Do It Yourself Gutter Cleaning

Now that the holidays are over, everyone is getting back into the swing of working and doing routine household maintenance. Gutter cleaning  is on a lot of people’s to-do lists, and since Memphis is still in it’s rainy season, this is probably closer to the top than the bottom of those to-do lists. Of the services we offer here at Clean Pro Memphis, I would say that gutter cleaning is the one that home owners are most likely to try themselves.

Proper window cleaning requires lots of time, attention to detail, and effective squeegee techniques, and pressure washing requires a lot of equipment that most people just don’t have. Gutter Cleaning, however, seems pretty simple – and it is simple, as long as your gutters are simple.

Take a look at the “simple gutters” on this home I found on Google Maps. There is a large two story section, a small one story section, and the gutters don’t make any crazy twists and turns. The gutters are probably the same in the back.

Do it yourself gutter cleaning doesn’t pose much of a threat if your home has simple gutters like this one. The first thing that you will need is an extension ladder with an attachment to keep the ladder from resting on the gutters. You may not have an extension ladder, but you could buy one on Craigslist for $75 – $100, or go and buy a new one at Lowes or Home Depot for $200 – $300.

Once you’re ready to start make sure that your attachment is secured to the top of the ladder, and that the base of the ladder is firmly positioned on the ground so it won’t slip. If it’s been a while since you went to the gym you may want someone to help you move it each time, ladders can become unwieldy, especially when extended up to two stories.

Once you’re at the gutter line, clean all of the debris out by hand, or you could use a small scooper if you have one. When the main portion of dirt and leaves is gone use a water hose to rinse out the rest of the debris. While you’re rinsing pay special attention to your downspouts. There’s a good chance that one or more of them are clogged.

It could be a simple clog where the opening is backed up, or if it’s been a really long time since your gutters were cleaned then it could be a clog in the elbow joint of the downspouts. If that’s the case then you’ll need a screwdriver or small ratchet set to detach the elbow joints so you can clean them out. Remember that all this time you’ll be working from the top of your ladder, and safety is paramount, so always choose the slow, safe option over the fast, easy option.

After everything is cleaned out you’ll want to make sure none of those nasty leaves fell and landed on your walkways, shrubs, and flower beds so be sure to check around your house for unsightly gutter garbage that you may have dropped while on the ladder.

Of course, if your home gutters do make crazy twists and turn or you’re not fond of working from great heights, then do it yourself gutter cleaning might not be for you.

Clean Pro Memphis, on the other hand, has dealt with all the tricky angles and has experience working from ladders, so if you find yourself in any of these scenarios then consider giving us a call at 901-257-9306 or just send us an email.

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