We all have them, they get full of muck, and if they don’t do their job we could have some serious problems. Our Gutters. When working properly and looking clean like they should it can really make a homeowner happy and save us all from any future home issues. But when they are full, dirty and not working properly we all know where that leaves us… with some work to do.

When it rains and all the leaves get trapped inside our gutters along with the debris from the roof, dirt and asphalt from our shingles, over time they eventually get clogged. We’re going to go over a few simple ways to clean them inside and out and prevent them from getting clogged again.

Inside Cleaning

The best way to clean any gutter is to start by removing anything that is inside.

You will need:
– Ladder
– Bucket or a bag
– Plastic scoop or mini shovel
– Gloves

This part can be very messy and depending on your gutters you will need to be careful of getting any cuts on your hands or arms. Long sleeves are recommended. Use your plastic scooper to help you remove large amounts of debris that may be inside. Use the bucket or bag to throw away the dirt. You will need to keep doing this until it’s mostly gone and the remainder can be washed down with water.

Outside Cleaning

We have all seen dirty gutters. They get streaks, dirt, maybe even moss growing on the exterior. Let me reassure you, we can get them looking new again! You will need:

– Ladder
– Scrub Brush
– A phosphate-free cleaner/ degreasing and powerful stain remover
– Towel

Start by wetting the gutter with water, apply the solution and let sit for a few minutes. Afterwards, scrub the surface, and wipe dry with a rag or towel. If needed you can repeat.

Power Washing

Sometimes it does come down to it and you need a more powerful way to clean your gutters. Especially if they are completely covered and they need some serious cleaning or you just don’t want to mess with them. Hiring a professional to do the job will save you time and money and they have all the supplies needed to clean.

Preventing

If we don’t already have them, investing in gutter protectors is the best way to prevent our gutters from filling up with leaves and debris. There are a few different options out there:

1. Hinged Metal Protectors
Acts as a gate that sits on top of the gutter, attaches the the front, very durable, although it can be seen from below so you will have to think if you like the style.

2. Pvc Protectors
A plastic protector snaps onto the gutter, trapping anything besides water from entering, very durable and they come in many common colors to match your home.

3. Plastic Foam Mesh
Easy to install, fits right inside standard gutter, seals out leaves while allowing large volumes of water to flow through quickly.

It’s not over until it’s clean. Give these tips a try and clean up your gutters.

Many people that are new in the business tend to stay away from one of the most efficient power cleaning tools, “Upstream Injectors.” It is way more common to use downstream injectors instead. But what most people do not realize is how using upstream Injectors will save you time and money.

Uses :

Typically when cleaning we are looking at mold, dirt, streaks and stains. When we think about the steps of cleaning it the most efficient way, we want to know we are taking full advantage and using the best tools possible for the job.

Using an upstream injector is great for working with stains and dirt that has been embedded into the surface. Especially areas that are sensitive to strong chemicals that in the long run will end up doing more damage than it did any good. This type of injector is designed to be used with MILD soaps. The soap will run through the pump and be applied at high pressure and we will slowly raise the temperature.

Now you have :

1. Gentle but an aggressive cleaning product

2. Pressure

3. Temperature

All three elements share a part in working harder together to get the surface looking good as new.

Keep in mind: Check with your pressure
washing pump and find out if it can handle chemicals running through it. On most pumpsit WILL cause damage. We suggest using mild soaps and to stay far away from using acids and strong detergents.

Benefits :

Using an upstream injector allows you to reach up to 40ft high. You will have all your tools and machinery on the ground and know that you are safe. You will be able to reach those hard to get places quickly and easily and still have your feet on the ground.
Also this method of power washing really saves you time. Not only is it more efficient when reaching high spots, but it really is thorough. Again with the combination of the pressure that is being used and the warm-hot temperature creates the best way to get that clean surface back. It does so in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.

Getting the results you want right away is a plus because you won’t have to keep repeating your steps to try to get it clean, therefore wasting more product and more valuable time. Because after all, time is money right?