Utah’s often harsh and unpredictable weather demands best-in-class maintenance for your home. If your humble abode is to brave the frequent rainstorms, heavy downpours, freezing temperatures, and snowfall, its first line of defense – the gutter system – needs to be in top shape.
Gutters safeguard your home from rainwater by directing it off your roof and away from the structure. If not properly maintained, rainwater can cause significant damage to your attic, siding, walls, and basement. Therefore, it is essential to have well-installed gutters and to have them cleaned and inspected by professional gutter cleaning experts in Utah at least once a year.
But if you would rather handle this yourself, you will need proper gutter-cleaning tools. The right tools not only make your job easier but also safer.
So, which tools do you need for a pro-grade cleanup?
Let’s find out.
11 Best Gutter Cleaning Tools You Need for a Thorough Cleanup
Different cleaning jobs may require different tools, but gutter cleaning experts typically pack the following gear before heading out:
1. Extension Ladder
It’s impossible to clean your gutters without a sturdy extension ladder. As gutter cleaning experts, we recommend using a ladder that reaches at least four feet above your gutter height without stretching. It should also be strong enough to handle your weight and that of a bucket filled with leaves, twigs, and other debris.
Keep your one hand on the ladder for stability and clean the gutters in five-foot sections. Don’t use a gutter for stability as they are not strong enough.
2. Ladder Stabilizer
The next gutter cleaning tool on our list is a ladder stabilizer, which is necessary for your safety and stability while cleaning the guttering. We recommend using both ladder mounts (standoffs) and ladder leg stabilizers.
Attach the mount firmly to the upper rungs of your extension ladder before you start working. While its arms provide stability when cleaning the gutters, the no-skid rubber pads keep your ladder from wobbling or shifting.
On the other hand, the leg stabilizer keeps your ladder firmly glued to the ground. It reduces the risk of tilting or falling off while cleaning the gutters.
3. Gutter Scoop
Unlike gutter cleaning professionals, most DIYers use a metal hand trowel or other gardening tools to remove the debris. But these tools can scratch the surface of your gutters, removing their protective layer. Once this layer is gone, your metal gutters will start to rust, probably from the next rainy season.
To avoid this damage, use a professional gutter scoop to remove leaves, debris, and pine needles from gutters. It’s gentle on your gutters, can adjust its shape, and cleans the gutters faster and more effectively.
4. Power Washer
You will need a power washer to clean the gutters. This specialized gutter cleaner tool uses forced water to get rid of grime and clean areas where the scoop cannot reach. But be sure to use a gutter cleaning attachment to avoid damaging your gutters. Also, always pressure wash your gutters away from the downspouts to prevent gutter blockages.
5. High-Pressure Hose
Besides flushing out grime and leaves, this robust gutter cleaning tool can help you catch leaks and weak spots in your guttering system. After pressure washing your gutters, use a high-pressure hose to see how the water flows and if there are any leaks. If you spot any leaks, fix them immediately to avoid rainwater damage.
6. Telescopic Gutter Cleaner
With this gutter cleaning tool, you can clean your gutters from the ground. There is no need to climb the ladder and worry about falling off. Typically, a telescopic gutter cleaner has two rubber hand grips, making it easy to use it from the ground. After you have removed the debris, you can use this cleaner to flush the loosened gunk into the downspouts. The nozzles send a blast of water into your gutters, removing any leftover debris.
7. Roof Rakes
Preventing gutter blockages becomes super easy with the roof rakes. Gutter cleaning professionals use it to remove snow, leaves, dirt, and other waste. You can find rake kits with different attachments, including a scoop and gutter grabber. It ultimately helps you clean your gutters without much strain.
8. Leaf Blower with Extension
A leaf blower is a great way to clean your gutters as long as they are dry. But to avoid damaging your roof or gutters, you should use a gutter cleaning attachment. These attachments can be as long as 20 feet, depending on which blower you are using. We recommend using proper eye and face protection as this tool will blow dirt and leaves into the air.
9. Leaf Guards
Leaf guards are the best tools to keep your gutters clean. These protective covers prevent leaves, twigs, and debris from entering your gutters, while let the rainwater pass freely. Gutter guards can last 25-30 years and often require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent investment for Utah homeowners. At Ace Gutter, we sell three types of leaf guards with extensive warranties and features.
10. Gutter Cleaning Robot
This advanced gutter cleaning tool is ideal for gutters that are really high or not easily accessible. You need to drop the robot in the gutter, turn it on, and let it work its magic. The robot will travel along the gutter system, removing waste and debris. Top models like the iRobot Looj 330 may come with more advanced features.
11. Ice Melt Systems
Ice melt systems are not a gutter cleaning tool as such. But they do keep your gutters safe from heavy snowfall. They prevent ice dam formations, which may damage your rain gutters and even roof. In Utah, we get a healthy dose of snowfall every winter, making it necessary to install ice melt systems to protect your home.
Get Your Gutters Cleaned by a Professional Gutter Cleaning Service
While these tools can help you keep your gutters free of debris, it’s better to have them cleaned and checked by professionals at least once a year.
When you hire experts, you can:
- Get your gutters cleaned safely and efficiently, as they have the proper training and safety gear.
- Save time, especially if you haven’t cleaned your gutters before.
- Enjoy a thorough cleanup that removes dirt and debris from even the hard-to-reach areas.
- Quickly spot and repair damages that most DIYers might miss.
- Avoid costly repairs and replacements caused by water damage or structural issues.
Conclusion
If you are a DIY enthusiast, use these tools for your next gutter cleaning. Easy to use, these tools can help you clean up the gutters quickly, efficiently, and without compromising your safety. It’s easy to buy or rent these tools. However, we strongly recommend getting your gutters checked by professionals at least once a year. This should protect your house from rainwater damage and costly repairs down the line.
But if you would rather leave your gutter cleaning to a professional, look no further than Ace Gutter Inc. We are a go-to for all your gutter cleaning, repair, and replacements in Utah. Contact Ace Gutter to schedule your cleaning.