Why Should You Pressure Wash Your Gutters?
Regularly pressure washing your gutters is one of the most important yet often overlooked tasks for maintaining the health of your home. Clogged gutters filled with leaves, twigs, and debris can cause serious issues like water damage, mold and mildew growth, and eventual structural damage that leads to costly repairs.
By removing built-up debris and dirt using a pressure washer, you can keep your gutters functioning properly to drain water away from your roof and walls. This helps prevent water from pooling on your roof, seeping into walls and foundations, and overflowing gutters. Pressure washing also clears out any clogs in downspouts so water can flow freely.
How To Pressure Wash Your Gutters
Because the gutters are usually put in high places, so it out of reach for you. For the best performance, you should prepare the best gutter cleaner. It can help you easily to clean and save your time
BEFORE YOU START
Gather all your tools: pressure washer, gutter cleaning attachment or narrow nozzle, gloves, safety glasses, brush, ladder, and bucket.
Use the gutter cleaner or make by mixing a gallon of warm water with 1-2 cups of liquid dish soap in a bucket to make a heavy-duty detergent solution for the gutters. You can refer to making the cleaner from the Dawn dishwasher here.
Put on your protective equipment – gloves, glasses, and long sleeves.
SET UP
Place your ladder securely at one end of the gutter. Depending on the height of your house can be 1 or 2 stories, you need to you a suitable ladder.
Connect the Pressure Washer Wand Extension to the nozzle and choose the right nozzle for cleaning the gutter at a 15 or 25-degree.
Adjust the PSI to between 1300-1500. Start at the lower end and increase if needed.
Step 1: Loosen Debris
Spray water into the gutter and along the seams with the pressure washer to loosen stuck-on debris. This will prep the gutters before applying the detergent solution.
Use the spray to break up large clumps of leaves and other debris. Mention draining the water hole on the gutter.
Step 2: Apply the Detergent
Pour the detergent solution mixed into the tank and spray it around with the pressure washer to coat the entire surface.
Let the detergent sit for 2-3 minutes to help break down oil, dirt, and grime.
Step 3: Scrub Tough Stains
For areas with heavy debris or stains, use a firm bristle brush to scrub while spraying with the pressure washer.
Keep spraying in detergent solution as needed and reapplying to problem areas.
Step 4: Thoroughly Rinse
Once the entire gutter surface is visibly clean, spray it thoroughly with water only to rinse out all remaining detergent.
Additional spraying may be needed to dislodge stubborn debris further down the downspouts. Check and clear any blockages.
Step 5: Dry Completely
Once the gutters are rinsed clean, give them a final spray of air from the pressure washer nozzle to dry them thoroughly.
Check the gutters one last time to make sure they are debris-free before turning off the pressure washer and removing your ladder.
When Should I Clean The Gutters?
To clean the gutters, you need to notice the time because it can keep you gutter clean for a long time.
At a minimum, clean gutters twice per year – in spring before leaf drop and in fall after leaf drop. More frequent cleanings can be needed depending on debris accumulation.
Here's a recommended schedule for gutter cleaning:
Spring: Clean gutters in early spring after winter is over and snow has melted. Winter weather can cause debris accumulation from fallen leaves, tree branches, and ice/snow buildup. Spring cleaning removes this debris before the heavy rains of spring and summer.
Early summer: Optional mid-year cleaning to remove debris accumulated during spring plant growth and early summer rains. This helps ensure gutters remain clear for the height of the rainy season.
Late summer/early fall: Clean gutters again in late summer or early fall before leaf drop begins in earnest. This removes debris before leaves begin accumulating in gutters through autumn.
Fall: Thorough fall cleaning after leaves have finished falling. This is the most important cleaning of the year, ensuring gutters are completely clear before winter arrives again.
After severe weather: Clean gutters as needed if a major storm causes a buildup of debris. This may require an extra cleaning outside of the normal schedule.
FAQs
1. What PSI should I use?
Between 1300 and 1500 PSI is recommended for gutters. Higher pressures can damage gutters. Start around 1300 and increase slightly if needed.
2. Should I use detergent?
Yes, using a heavy-duty detergent mix will help the pressure washer break up grease, mold, and stubborn debris in the gutters. Mix the detergent in a bucket before spraying it into the gutters.
3. How do I prevent debris from clogging gutters again?
Install gutter guards or covers to help keep out large debris. Rake leaves and debris off your roof when gutters are empty. Clear gutters after storms to prevent long-term buildup.
4. Will pressure washing damage my gutters?
If you use the proper PSI and nozzle, pressure washing should not damage gutters. However, be careful not to hold the nozzle too close or aim directly at weak spots or seams for extended periods of time.
5. What protection do I need?
Wear eye protection, gloves, and long sleeves to protect yourself from debris and spray. Close-toed shoes are also recommended.
Conclusion
With regular cleaning and inspections for damage, as well as following these best practices, your gutters should last for many years and perform their job of directing water away from your home's foundation.
