Gutter Cleaning Tools Make The Job Easier And Safer
Keeping household gutters clean is an important job, and using the right gutter cleaning tools can make the job so much easier. The purpose of gutters is to drain the rain and melted snow water away from the roof and the foundation of a home. When gutters are overflowing with debris such as dirt, leaves and twigs they can no longer function correctly. Backed up gutters filled with debris can overflow and cause some real damage to the homes foundation. Blocked gutters can also cause ice dams to form which is another major problem for homeowners. Clean gutters at least two or three times every year and try using these effective gutter cleaning tools to ensure safety and simplify the job.
Effective Gutter Cleaning Tools
Gutter Cleaning Kit:
This multi tooled and multi-purpose kit will allow you to effectively remove all blockages from your guttering. Whether it is a lot of old leaves, or snow that is blocking your gutter, this kit will come in very handy. It consists of a retriever for gathering all of the debris stuck in the guttering, a scoop for digging the debris out, an extension pole to enable you to reach all parts of your gutter with ease. There are also two downpipe strainers to clear out the downpipes of litter and debris too.
Cordless Remote Controlled Gutter Cleaner:
If you are looking for automated gutter cleaning tools, then this is for you. The iRobot 12601 Looj is remote controlled, so all you need to do is place it in the gutter and use the remote to direct it down the guttering channel. It will dig through all of the debris blocking the gutter and you have the ability to move it around and change the direction of the brushes and scoop. This makes cleaning your gutter a much safer and easier job than doing it manually
Gutter Scoop:
Cleaning gutters is a messy job and any tool specifically designed for cleaning gutters maybe worth a few dollars. Gutter scoops are professional gutter cleaning tools, and can be found at home improvement stores and gutter supply shops. Measure the width of the gutter before shopping to get one that fits your size of gutters. Be sure and wear gloves while using gutter scoops to prevent direct contact with mold and bacteria normally found in gutters.
Other useful Gutter Cleaning Tools
Ladder
A ladder is needed to reach debris lodged in the top of gutters. Folding ladders or extension ladders are required gutter cleaning tools, and both will work well. Make sure whatever type is used is the proper length to the reach the top of the roof and gutter safely. Extension ladders are leaned against the house and folding ladders tend to be more stable with two legs for support.
Scaffolding
Most homeowners will not require scaffolding. However, home owners with very high roofs may need this equipment to clean gutters efficiently and safely. Scaffolding provides sturdy support and allows people to clean larger areas of gutters without frequently moving ladders.
Garden Trowel
Inexpensive garden trowels are cheap gutter cleaning tools, which may be the perfect tool for cleaning out gutters heavy with debris. Buy a trowel narrow enough for the size of gutter and scoop out leaves and debris. Keep a bucket handy for dumping debris from the gutter as you work on the ground or place the bucket on a ladder for working above ground.
Brushes
After the bulk of sticks and leaves have been removed by scooping, use a brush to clean out remaining silt and mold. Brushes work best for this task when the gutters are dry and debris is easily brushed out. Slime or silt may not reduce the water flow through a gutter a whole bunch, but buildup can begin to rot and creates a foul odor.
Buy a brush equal to the size of the gutter width and look for one that is good and stiff. The stiffer the better. Any quality brush with stiff bristles will do. Find brushes at gutter supply stores and most home improvement stores.
Hose
When gutters are clean, use a garden hose to remove the last bits of debris. A strong water pressure aimed through each gutter is a great way to flush them clean. The water drains out through the downspout and gutter cleaning is done.
Taking the time to clean out gutters yearly is part of home maintenance. Most people realize the necessity of gutter cleaning when they run into problems and may incur costly repairs. Spending a few dollars on gutter cleaning tools could save a bunch of money in the long run.
Keep your gutter clean with the right gutter cleaning tools







