Using a pressure washer or water jet to clean gutters can seem like an effective alternative to manual cleaning. The high-powered spray can dislodge debris and peel away built-up gunk faster than hand tools. However, these systems come with risks like potential damage to gutters and surrounding areas. Proper precautions are vital for both safety and prevention of property damage.
This article will explore the necessary safety steps when using pressure washers or water jets on gutters. We’ll cover what kinds of protective equipment must be worn during operation, as the spray from the equipment can easily injure or damage property. Additionally, we’ll look at how to mitigate risks like damage from powerful spray settings which could compromise the gutters themselves.
Finally, we’ll examine how effective pressure washing methods are for thorough gutter cleaning in the first place. While the force may dislodge debris rapidly, it may still leave some buildup behind or be unable to access certain spots clogged with leaves and dirt.
Understanding limitations as well as risks will lead to the safest and most effective use of pressure washers or water jet systems on gutters. Taking the proper precautions allows these methods to be viable alternatives to manual cleaning.
What safety precautions should I take when using pressure washers or water jets on gutters?
Pressure washing gutters requires caution to avoid injury or property damage. The powerful spray can ricochet debris at high velocities, requiring safety glasses and gloves at minimum. Closed-toe, non-slip shoes add stability on ladders and reduce injury if you spray your feet accidentally. Masks limit inhalation of atomized debris and chemicals. Finally, deafening noise mandates hearing protection when working for extended intervals or in confined areas. Never take short-cuts with protective gear when pressure washing!
Do I need to wear protective equipment?
Pressure washers and water jet systems eject water and debris with enough force to damage eyes, skin or hearing if unprotected. Always wear closed-toed shoes to keep your feet safe on ladders. Non-slip soles provide stability. Gloves guard against skin damage plus improve your grip. Wraparound glasses or goggles protect eyes, while masks limit inhalation of sprayed particles. Use hearing protection like work-rated headphones or ear plugs to prevent gradual hearing loss from the loud noise.
How can I avoid electrical hazards?
Using electric pressure washers or water jet systems in the vicinity of overhead power lines or electrical sockets presents electrocution risks from water contact. Ensure cords are grounded and connected to GFCI outlets. Keep all elements a safe distance from power sources – this may require running extension cords to grounded outlets further away. Never spray water directly at wiring or electrical components. Similarly, avoid spraying flood lights or other electrical fixtures mounted near the roof. Finally, use responsible ladder positioning to prevent any unintentional contact between your equipment and nearby power lines.
How can I prevent damage to gutters and roofing when pressure washing?
Pressure washers and water jet systems must be used carefully when cleaning gutters to avoid costly damage to the home. Gutters and drain pipes made of aluminum, vinyl or other lightweight materials can be dented, cracked or ripped by the intense spray. Shingles and roof tiles are also vulnerable. Adjusting the pressure, spray pattern and angle are key to preventing damage while still effectively removing debris.
What PSI level is safe for gutters?
Most homeowners should keep pressure below 1500 PSI when cleaning gutters to prevent damage, lower for fragile materials. However, the optimal setting depends on factors like gutter construction, shape and existing condition. Vinyl gutters need under 1000 PSI – start around 700-800 PSI and adjust as needed. Aluminum allows slightly higher pressures. Scan for existing cracks beforehand since high-pressure water can expand small fissures rapidly. Remember you can always start low and increase power if needed.
What angle should I point the pressure washer?
Always direct the pressure washer spray parallel along the length of the gutter, never upwards at an angle into the gutter or downwards directly at shingles. Spraying water up behind gutters detaches debris but drives it up under roof tiles and shingles rather than flushing it out. Angling the spray down simply damages shingle surfaces. Instead, spray inside the gutter but parallel to its slope. This guides dislodged particles down towards drain openings without driving moisture up behind the gutters.
Are pressure washers and water jets effective at fully cleaning gutters?
Pressure washers blast away leaves, sticks and other debris with forceful water jets, seemingly promising thorough gutter cleaning. However, the spray primarily detaches surface-level debris rather than removing hardened gunk or deeper blockages. Leaves covering clogged drains also often remain in place after power washing. For these reasons, an additional manual cleaning is required after pressure washing to clear any remaining debris, clean deeper buildup with tools, and ensure proper drainage by checking downspouts.
Will I still need to manually remove some debris after pressure washing?
Despite its debris-blasting power, pressure washing alone won’t perfectly clean gutters in most cases. It easily eliminates surface-level leaves and light debris, however heavier decaying organic matter or densely-packed dirt clumps can remain intact even after high pressure rinsing. Loose debris flushed out by pressure washing might also get trapped again at bends or drain covers. Getting up on a ladder afterwards to use gutter cleaning tools lets you thoroughly finish the job.
What kind of buildup do these methods remove best?
Light debris accumulation like leaves, seeds/pods, pollen dust and external sediment wash away easily under high pressure spray. However, compacted decaying leaf matter putrifies into a cohesive mat that cannot be broken up through water pressure alone. Similarly, densely packed dirt, roof grit and moisture-hardened organic accumulations often prove too tightly consolidated for the spray jet to fully penetrate or disintegrate. For the deepest cleaning possible, manual scrubbing works best on thicker, harder buildup inside gutters.
What other methods can supplement pressure washing for gutter cleaning?
While pressure washers quickly remove light debris, deeper blockages often remain even after power spraying. Combining manual cleaning methods before or after pressure washing results in the most thorough gutter cleaning. Manual scrubbing dislodges compacted decay and debris the spray cannot penetrate alone. Clearing any remnants after pressure washing ensures open drainage.
Should I use gutter cleaning tools before or after?
It’s actually most effective to use gutter cleaning tools both before and after pressure washing for a complete job. Pre-treating problem areas with deeper buildup first helps the pressure spray penetrate. Follow up scraping out the mud and matted leaves dislodged but not flushed out by the spray. Lastly, check for any remaining debris at bends and drain covers after drying.
Are chemical cleaners safe if combined with pressure washing?
Chemical gutter cleaning products use harsh solvents or corrosive ingredients to dissolve organic matter. Pressure washing atomizes chemicals, allowing inhalation and skin exposure. Never mix chemical cleaning treatments with power washing! If previously applied chemicals remain, always manually rinse gutters first. Determine if old paint contains dangerous lead before attempting to strip it with pressure for repainting.
Contact Clean Pro Today!
Now that you know both the power and limitations of pressure washing for DIY gutter cleaning, contact our professional technicians to safely tackle that annual chore. Our team brings years of experience using pressure washers at the ideal settings to blast away debris without damaging your home. Let us handle the dangerous high-ladder work while you relax!
