Although I know that regularly removing leaves and sludge from my gutters is an essential maintenance task, the reality is that I’ve never wanted to do it myself. So, I’ve spent the past few years paying professionals a small fortune to do the job for me. But in an effort to save money, I’ve decided to invest in gutter cleaning tools and start doing it myself.
After all, cleaning your gutters professionally can cost anywhere between £50 and £500, depending on the size of your house, your location, access issues, and the degree of blockage. In my area and for my terraced house (which has very limited access at the front and back due to its elevation), this means that I’ve spent around £150 a pop, sometimes up to three times a year when the weather gets bad.
When you also consider that I’ve lived there for just over five years, that means I’ve probably spent around £2,000 on something I could realistically do myself (well, with a bit of help from my husband). So, while some of the gutter cleaning equipment below may have higher upfront costs, they’ll ultimately save me money in the long run as I’ll already have them to hand year after year.
While they may not be a specific gutter cleaning tool, gutter guards will help to keep your gutters clean. So, you shouldn't have to clean them as often, and you'll be able to prevent any leaking gutters.
Talking about the dangers of blocked gutters, Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades, says, 'Homeowners often wait until it’s too late. They see a few leaves on their roof and think nothing of it, but they don't realise the debris is slowly forming a major blockage that could lead to a disastrous leak.'
Ultimately, prevention is always better than the cure, which is why Glen suggests using gutter guards - something I've already added to my basket. He says, 'This easy and effective trick relies on a basic principle: stop the leaves from getting in, in the first place.
And while a ‘hedgehog’ variety like this ZYBUX Gutter Brush (£16.95 at Amazon) is extremely effective, I prefer the price and the look of the flat gutter guards like the ones above. But before I fit them, I need to actually clean my gutters, so this is what I'll be using for the job.
DIY gutter cleaning equipment
Gutter cleaning can be a messy business, but this scraper allows you to remove leaves and sludge without getting your hands dirty. It has seriously impressive reviews on Amazon, and I think it's incredibly affordable for less than £8, too.
A ladder is a must-have when cleaning gutters, no matter whether you live in a bungalow or a two-storey home. This is the model I have my eye on, as it can be used in four different configurations for future DIY tasks around the house.
£1 for a bucket?! That's a serious bargain, and one you'll want to make the most of for cleaning gutters. I'll be snapping this up and using it to hold all of the leaves and sludge I find in my gutters. The carry handle means it'll be easy to use on a ladder, too.
Gutter guards come in many different forms, and I'm also considering buying these outlet guards. So, instead of protecting the horizontal gutter pipes, they'll stop leaves and other large debris from entering the downpipes.
Kärcher is known for offering some of the best pressure washers out there - and I am the proud owner of one myself. That's why I'm tempted by this pressure washer extension kit, which moves itself through the guttering and uses high-pressure water to dislodge leaves and sludge.
Using a brush is a handy way to not only remove debris from gutters, but also clean away any lingering mud. This affordable gutter cleaning brush also comes with a telescopic handle, so no ladder is required to get the job done.
Dedicated gutter vacuum systems can be expensive, but a budget hack is to use one of the best leaf blowers instead. However, investing in something like this Universal Fit Gutter Cleaning Kit for Blowers by Worx (£57.68 at Amazon) will make the process much safer.
Slightly different to the other gutter scraper I spotted, this one comes with an extension pole so you can clean your gutters without a ladder. However, it'll also hook onto your ladder if you do want to take it up with you and get a closer look at your gutters.
I know just how important it is to hose down gutters after cleaning them, which is why a hose like this is a worthy addition to your gutter cleaning caddy. I already have one at home, but if I were looking to replace it, I'd definitely opt for this 50m one.
There are so many DIY gutter cleaning tools out there, and I intend to make use of them! However, it’s important to note that if you can’t safely do it yourself, you should always enlist the help of a professional.
