Cleaning out the roof gutters.

[_Deano]

I've got a week off work coming up and i'm hoping that the weather will be ok for me to clean out the gutters, as they have not been done since we've moved in; about 4.5 years ago.

Is there a DIY way of cleaning them out or would it be best to invest in a specific tool for the job?

Thanks

[Busamav]

One thing I would do , would be to disconnect the outlet from the gutter so the mess doesnt get pushed down the rain water pipe.

I then just get up the ladder with a bucket , plastic gloves and scoop the leaves etc out

[henrycrun]

If you don't have trees nearby they may be quite clean

[_Deano]

henrycrun said:

If you don't have trees nearby they may be quite clean

Could be quite dirty then
I'm surrounded by trees, big buggers too!

Edited by _Deano on Thursday 23 July 15:21

[Minicity]

I'd just do it by hand and if possible, just chuck all of the gunk down on to the floor. That way you only use one hand - leaving the other to help avoid death by falling. But don't underestimate how messy you can get as all the slop gradually starts running down your arm.

[Ricky_M]

Take off an end cap, get a small hand brush and push all the crap towards the open end and lob it all on the floor. Don't push it towards a running outlet.

[HiRich]

Busamav said:

One thing I would do , would be to disconnect the outlet from the gutter so the mess doesnt get pushed down the rain water pipe.

I then just get up the ladder with a bucket , plastic gloves and scoop the leaves etc out

If angles and gaps work OK, a wide garden trowel with a curved blade can make a very effective scraper.

[anonymous-user]

While you're up there, maybe fit leaf grills to stop the gutter filling up with leaves next year!

[B17NNS]

As has been said, disconnect the outlet to the downspout or you could potentially block it.

Up the ladder, and use a wet mop with a long handle, saves being up and down like a brides nightie.

[jas xjr]

i hang a carrier bag on one side of the ladder and wear a rubber glove and scoop all the crap up and put it in the bag

[eps]

jas xjr said:

i hang a carrier bag on one side of the ladder and wear a rubber glove and scoop all the crap up and put it in the bag

+1 works for me as well

ETA : then dump contents on compost heap

Edited by eps on Saturday 25th July 20:49

[Busamav]

eps said:

ETA : then dump contents on compost heap

+1