Fall Gutter Cleaning Checklist

By Chelsea Welsh, Gutter Helmet.

Share this article of gutter cleaning tips with your customers.

Crisp air, pumpkin spice, warm and fuzzy sweaters, leaves crunching below your feet – these are all signs of fall we look forward to. Unfortunately, the enjoyable signs of fall also mean that one dreaded task is coming: gutter cleaning. If gutter cleaning is something you try to avoid because you aren’t sure how to get started, here’s how to do it.

Before You Get Started

Technically, all you really need to clean gutters is a ladder, something to scoop the leaves or debris from the gutters, and something to put the debris in. However, there are a few other supplies that will make the job a little easier.

• Quality gloves
• Scrub brush that fits in the gutter
• Rubber-soled shoes
• Tarp
• Hose with sprayer

It’s also a good idea to have another person to assist with emptying the bucket that you are using to put the debris in and spot you for safety as you go up and down the ladder. If you have a pressure washer, it can be nice to use on any stuck-on muck. If the debris is dry, you can use a heavy-duty vacuum to suck up the mess as well.

How to Get Started

Having a plan will help the job feel less overwhelming. Decide if you’re going to use one method of cleaning (like scooping and dumping on the tarp or in your bucket, or vacuuming the leaves). Make sure the person holding your ladder and otherwise assisting you knows what you’re going to do so they don’t end up covered in muck! Other tips are to apply sunscreen if it’s a sunny day, and to spray bug spray on your exposed skin as gutters are a prime place for bugs to build nests.

Be Safe

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, over 164,000 Americans are treated for ladder-related injuries each year. To avoid becoming a statistic, always keep three points of contact with the ladder – like both feet and one hand. Don’t hold a garbage bag or bucket in one hand and try to scoop with the other. Try to resist the urge to lean too far over on the ladder. It may take a bit more time to go up and down, but your safety is worth it.

Why Cleaning Before Winter Is So Important

Some homeowners think it’s not that important to get their gutters clean before winter; however, clogged gutters lead to ice dams in colder climates. The volume of leaves that fall almost always fills up gutters, which will lead to water running over the edge which can cause significant damage to your home. If you’re tired of cleaning your gutters, compare gutter guard systems for your home. You’ll find that one name stands out above the rest: Gutter Helmet®. In addition to gutter guards, we also can install heated gutter covers to help prevent damage from ice and snow all winter long.

Many homeowners simply choose to hire a professional. Learn how you can become a Gutter Helmet dealer and benefit from the lead generation program and the superior sales and marketing support.