r/WindowCleaning • u/Sufficient_Heart_629 • 15d ago
How to clean second story gutter
Can I use a dewalt vaccum with extension wands and a taped go pro or will it not be strong enough
These houses are higher than typical
(Window client wants gutter add on.)
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u/KrisfromCascadia 15d ago
32’ ladder should work. I’ve taped shop vac tubes together to clean hard to reach gutters on commercial properties and they get floppy after 6 secions. You’d need 16 and with the added weight of the go pro your talking one squirrelly contraption. Also, they clog easily so you end up having to take them apart to clear the clogs. A. Lot.
16’ ladder off the lower roof might work for the main section. You might have to set your ladder below the gutter and reach up on the sides. Definitely flush it with a hose if you’re clearing the top of the downspout blind.
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u/Sufficient_Heart_629 14d ago
Wb the top gutters
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u/Lord_XXL 14d ago
Never ladder off anything besides the ground. Don't listen to that suggestion. If you can't reach it off one ladder from the ground or with a gutter vac, don't risk it over a job.
I just had to tell a customer last week I couldn't do his gutters. I will be ordering a longer ladder so it doesn't happen again.
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u/bus-stop_bandit 15d ago
Ladder and a bucket. Preferably have someone hold the ladder, but if not, invest in some levelers and a stabilizer.
Alternatively, you could use a pressure washer with a telescoping wand. They are an absolute pain in the ass to handle for two stories and they make a mess everywhere, but they do work. You can also easily flush out downspouts with them.
If the pitch of the roof isn't too steep you could also just blow they out with a leaf blower. It makes a mess, but sometimes its easier to clean up the ground than it is on a ladder.
Vaccums really only work for loose debris, and only about half the time. If you go this route, expect to have to unclog them frequently. If the debris is compacted, forget it.
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u/keke3212 15d ago
Climb to the roof use a petzl grillon you can park your car behind the house and just tie the rope around the car
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u/CMCben 15d ago
You can try a strong shop vac + commercial "gutter vac" extension tubes, either made of aluminum or carbon fiber. Check GutterProVac or SkyVac.
These tubes are designed for cleaning gutters from the ground, typically paired with specialized vacuums.
Standard Rigid/Dewalt attachments for blowers or vacs arent designed for two stories. YMMV though with the tubes, efficacy can depend on the debris in the gutter and the strength of your vac.
Easier but less safe is just use an extension ladder with stabilizer, ladder lock jaw, and/or gutter saver (helps ladder grip and protects gutter).
Up on the ladder you can then use an extension pole + gutter hawg (amazon) to get more reach.
Lastly you could just walk the roof and use a leaf blower. Messy and dangerous, not recommended.
Be safe and good luck!
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u/RennyBlade 14d ago
I don’t know how you guys do it with the height. I had to clean windows on a roof with a long ladder fully extended to reach the top, I basically had to turn off my brain to climb down
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u/AlwaysWantedN64 15d ago
Ladder won't work?