Clearing gutters with a handheld blower

Dry leaves, seed pods, pine needles and roof grit sit loose in the channel and lift out the moment a concentrated stream hits them. Do this in a dry spell before the first heavy rain and the whole job takes a few minutes per run of gutter.

Once that debris has been rained on and pressed into a wet mat, air will not move it. Scoop it out, then use the blower to clear what remains and dry the channel.

• Set the ladder on level ground and keep three points of contact.
• Move the ladder rather than reaching past your shoulders.
• Work away from yourself so debris flies out, not into your face.
• Wear eye protection and, if there is dry mould, a dust mask.
• Do not do this on a wet or windy day, or on a high or steep roof.

Flush each downpipe with a hose to confirm it runs clear, then blow the drive and path clean of everything you just brought down. Two jobs, one tool, and no rake involved.

Can you clean gutters with a leaf blower?

Yes, when the debris is dry and loose. Air lifts dry leaves straight out of the channel. Wet sludge that has compacted at the bottom needs scooping by hand or flushing with water.

Why does a light blower matter on a ladder?

You have one hand for the tool and one for the ladder. A 2.1 lb blower can be aimed accurately one-handed; a 10 lb gas unit cannot be, safely.

Which nozzle should I use?

The concentrator. A narrow, fast stream travels along the gutter channel and lifts debris out, where a wide stream just spreads it around.

Is it safe?

Only with sensible ladder practice: level ground, three points of contact, never reaching sideways past your shoulders, and eye protection because debris comes out fast. If the roof is steep or high, hire a professional.