Skip to Content

How to Clean Gutters from the Ground without a Ladder

how to clean gutters from the ground without a ladder

Many of us have gutters on the side of our house, and they are often neglected. What most people don’t realize is that unclogging your gutter can be done from the ground without a ladder!

This article will teach you how to clean gutters without a ladder so you don’t need to worry about getting up high anymore.

Before we get into how to clean gutters without a ladder, let’s first talk about what exactly the gutter is. A gutter is something that hangs from your roof and directs rain water away from your home.

Without gutters, you would have problems with standing water on your lawn or mud everywhere which can cause damage to both structures and grass.

Different Ways How To Clean Gutters?

There are many ways to approach cleaning out your gutters and it all depends on the type of gutter system you have:

  • If you have a standard metal or rubber seamless gutter, then taking a long brush with an angled handle is best.
    • You will be able to fit into any corner or section that needs clearing out!
  • For vinyl/plastic gutters, using a small scrub brush with a long handle is the best way to get into all of those tricky spots.
  • If you have wood gutters, then be sure that you only use cleaners and tools made just for this type! You don’t want to risk damage or ruin your new gutter system!
  • For concrete gutters, make sure to use a stiff brush or even a pressure washer if you have one that will work well for the type of gutter.
    • You may need to use bleach or another cleaning solution that will work best for the concrete.
  • Use a garden hose to spray down the area before you start so that any loose debris is washed away.
    • You can also use a long handled brush to help scrub off anything stuck in there too!
  • Use a pole with a leaf rake at the end to help pull all of that debris off.
  • After this, just hose everything one again and let it dry out for at least 24 hours to ensure it’s completely clean.
  • Make sure to use a vacuum or air compressor to get rid of all the dust and dirt that may be left over too!

Step by Step Guide in Cleaning the Gutter Without a Ladder

We can’t stress how important it is to unclog your gutter, so you’ll need a few supplies in order to get started.

You will want to use gloves and safety glasses when cleaning the gutters because there may be sharp debris that falls into the water below.

  • Gardening Gloves (to protect hands from scrapes and cuts)
  • Safety Glasses (to protect the eyes from falling debris like rocks, sticks and leaves)
  • A bucket of water;
  • A long brush with an angled handle (if using a metal or rubber gutter);
  • A scrub brush/telescopic brush, with a long handle (if using vinyl/plastic gutters)
  • Only cleaning products designed for your type of gutters;
  • A pressure washer, 
  • Leaf blower,
  • Stiff bristled brush or other tool that will work best.

Now that you have your supplies ready to go, it’s time to start cleaning:

Remove any debris from the top of your gutter with a rake

  • Place a bucket underneath the gutters to catch any water and debris that falls out. Be sure you have enough room for all this extra “stuff” because it will start spilling over!
  • Using some sort of cleaning tool (a broom handle, small brush, etc.) start brushing the debris out of your gutters. Even if you can’t see inside, it’s still important to clean them because they will clog again very quickly!
  • If there is any dirt or mildew buildup around where the gutter meets the house wall, use a small brush and some water to scrub it away. This will keep your home from being damaged or stained.
  • Once you have finished brushing the gutters, hose them off with water and flush any remaining dirt out of them!
    • This is a good time to check for any leaks as well. Anywhere where there’s a hole in the gutter can cause serious damage on your roof over time if it’s not fixed.
  • If the gutter has a crack, you can apply some latex caulk to seal it shut!
    • This will keep water from getting into your home and causing damage that needs more repairs later on down the road.
  • Once your gutters are clean, check them again in an hour or so just to be sure that they’re not clogging up already.
    • If you notice any debris building back up, go ahead and give your gutters another quick cleaning!
  • Now that you’ve learned how to clean the gutter without a ladder, you’ll be able to keep them nice and clean in no time at all!

Most people don’t think about cleaning their gutter until they notice water spilling over into their home, but this can be prevented with routine maintenance.

How Often Do I Need to Clean My Gutters?

There are a few things you can do to make sure your gutters stay clean. Make it a routine every time you mow the lawn or rake leaves in the fall to check each section of gutter and remove any debris that has fallen inside.

The best way for this is by using a long gardening tool with a hook on the end.

You can also look at your gutters and ensure that they are not cracking or leaking any water anywhere on the house itself. If there is a leak in one section of gutter, it may lead to more damage if not fixed right away!

Clean your gutters at least twice a year to ensure that the job is done correctly and once in between if you notice water spilling over or debris building up. It’s an easy chore, but one that can save your home from expensive damage!

How to Clean Gutters from the Ground without a Ladder

What Causes Gutters to Clog?

There are a few reasons why your gutters might get clogged over time:

  • If you have trees that are near your home, it’s important to make sure the leaves don’t pile up on the roofline.
    • If they get too high, debris can fall into your gutters and cause them to clog over time!
  • A common reason is because of ice dams during winter. Ice forms at the peak of your roof and then melts as it travels down the roofline.
    • It can cause your gutters to overflow or even create a blockage that will stop water from draining through!
  • A very small amount of dirt over time is okay, but if you have too much soil coming into your gutter system this can also lead to debris building up quicker than normal.
  • If you have any animals that use your roof as a bathroom, this can create clogs in the gutter because of all the bacteria and urine!
    • Make sure to keep your gutters clear if you want them lasting long term.

What Are the Types of Gutters?

The types of gutters are metal, vinyl/plastic, or rubber.

  • Metal gutters will be made from aluminum and last the longest if maintained properly.
    • They do tend to clog up easier than other types though because they rust over time with exposure to water.
  • Vinyl/plastic is a more affordable option that comes in many different colors and shapes.
    • They may not last as long as metal gutters, but they are very easy to maintain and clean out.
  • Rubber gutter is the most affordable option; however, it’s also the shortest lived on average because of exposure to sunlight over time.
    • It doesn’t rust like metal or break down like vinyl/plastic gutters though, and is still a good choice if you don’t mind having to replace them every few years.
How to Clean Gutters from the Ground without a Ladder

What Is the Difference Between a Seamless Gutter and With Seams?

Seamless gutters are often made of aluminum and offer a long life expectancy, whereas many older homes have gutter systems with seams. 

Seamless gutters might be more expensive than ones with seams, but they are worth the investment if you want your gutters lasting longer.

These can rust or even freeze over time if they aren’t done correctly! 

How Do I Know if My Gutters Are Working Correctly?

If you notice any of these signs, then it’s time to take a look at your gutter system:

  • Water spilling over into your home when there shouldn’t be; 
  • Water pooling on the surface of your roofline;
  • Water draining in different areas than usual or not at all;
  • Leaves and other debris piling up in your gutters;

It’s time to call a professional if you see any of these issues happening, as they can lead to more damage over time.

What Is the Cost for Gutter Installation?

The average price range will depend on what part of the country you live in and whether you hire a professional or decide to do it yourself.

  • Doing it yourself can cost anywhere from $25 to as much as you want to make sure your gutters are cleaned correctly.
  • Hiring a professional will usually be around the same price depending on if they offer an hourly or flat rate for their work.

It’s always best to hire someone who specializes in gutter installation and cleaning so that you can be sure your gutters are done correctly and won’t have any leaks or other issues.

What Is the Cost for a Gutter Guard?

Gutter guards tend to run on average from $50-$100 depending on what type of material they’re made out of, but if you want them to last as long as possible it’s best to invest in a high quality guard:

  • A cheaper plastic one will usually last for about three years, whereas metal can often last up to ten or more.
  • It will keep out a lot of debris and animals over time;
  • And it’s always better to have a guard that covers the whole length of your gutter system so you don’t have any gaps;
  • The longer the guard lasts, the better your gutter will work

However, you still will need to get it cleaned out every few months so that your gutters don’t get clogged up

How to Clean Gutters from the Ground without a Ladder

What Is the Cost for Gutter Repair?

The average price range will depend on what part of the country you live in and whether you hire a professional or decide to do it yourself.

Most homeowners can clean out their gutters for about $300 every ten years!

Sewer contractors are available if your damaged gutters cannot be repaired or if you need a brand new gutter system.

They can cost around $500 to remove the old gutters and install new ones, depending on how extensive the damage is!

If your roofing isn’t in great condition then it’s best to have that fixed before installing new gutters so that they don’t get damaged once the old gutters are gone.

Tips to Keep Your Gutters in Good Shape Over Time

Here are the things you need to follow in order your gutter last longer.

  • Make sure to get your gutters cleaned out at least twice a year, more often if you have trees around that drop debris constantly.
  • Be careful when it comes to cleaning the gutters yourself!
    • Don’t use high pressure water or chemicals unless they’re made specifically for this job and not just any type of cleaner will do.
  • Always have a professional come out if you’re not sure what to do with your gutters!
    • They are professionals for a reason and can clean them much better than someone who doesn’t know how.
  • If the damage is too extensive then it’s best just to replace your entire gutter system rather than trying to fix only part of it.
  • Over time, leaves and other debris will clog up your gutters if you don’t clean them out regularly so that they can still drain water properly.
  • If you don’t clean them out then the gutters can overflow and cause damage to your roof, foundation, basement or other areas of your home.
  • You can hire a professional to do the job, or -you could try learning how to clean your own gutters.
  • It’s important that you know what type of gutter guard works best for your home and family so that it lasts as long as possible without needing any repairs!

To keep them in good shape over time, always follow these tips.

Final Thought

The best way to clean gutters is by using the right equipment and technique.

After reading this blog post, you should be able to identify which are your options for cleaning gutters without a ladder so that you can have them looking spotless!

Don’t wait until it’s too late or before summer starts coming around again, take care of it now with these tips. We hope they help!

How to Clean Gutters from the Ground without a Ladder