Gutter Scoops
In order to scoop out the debris in your gutters you can do one of two things. You can don a pair of gloves and scoop out the goop with your hands, or you can purchase a tool to get the job done. Those tools are called gutter scoops.
A gutter scoop is a deep shovel like tool that you put into the gutter and slide down the length of it. As you move the scoop, you pick up the debris clogging your gutters. One thing to be careful of when choosing your gutter scoop is size. Gutters can be anywhere from two and a half inches to five and a half inches wide.
Sure Could Do With A Gutter Scoop (click on image for ideas from Amazon.com)
Therefore, you need to make sure that your gutter scoop is as big as it can be and still fit into your gutter. If the gutter scoop is too small then you will have to do several passes to get the gutter completely clean. If the scoop is too big then you will not be able to fit it in at all.
Another characteristic of the gutter scoop that varies is the length of the handle. In general, I think that long handles are better because you can reach further away from your position with a long handle. The further you reach, the less often you will have to move your ladder. The ladder moving is probably the most time consuming step of the gutter cleaning process.
Of course, there is actually a third option for cleaning out your gutters that does not require your hands or a scoop. You can do gutter cleaning with water. It works best if the water can be delivered at high pressure. A regular hose will do an all right job, but a pressure washer would be better. Essentially, the water pushes any debris that has settled in the gutters to the downspouts and out of the system.
Related posts: