ve removed the larger debris, use the towel to clear the sludge at the bottom. Take care when filling the bucket as it can make a mess on the windows or drop onto people below.
4. Next, use the sink wire to check the downpipe. This step is often forgotten about, but it’s just as likely that the downpipe is blocked too.
5. Finally, you’ll want to use the hosepipe to flush the guttering and downpipe systems. Move to the farthest point from the downpipe and have a helper turn on the water, so you can rinse away any remaining dirt.

You should now have yourself a clear guttering system. Bravo!

But, if you don’t fancy taking on the job, you can always call Dalton Roofing to come out and clean your gutters.

How to clean gutters from the ground

Climbing up a ladder to clean the gutters is not a job every homeowner wants. If you can relate to this, don’t worry. Because there are other ways in which to clean gutters from the ground and without the need for ladders.

Power Washer

Using a power washer to clean your gutters is a great option if you don’t want to use ladders. It means you can remain on the ground as you wash away debris and dirt from the gutters. Although it does come with its own downsides too.

For instance, it’s likely to get very messy, and you’re probably going to get a bit wet. And it’s also worth noting that some properties are too tall for this to work. Most homes are fine, but if you have a particularly high house or live in an apartment, the power washer method may be out of reach.

Garden Hose

It’s entirely possible that you can do a reasonable job using a garden hose to clean your gutters. Although, it can be a difficult task to manage. You may need an attachment to reach the gutters in order to blast water from one side of the gutter to the other.

Again, it’s important to consider the height of the property when cleaning out the gutters. And if your gutters are packed tight wish leaves and debris, you’ll need a powerful hose to get the job done.

Telescopic Gutter Cleaning Tools

Telescopic cleaning tools are incredibly helpful when trying to clean gutters without a ladder. They feature long poles that can easily be manoeuvred and often include attachments such as claw arms or cleaning pads.

This is one of the best ways to clean your gutters from the ground, as it provides convenience and safety. But if you live in a tall building, you’ll need to ensure your poles can reach the guttering.

Call an expert

Of course, you could just call in a local gutter cleaning service. This stops you having to climb ladders, get wet or buy new equipment. And it’s a good chance to have your gutters inspected to sure the system is in full working order.

The problems with clogged gutters

Blocked or clogged gutters can cause all sorts of problems. If water sits in your gutters, then the roofing materials in contact with it will eventually rot and need replacing. And if your property has a wood facia, the heavy water can start to pull the attachments away from the wall, making it easier for water to penetrate the building.

Once water get into the foundations, the structure and integrity of your home becomes a risk. Excess water can get into the building and cause damp issues, shift or crack the foundations.

You can check out our blog for more information about the importance of gutter maintenance. And below, you’ll see Phil explaining the importance of keeping your gutters clean.

Conclusion

The guttering systems that surround your home or property are essential to the security of the building. They provide an effective solution for moving water away from the building and preventing damp, rot and health issues. So making sure they are cleaned and working properly is key.

As we’ve seen, it’s possible for you to clean your own gutters using a ladder or from the ground. So, no matter which way you choose, it’s great to know what options you have available.

And of course, you can always get in touch with Dalton Roofing, who can come out to inspect and clean your gutters for you.