Learn how to safely and effectively clean gutters from the ground to protect your homes foundation.
Willowpix / Getty Images
As cool autumn weather arrives, so do falling leaves.
While a beautiful sign of the season, they can also damage your homes foundation.
Credit:Willowpix / Getty Images
For this reason, homeowners should clean their gutters a minimum of once per year.
However, cleaning gutters can be a dangerous task.
In fact, thousands of people are injured annually from ladder falls.
Therefore, many homeowners are opting to clean their gutters from the safety of the ground.
Leaf Blower Method
Several companies sellleaf blower attachments for cleaning guttersfrom the ground.
The attachments consist of a long pipe with a curved end.
Additionally, this tool can be used to blow out the gutters, asmany wet/dry vacs are reversible.
Hose Method
Like the leaf blower and vacuum attachments, water hose attachments are also widely available.
These extensions allow the user to spray out the gutters using a standard water hose.
Pressure Washer Method
For more heavy-duty gutter cleaning needs, a pressure washer attachment is available.
The extension wand allows the user to blast debris from the gutter without leaving the ground.
This method is best for heavy debris with packed dirt and leaves as well as for clearing clogged downspouts.
Just remember to wear work clothes and safety goggles, as youre sure to get messy in the process.
However, most DIY options utilize pipes and fittings to recreate the extension attachments.
This makes most DIY attachments excessively cumbersome and heavy, which can make them difficult to maneuver.
Should I Clean My Gutters from the Ground?
Traditional gutter cleaning methods might be dangerous, but theyre highly effective.
Once finished, always check the downspouts to ensure theyre free of debris.
