It's no mystery that gutters are very difficult to maintain and keep clean. They can be difficult to access, and they get full of debris seemingly overnight. If you're like most people, you've probably tossed around the idea of using a leaf blower to make the job easier. But is using the leaf blower to clean out gutters really a viable option? For your convenience, we brought you the answer.
You can absolutely use a leaf blower to clean the gutters. In fact, this method is particularly efficient. However, if you do use a leaf blower to clean out your gutters, be sure to use caution, as doing so will require climbing a ladder. Cleaning the gutters with a leaf blower is quite simple; to do this project, just do the following:
- Tie a rope or cord to the leaf blower's handle
- Use a ladder to access the top side of the gutters
- Use the rope or string to lift the leaf blower up to you
- Use a leaf blower to blow the debris out of the gutter
If you still have some lingering questions about cleaning gutters with a leaf blower, don't worry. In this guide, we'll discuss the process at length and answer any additional questions you might have. Just keep reading!
How To Clean Gutters With A Leaf Blower
As mentioned, the process of cleaning out gutters with a leaf blower is pretty straightforward. But here we'll discuss the process in greater detail to give you some helpful tips.
1. Tie A Rope Or Cord To The Leaf Blower
The first step in the process is to securely tie a rope or cord to the leaf blower's handle, and be sure to use a strong knot. It's also important to ensure that the rope or cord is at least as long as the height of the gutters.
2. Use A Ladder To Access The Gutters
Next, place a ladder up against the side of the house and ensure that it is stable. Then, take the end of the rope or cord attached to the leaf blower, and safely climb to the top of the ladder.
At this point, depending on the slope of your roof, you can either remain at the top of the ladder or climb up onto the roof if safe to do so. If you opt to remain on the ladder, for safety purposes it's recommended to have someone stand on the bottom of the ladder to help stabilize the ladder.
If you choose to stand on the ladder, it's also a good idea to start the leaf blower prior to climbing up (that is, if you have a gas-powered leaf blower). That way you won't be thrown off balance attempting to start it while at the top of the ladder.
3. Raise The Leaf Blower
Next, carefully raise the leaf blower up to you with the rope or cord. If you opted to remain on the ladder, be extra cautious; depending on the weight of the leaf blower, this might cause you to lose your balance.
If a family member or friend is standing on the bottom of the ladder, simply have them hand the leaf blower up to you instead.
4. Clean Out The Debris From The Gutters
Now you're ready to get that pesky debris out of your gutters. Whether you stand on the ladder or the roof, the process is virtually the same; simply put the end of the leaf blower into the gutter at an angle and blow out the leaves and other debris. Start near the downspout and work away from it; this will prevent the debris from blowing into the downspout and clogging it.
How Do You Clean Gutters With Guards On Them?
Gutter guards do a great job of preventing leaves and other large pieces of debris from getting into the gutters, but over time dirt and smaller debris will still start to accumulate in the bottom of the gutter. Removing the screen guards would be inconvenient and time-consuming, but don't fret, because you can still thoroughly clean them. To clean out gutters with a screen guard, simply follow the steps listed below.
1. Disassemble And Clean The Downspout
Start by taking the downspout apart at the joints. There will likely be some debris stuck inside them. Use your hand to remove any clogged debris. You might have to shake the pieces to remove all of the debris. Once the sections of the downspout are free of debris, set them aside; for the next step, it's important to leave the downspout open.
2. Clean The Gutters With A Leaf Blower And Water Hose
Start by using a leaf blower to blow out as much debris as possible. If larger debris made it into the gutters, blow it toward the downspout; since the downspout is open, the debris should come right out.
Once the gutters are free of all loose debris, use a water hose with a high-pressure attachment and spray the inside of the gutters, flushing the debris toward the downspout.
Is There A Tool To Clean Gutters From The Ground?
If you're nervous about getting up on a ladder or are physically unable to do so, don't worry; you can still ensure that your gutters are clean and free of debris. Below we'll talk about some great products that can help you clean out your gutters from the safety of the ground.
Gutter Sense Gutter Cleaning Tool
Simply attach this cleaning tool to any extension pole (the pole is not included). Then, use the pull string to manipulate the paddles for effortless gutter cleaning from the ground. This device is ideal for cleaning all kinds of gutter debris from open gutters.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
GutterMaster Telescopic Water Pole Attachment
This is another excellent device that will allow you to clean out your gutters from the safety of the ground. Simply attach this telescopic pole to a garden hose, turn the water on, and use high-pressure water to flush the debris out of your gutters.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
When Should You Clean Out Your Gutters?
It's recommended to clean your gutters twice a year at a minimum. But depending on where you live and what kinds of trees surround your house, you might need to clean your gutters more or less frequently.
For example, if there are pine trees around your house you might have to clean your gutters every few months, as pine needles fall frequently and tend to clog gutters. If you live in an area without many trees, you won't have to clean your gutters as frequently.
The bottom line is that, when it comes to gutter cleaning, preventative maintenance is key. It's better to clean the gutters more frequently to prevent debris buildup. Keep in mind that the more debris that accumulates in the gutter, the more difficult the cleaning process will be.
In Closing
We hope this guide has equipped you with the know-how to clean out your gutters with a leaf blower. Before you go, be sure to check out these other guides that might be of interest: