Gutter Cleaning

Gutter cleaning - one result, three different ways to get there.

1: Using a traditional cleaning pole

Q: "What's the advantage to cleaning my gutters the traditional pole way?"

• This is the simplest way to do it, just using ProGutter Cleaning Tools on the end of a traditional style pole. To do this you have to use a ladder to stand near the gutter and then use a pole with the ProGutter tool to drag the muck from the end of the gutter back to where you are. After this it's a simple matter to pick up the dirt and clear it away.
• There are different shapes of ProGutter tool to fit various kinds of gutter and for maximum adaptability you would be advised to have them all.
• Most window cleaners have a traditional pole and a ladder that can be used for this job so it's the cheapest way to clean gutters.

Q: "Are there any disadvantages to gutter cleaning this way?"

• For the best clean you really need to be level with the gutter and this will often mean being on a ladder.
• You need to have clear and easy access to the whole gutter so if they're curved gutters or there are corners in your way, or a large overhang on the gutter you might struggle with getting access.

2: Using a pressure washer

Q: "What's the advantage of using a pressure washer for gutter cleaning?"

• Using a pressure washer is quicker than doing it the traditional pole way. For this you need a lance with a High Pressure Gutter Cleaner extension. This will direct water downwards into the gutter to blast all the dirt outwards and upwards. It will go everywhere so it's not a tidy way to do the job. Different nozzles will produce different results so it's good to have a few available.
• Many cleaning companies already have a suitable pressure washer so it's not a big jump to buy a lance and start doing this type of cleaning.
• As with all spraying using a lance it's a good idea to have a back belt to take some of the weight of the lance from your arms.

Q: "Are there any disadvantages to gutter cleaning this way?"

• It can be difficult to control the lance when opening the trigger.
• If the nozzle comes out of the gutter while you have the trigger open it will blast downwards toward the user.
• Pressure washers are noisy!
• There's a lot of cleaning up to do once you've cleared the gutter, including washing your customer's building facia etc!

3: Using gutter vacuums

Q: "What's the advantage of using a gutter vacuum for gutter cleaning?"

• Gutter vacuums are the most popular and quickest developing method of gutter cleaning. They have many advantages. They are cleaner than pressure washer lances and quicker than traditional poles.

Q: "Why does my Gutter Vacuum pole get blocked up so often?"

• Any gutter cleaning vacuum pole or wand can get blocked up and need to be cleaned out from time to time.
• The modular style of these gutter poles is good because it allows sections to be removed and blockages cleared easily.

Q: "Why are there so many nozzle types?"

• In gutter vacuuming, variety in nozzles is important. They are different shapes and have various angles to create different airflows and loosen different types of dirt. Others are better at reaching under roof tiles that are overhanging a long way. To be truly adaptable with gutter vacuuming you really need to have a range of nozzle types.

Q: "Why do I need a camera or survey kit?"

• Many householders just don't realise just how bad their gutters are. A camera on the top of the pole can be used to show them why it's so important for you to do the job.

Q: "Are there any disadvantages to gutter cleaning this way?"

• As the equipment is specialist almost nobody will have the vacuum cleaner or pole for this type of cleaning before starting gutter cleaning so it's the most expensive type of gutter cleaning to start up.
• Large vacuum cleaners are noisy!
• Vacuum cleaners need a good electrical supply.
• Vacuums need to be kept out of direct rain.