gutter cleaning question - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

Blizzard Man · #1 (**permalink**) 05-22-04

Saw this business idea on another board.
What kind of equipment do we need to start a gutter cleaning business besides a ladder and a good pair of gloves?I read on this board about a gutter getter,what is that?Is there a way to clean gutters without getting on a ladder?I looked in the search and found alot about gutter cleaning but nothing really about tools or equipment to use.From what I have read the going rate is $1 per foot.
Am I right or did I read it wrong?
Thank for your help.
Tim

Mark · #2 (**permalink**) 05-23-04

Tim,

Not sure about the going rate, but the equipment is pretty economical, especially if you already have a pressure washer.

the_GUNN_man · #3 (**permalink**) 05-23-04

The problem that I have with the "gutter sweep" attachment is that it leaves a horrible mess when you are done. It is easier to get a bucket and a ladder and take all the junk out by hand then it is to blow it all over the yard and then rake it up. Most customers I do gutter cleaning for have well manicured lawns and are very picky about leaves and junk on their lawns. One thing I have heard people using is an industrial size shop vac to suck out the leaves. The hose has to be fairly big so it doesn't clog up.

A1PW.LLC · #4 (**permalink**) 05-23-04

http://shopping.netledger.com/app/si...tegory.2027/.f Give this place a look.

Blizzard Man · #5 (**permalink**) 05-23-04

Thanks guys,industrial shop vac,would have never thought of that.Mark,do you sell that?
And if so,how much?A1PW.LLC,that's some awesome stuff that place has.

jon chapman · #6 (**permalink**) 05-23-04

Mark,
Ive tried that piece of equipment 2x, Each time ive had such a problem controling it, it wasnt worth the effort. ended up on the roof with a straight wand. Steve is right about the mess, almost have to rinse the whole house afterward.

oneness · #7 (**permalink**) 05-24-04

Try using a regular blower...there's not nearly the mess, since you're going using water. If the gutters are seriously full and have been for a while, you'll have a lot of mud from decomposing leaves, but that's usually not as bad as using the washer.

The only way I'll using the washer to clean gutters is if I'm already going to be doing the house and roof, and I have the wand on the roof already. Otherwise, I use a leaf blower. Raking leaves is much faster than having to remove it all by hand.

klean_freak · #8 (**permalink**) 06-14-04

DA## GOOD IDEA wow SHOP vac TY SIR

jgclean · #9 (**permalink**) 05-02-06

Hello Blizard
I have designed and built the unit you are looking for and use it daily in my gutter cleaning business. Here is a product description and a picture.
GUTTER CLEANING TOOL WITH HIGH VACUUM SUCTION
FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL USE
System Includes: US Made Commercial Vacuum System Head, 13 Feet of Suction Hose, 8 Suction Tubes, Suction Nozzle Head Attachments, Instruction Manual, 2 Hours of Toll Free Phone Time to Technical Service on System Operation.
Works on the same principle as your city/town truck vacuum that collects leaves from the road side. The System is used daily in my Gutter Cleaning Company. Access to the gutters is from the ground using extension tubes allowing you to clean the second story of homes. As you do not need ladders to clean the gutters you are able to complete the cleaning task faster and safer. System Collects wet or dry: Leaves - Maple/Oak, Pine Needles as well as roof tile grit. Customers love the Vacuum Cleaning process as all the debris is collected into a container. Other cleaning processes like High Pressure Washing and Blowing the Debris from the gutter leave the residence and surrounding landscapes littered with gutter crud

SunBriteofMD · #10 (**permalink**) 05-04-06

This vaccum system method you have seems like it would be difficult to use. How can you be sure that it get's everything out? What about sticks and other large items. What about clogged downspouts? High powered back pack blowers seem like a much more effective but it does involve going on the roof.