How To Remove Dirt From Your Gutters

Dirt. It’s a four-letter word that’s great for gardening, and you might be tempted to think that leaving it in your gutters in no big deal.

Not true. When it comes to your gutters, dirt can cause major problems. I’ll cover what those problems are a little later and give you several tips to get it out of your gutters based on my gutter cleaning experience in Falcon, Monument, and the Colorado Springs areas. First, though, let’s examine how dirt gets inside your gutters.

How Does Dirt Get In My Gutters Anyway?

Rain and snow fall onto your roof and gutters. They bring with them dirt that stays behind. The wind brings a fair amount of dirt and pollen also, especially if you’re out east in an area like Peyton. However the dirt gets in your gutters, if you don’t remove it, you could incur problems.

A common problem caused by dirt is that it clogs downspouts and the elbows that connect your gutter system. Another long-term issue is the compounding effect of dirt over time. Each year, more and more dirt settles in your gutters. As the dirt builds up, the flow of water is impeded. You now have standing water in your gutters, which leads to rust. The final concern with dirt in your gutters is the excessive weight that comes with it. That weight can cause the gutters to sag or even rip away from the house. It’s easy to see why dirt isn’t good inside your gutters. So, do you get that dirt out?

Tools To Get the Dirt Out

There are several ways to remove dirt from your gutters. A simple approach is with a scoop like the Amerimax Gutter Getter Scoop. The scoop is durable, firsts easily inside your gutters, and does an excellent job at getting dirt out. Pair it with a bristle brush for deep cleaning. The downsides of using a scoop are that you’ll need to use a ladder to get to your gutters, and removing it can be tough work. A typical gutter cleaning for COS Exterior Services is two to four hours.

A simpler approach is using a pressure wand or garden hose to flush your gutters. This works best if there isn’t a lot of dirt and as always, be careful when using a ladder. Follow all the recommended safety and manufacturer guidelines. A louder and quicker option is to use the hose attachment with your leaf blower or shop vac. If you do decide to go this route, be careful, as the dirt can be thrown onto you or the house. Popular Mechanics has a great write-up of several tools including the Gutter Getter here- (https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/g40079986/best-gutter-cleaners/).

The Real Reason To Remove Dirt From Your Gutters

So let’s review. Dirt is bad for your gutters and there are several ways to get it out from a simple scoop to a shop vac. Regardless of the tool you use, the key is to be consistent in removing it regularly. Dirt has a compounding effect on your gutters over time, so getting it out every year is important. Doing so will help your gutters work better and last longer. If you looking for a gutter cleaning service near Colorado Springs, Falcon, Peyton, Monument, or Black Forest to remove that dirt, consider COS Exterior Services. Our phone number is 719.401.5576