Review of The Best Gutter GuardsHere we will run through the different types of gutter guards available for UK homes guttering systems, the advantages/disadvantages of each type of gutter guard, things to do before fitting the gutter guards and how to fit / maintain your new guards. When searching for gutter guards you will more than likely come across many american sites which have completely different gutters to us here in the UK so there guards simply would not fit/work So lets get to it.... Before even thinking about gutter guards it would be advised to make sure your homes guttering is up to its job. Step 1. Gutter Cleaning, clear all debris from your homes gutters. Check our review/guide on the best gutter cleaning tools Step 2. Water test, to carry out a water test on your guttering system simply get a hose pipe and fill the guttering with water. This will then ensure that the guttering is flowing correctly down the downpipe and into the drains also will show if any leaks are present. If you do notice a leak ensure to get this repaired before fitting any type of gutter guard as repairing the guttering with guards fitted will be more awkward. Step 3. Choosing the best gutter guards for your home. In the below guide we will go through all the different types of gutter guards available for UK home owners along with the pro's/con's of each. Hopefully this will help determine the best gutter guards for your home. Do Gutter Leaf Guards Really Work? The short answer is yes Gutter guards, or gutter covers depending what you like to call them are surprisingly effective at keeping gutters and downspouts free and clear of moss leaves and general debris. However, some are better than others, and none of them will work forever so unfortunately your gutters will still need clearing/maintaining from time to time. Top 3 Most Popular Gutter Leaf Guards For UK Homes1. The Gutter Hedgehog GuardThe gutter hedgehog is one of the first and most popular easy to install gutter guards available in the UK. The Hedgehog Gutter Brush is designed to help prevent leaves clogging gutters and drains, and subsequent water overflow. The gutter brush is comprised of stainless steel wire core and bristles with a UV resistant coating to safeguard against extreme temperatures. The result? A long lasting Hedgehog brush that's simple to use and effective in all kinds of guttering, roofing and other household tasks. Features: Adapts automatically to the shape of any gutter Can be cleaned easily Can be used in pathway drains No more leaves or twigs etc Will fit most types of gutters Virtually indestructible Easy to fit – does not require special installation expertise Long lasting Maintenance free 10 year manufacturer’s guarantee Length: 4m Diametre: 100mm Gutter Cleaning is one of those jobs nobody likes doing there is much better thing we can think of doing on our weekend of than handling the brown slimy mulch of fallen leaves and twigs that blocks your gutters and causes so many water induced repair and maintenance jobs. The Hedgehog Gutter Brush can put an end to all those problems; it is so easy to fit; maintenance free and lasts for years. An ingenious invention that sits within the gutter, preventing an accumulation of leaves and twigs, but allows water to flow freely through the gutters into the drains below. The 100mm diameter, 4m long Hedgehog Brush will fit the most common size of gutter (100 to 116mm). It automatically adapts to most shapes of gutter including square, round, classic, ogee and deep flow.
As we stated the gutter hedgehog guards are one of the easiest gutter guards to install as they are simply placed into the guttering. Sometimes clips are need to secure the gutter brush into the gutter ensuring heavy winds do not blow them out of the guttering, here is a little guide showing you whether or not you will need clips to secure these into your gutters or not. If clips are needed you can find these on amazon 2. Gutter Grid GuardsThe gutter grid style gutter guard is a much more rigid and firm gutter guard and simply clips together then placed in the gutter as shown in the video below - As shown on the video this gutter guard is relatively easy to install, although not as easy as the gutter hedgehog, also these may need to be cut as aren't able to fit directly around bends. They are still suitable for home owners to fit themselves if they are confident enough using gutter ladders, although if you have a portable scaffold tower this would make life a lot easier also making it much safer. If using ladders when fitting this type of gutter guard it can becomes really difficult when leaning the ladders up against the gutters you would be better of using a ladder stand off as this then takes the pressure and weight of you and the ladder off the guttering.
3. Gutter Mesh GuardsGutter mesh guards are a cost effective way of keeping leaves and unwanted debris from entering your guttering. These are about as easy to install as the gutter grid guards and you could get away with fitting these with just a ladder and a pair of scissors, although a portable scaffold tower would make the job a lot easier and safer. As you can see from the photos above the plastic brackets simply clip onto the edge of the guttering, once the brackets are installed the mesh then simply fits onto the bracket by pushing the bracket knobs through the holes on the gutter mesh. What we did find difficult about fitting the style gutter guard was the mesh comes in a role of 10m but if gut to the desired length it kept curling up and was hard to work with so we found it best to leave it on the role and cut it once you get to the end of the guttering run. Also it doesn't fit uniform around corners but with a few cuts you are able to get it very close. Also what we found was as there is no support in between each bracket heavier debris collapsed the mesh into the guttering so the more clips the better when fitting this style gutter guard.
SummaryAfter using and seeing the three most popular gutter guards available for UK home if i had to choose one it would defiantly without fail be the gutter hedgehog guard. The reasoning behind this is due to it seems a lot more robust than the other guards available, a lot easier to fit and remove once its time to cleaning the guttering, Its fits brilliant around corners and overall the quality of the product feels miles better the rest. The gutter hedgehog is the more expensive gutter guard but in this case i guess the old saying is true "you get what you pay for." Other AlternartivesIf you feel gutter guards aren't really appealing to you or you don't feel you would be able to fit the guards and don't fancy paying a professional there are cheaper and easier to fit alternatives. The downside to these alternatives is they only really stop your gutter outlets/downpipes from becoming blocked and do not stop leaves and debris from filling your gutters. Top 3 Gutter Outlet Guards Below we will go through the top 3 gutter outlet guards to prevent your downpipes from blockages. 1. Gutter Pipe Leaf Wire BalloonGalvanised Stainless Steel Wire - Suitable for all systems inc Alu & Copper Fitted in seconds & stops leafs and debris blocking down pipes forever Strong design & securely fits on 63-75 mm diameter down pipes GUARANTEED to fit both round or square down pipes Easy Push fit application 2. Gutter Ballon Outlet Guard This type of gutter outlet guard is a cheaper alternative to the wire version. It's still up to the job and we have installed these on many home's guttering. Key Features- Prevents leaves blocking downpipe. Fits into downpipe outlets. Suitable for either 65mm square or 68mm half round downpipe. Easy Installation 3. Gutter Mesh Outlet Guard These are great as they can be squeezed in to any shape to fit any style of guttering and under namy roof tiles that overhang low into the gutter Key futures- VERSATILE – Will fit most common downpipe sizes – very easy to fit – completely flexible – no professional assistance required – just squeeze it into place with your fingers GUTTER GUARD AND TRAP – Sieves out leaves, moss and all sorts of other muck, debris and nasties – stops your downpipe and gutters from getting all clogged up TOUGH AND DURABLE – Very long-lasting – made from metal – designed to withstand harsh weather – snow, hail, intense sunlight and freezing cold spells ERADICATES HARD LABOUR – No more need to spend ages clearing out whole gutters and downpipes – minimal effort required to keep everything clear and tidy JUST ONE BOX IS ENOUGH FOR MOST HOMES – includes 4 gutter guards – usually enough to fit with all your home’s guttering requirements SummaryHaving used all three of the above gutter outlet guards my personal favourite has to be number 1.
My 3 main reasons for this are - 1. It is a lot more robust than the other guards 2. The gaps on the guard its self aren't to small to constantly be getting blocked but also are not to big to let bigger pieces of debris through. 3. Fully adjustable legs so you can insure it has a great fit in the downpipe which will ensure what ever the weather it will not get blown out of the outlet. I hope you found our guide/reviews helpfully when looking into gutter guards or gutter outlet guards.
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Best UPVC Cleaner
The best way to clean uPVC windows is to:
Below is a list of the items you will need to clean your UPVC
Here is the list of the items you will need to clean your UPVC which can all be purchased off amazon by simply clicking the link -
Now the second part we will go more into cleaning UPVC as a professional exterior cleaner who has a bit more equipment to tackle fascia soffit gutter and UPVC window cleans.
This is more for cleaning professionals who own/use water fed pole cleaning equipment. So you already have a water fed pole cleaning set up but are struggling on window first cleans and upvc cleans to get the upvc as clean you would would like to, hopefully these few little tips will help you to leave your customers upvc gleaming :) Best UPVC Cleaners [Trade]
First off you will need a good upvc cleaner cleaning agent or TFR below are a list of the best we have used -
If you haven't already got a backpack or sprayer you will need one of these - 5L Sprayer
So before you clean the windows using your water fed pole simply dilute the best upvc cleaner to the correct concentrate as specified by the manufacture into your pump sprayer. Spray the upvc cleaner over all of the pvc leaving it to dwell for 1-3 minutes be sure not to let it dry. Now theupvc cleaner of your choose will have gotten to work removing all of those nasty stains simply clean and rinse the window off as you normally would ensuring to over rinse so there is no evidence of the upvc cleaner left this way the windows are left streak free by your purified water as normal.
Why not check some of our other guides and reviews on exterior cleaning product -
Top 10 Gutter Cleaning Tools Best Gutter Cleaning vacuum DIY Gutter Vacuum | Make Your Own Gutter Vac Best Ladders For Gutter Cleaning Best Gutter Vacuum Reviews
As there are many gutter vacuums now available on the market after searching through google and many gutter vacuum sites trying to find the best gutter vacuum it was proving hard to compare all the different gutter vacs.
We thought we would put together all the information on one page to makes it easier for you to compare the latest and most popular gutter vacs on the on the market right here on our "Best Gutter Vacuum Review Page" When it comes to Gutter Cleaning Machines SkyVac are one of the most popular brands so we thought it would be a good idea to run through a this of models first.
First we have there lowest priced gutter cleaning machine which is the
SkyVac Atom Gutter Cleaning Machine
The SkyVac Atom is the most compact gutter vacuum manufactured by Skyvac in the gutter cleaning family but still packs a powerful punch.
Due to the Skyvac Atom's size and weight it is easy to transport and ideal for the both cleaning contractors and homeowners looking to clear there own guttering. With the Atom being a high quality built product it is more than capable of tackling any gutter cleaning challenge thrown at it in. Spec: The motor wattage is an impressive 1600 watts with a water lift of 110” and a massive air flow movement of 3800 litres per minute. The container itself has a capacity of 35 litres and runs from a standard UK 3 pin plug 240v and comes supplied with an 8 metre power cable. Weight:8 kg L x W x H (cm):37 x 40 x 79 The cheapest place we found this gutter cleaning machine for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase the SkyVac Atoms on amazon by clicking the link below-
7There next model up from the sky vac atom is the gutter sucker junior below are all the details we could find on this model
Gutter Cleaning Vacuum System (Gutter Sucker Junior 8 Pole Package) 12m Reach
About this item
The compact and cost-effective Gutter Sucker Junior effectively cleans gutters up to 30ft (6 poles) all from the safety of the ground, delivering a whooping 88 inch Water Lift and 4,250 Litres Per Minute air flow. It’s robust build, super lightweight carbon fibre hybrid poles and new Cyclonic entry port means it will power through any gutter challenge thrown at it including moss, leaves and stubborn turf, with minimal blockages. The package now comes complete with the NEW 5m Wire Reinforced Suction Hose, lightweight and durable, enabling you to manoeuvrer with ease, in addition to the new 'Real Time' (non-recordable) Inspection Camera, giving you a live crystal clear picture of what's lurking in those gutters without the need of a ladder! Easy to store, this mains-powered machine will fit into the back of a caddy van or car and is the perfect add on for window cleaners, or trades people. To access gutters set back behind obstacles, simply select the appropriate gutter tool and slot into the angled silicon neck attachment for pin point gutter clearing. Easy to transport, this mighty little vac, weighs only 12kg and is mounted on robust wheels. With a removable head and washable filter, maintenance is simple! Machine Specifications:. 1500 Watt Single Motor 88 Inch Water Lift 4,250 LPM Air flow NEW: 50mm Cyclonic side Entry port click / lock 37 Litre capacity Dimensions: (L x W X H) 38 x 38 x 70cm 12kg Weight 72 DB 240V mains powered NEW: 5 M wire reinforced, 50mm suction hose 8.5 metres of power cable Chassis with 4 multi directional castors Removable & washable filter Removable Vacuum head Latching Vac Head Hooks Single Motors with on/ off light indicator Water float shut off for wet use. Practical Cable Hook Impact resistant bumper skirts 2 multi directional front castors & 2 fixed rear wheels Standard Poles, Tools & Hose 1.5M Length / 44mm diameter suction Poles weighs 310g o 1 x Orange tipped TOP pole, Blue tipped BODY poles (dependent on package purchased) 5 M Length / 50mm diameter wire reinforced suction hose 50 mm Vac to Hose Cuff / 50-44mm Hose to pole cuff 135° Goose neck tool holder (Silicone 44mm) 3 Gutter Clearing End tools. (44mm Ridged) (crevice, reducer and day tool) PACKAGE CONTAINS: Wet & Dry Vacuum Unit with 50mm Cyclonic side entry port Real Time Non Recordable Camera and Monitor 5 M wire reinforced suction Hose 1.5m Suction Poles weighing 310g 50 mm Vac to Hose Cuff 50-44mm Hose to pole cuff. 135° Goose Neck (silicone) Day Tool Reducer Tool Crevice Tool Carrying Holdall for poles and accessories Marketing pack via secure link Brand NEW ‘Real time’ Inspection Non Recordable Inspection Camera Boasting a large 4x3” colour LCD monitor, displaying a crystal-clear image and with no wires, Apps, Wi-Fi, or internet connection required - this inspection system is ready in an instant. NB: The system displays live, real time images only. It does not take photos or record video footage Inspection Camera Features Monitor:. Large 4.3” LCD screen with adjustable brightness for live image transmission. Rotate Image 180 function. Lightweight at 165g. Compact and slimline 11.5 x 30 x 13.5cm. Ability to activate LED Camera Lights from monitor. Inbuilt rechargeable battery with approx. 3hrs. Easy to use buttons. Comes with spring clip to attach monitor to suction / inspection poles. Sun visor Camera: 4 White LED lights with 2M range Inbuilt rechargeable battery with 2.5-3hrs live (depending on LED usage). Effective range of 50 metres Lightweight at 100g. Comes with Camera Stud to attach to high reach inspection pole, or Spring Clip to attach to suction poles (we recommend fixing to the neck tool holder) Ideal for Transmitting “Live” High Level surveillance images For effective gutter clearance with Gutter Sucker gutter vacuums Winning new business by showing potential customers the condition of their gutters High level property inspections such as chimneys / Roofs and lofts. The cheapest place we found this gutter cleaning machine for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase the gutter sucker junior was on amazon by clicking the link below-
Next up is there top of the range commercial gutter vacuum system the
Gutter Cleaning Vacuum System (Gutter Sucker Pro Diamond Package
The Gutter Sucker Pro Platinum Package includes everything you need to clear your gutters of debris from the safety of the ground, saving you on both risk and cost. This package comes with 7 Carbon Fibre Poles which are super strong but super lightweight (350g per 5ft pole), making them easy to manoeuvre. They can reach up to 34ft and with the use of the non-recordable wireless camera/monitor system you can see exactly what the machine is clearing without the risk of the height, and to ensure you remove every bit of waste from your gutters. This vacuum has a 60 litre capacity, 3000 watt triple motor, and an air flow rate of 6360lpm; it is suitable for a variety of environments (Wet & Dry), and comes with a full accessory kit, see list below. Included as standard:. 7-Pole Package- 10. 5m (34ft). Reach A Commercial Grade Wet & Dry Vacuum. 44mm Diameter Carbon Fibre Pole (package height does not include operator). Goose neck tool holder 3 x Gutter neck end tools. Daily end tool Crevice tool. Steel dirt breaker. Carrying Holdall for poles and accessories. Flexi hose 6 metres long (38mm diameter). Non-recordable camera system
The cheapest place we found these for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase the Gutter Sucker on amazon by clicking the link below- If you are a home owner looking to maintain and clean your own gutters then the best gutter vacuum for the job i would personal recommend would be the SkyVac Atom. This is the nearly the cheapest of all three of the gutter cleaning vacuum systems and is defiantly up to the job and would earns its keep in no time at all. If you are a professional gutter cleaner or own an exterior cleaning company then the gutter sucker is probably the better option. Its trolly makes manoeuvring the gutter vac so much easier and the power from the 6360 air litres per minute, 3000W triple motor is phenomenal, there not much these vacuums cant pull out of a gutter. Check the video below to show the suction power of the Gutter Sucker -
So with the most popular gutter vacuum systems out the way and our skyvac gutter cleaning reviews we will now look at a few of the other gutter vac brands on the market.
First we will start with the
GENIE VAC
Specifications for this item
Product Description With jobs averaging £60-£100 it will only be a matter of time before your investment has paid for itself. *With an ever changing health and safety law we all know it's only a matter of time before ladders become a thing of the past. With the GenieVac you are always safely planted on the floor and by using 3 powerful 1000w motors (3000w Max) the GenieVac can dislodge and clear gutters up to 30ft high. *Most commonly used in the residential sector however commercial business are quickly choosing to use a business using a much safer GenieVac then employing a labourer for the day and paying costly scaffold hire rates. *There are many advantages to The GenieVac *The safest solution to clean gutters conforms to Health and safety regulations. *No expensive scaffold charges or high access hire rates. *Clean to use - the 3000w motors sucks all dirt and foliage into the Vac and this can be discarded cleanly and safely. *Optional camera kit to show your customers evidence of your good work *Light and very manoeuvrable *1.5m Carbon Composite poles only 330g each *Can be used internally or externally, residentially or commercially.
Now we will take a look at the Kiam Range.
Kiam make a range of cleaning equipment with a wide range for both the residential and commercial sector
Kiam Gutter Cleaning System KV60
KV60-3 Description:
TWO MOTORS = MASSIVE SUCTION POWER. The KV60-2 utilises two individually switched 1200W motors providing fantastic suction power. Fantastic on vehicles, plant, machinery, around the workshop & warehouse. Widely used as a Gutter Vacuum cleaner when used with the Kiam Pole system Includes the following standard equipment: - Removable washable easyclean dust filter (Dry use) - Suction hose (38mm Ø X 2.5m) - Two Stainless Steel Wands - Dry floor nozzle - Wet floor nozzle - Crevice tool - Dust brush Gutter Pole Kit Description: The traditional method of gutter cleaning was using a ladder and to scoop the debris from the gutters using one hand while standing on the ladder holding on with the other also trying to hold a bag or bucket. With this pole set combined with your wet and dry vacuum you can now access areas that where previously inaccessible and clean gutters safely and effectively. Blocked gutters will reduce or even stop water flow the water will build up and it will usually find it's way into the property causing expensive damage, blockages can build up in gutters usually in inaccessible places where people have been unable to clean like above conservatories, extensions, areas where the ground is unsuitable to place a ladder, this problem is eliminated with Kiams gutter vacuum pole systems with our pole sets combined with your wet and dry vacuum access is gained with ease and offers a cost effective solution to gutter cleaning.
Now we will take a look at the Kiam KV60's big brother the Kiam KV100 with a massive 3600w triple motor.
Kiam Gutter Cleaning System KV100
KV100-3 Description:
Fantastic around the home, vehicles, plant, machinery, workshop & warehouse. Very popular with car valeters as it features THREE extremely powerful motors and an EXTRA LONG 5M HOSE. Includes the following standard equipment: - Removable washable easyclean dust filter (Dry use) - Suction hose (40mm Ø X 5m) - Two floor wands - Dry floor nozzle - Wet floor nozzle - Crevice tool - Dust brush Gutter Pole Kit Description: The traditional method of gutter cleaning was using a ladder and to scoop the debris from the gutters using one hand while standing on the ladder holding on with the other also trying to hold a bag or bucket. With this pole set combined with your wet and dry vacuum you can now access areas that where previously inaccessible and clean gutters safely and effectively. Blocked gutters will reduce or even stop water flow the water will build up and it will usually find it's way into the property causing expensive damage, blockages can build up in gutters usually in inaccessible places where people have been unable to clean like above conservatories, extensions, areas where the ground is unsuitable to place a ladder, this problem is eliminated with Kiams gutter vacuum pole systems with our pole sets combined with your wet and dry vacuum access is gained with ease and offers a cost effective solution to gutter cleaning. Works well when used with the recommended Kiam KV80-3 triple motor vacuum cleaner (not included) or the Kiam KV100-3 model too. The cheapest place we found these for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase the Kiam KV100 on amazon by clicking the link below-
How To Choose The Best Gutter Vacuum For You
When choosing the best gutter vacuum there are a few things to think about before making your purchase.
What Length Gutter Cleaning Poles Do I Need? The last thing you want to do is buy the best gutter vacuum for you after reading the review to then get it home and realise it doesn't reach you homes guttering as it isn't heigh enough. Most UK 2 story homes are approximately 5-6 meters hight so a 20ft gutter cleaning pole are more than efficient. Just make sure to remember if you need to reach over a lower extension or conservatory you will need a little more length. Gutter Vacuum Drum Size 35L,75,80L? How big is the home, if you only have a small drum like a 35L but have a large home with gutters that are full of debris you will be forever having to stop and empty the vacuum so you would be better off buying a larger gutter vac with say an 75-80L drum. What Watt Machine Do I Need? Again this all comes down to the work you intend to do with the gutter vacuum system. If you are only planning on doing smaller jobs such as bungalows and 2 story houses then a 1600w machine will work great. If you plan on doing taller three and four story homes or even commercial premises then a 2600w-3000w gutter vac would be better suited. Which Gutter Cleaning Pole Are Better Fibre Glass or Aluminium? Aluminium poles are cheaper and very durable, very rigid and great for small jobs and homeowners looking to clean there own guttering. If you are a business who will be doing larger jobs and using the poles for long periods of time then i personally would say go for carbon fibre (this is what we use). Yes they are more expensive but make cleaning the gutters a lot easier and less strenuous on your upper body. Trying to clean guttering from the ground on a 30-40ft building with aluminium gutter poles would be really hard work. Best Gutter Vacuum Reviews: Overview
So after going through and reviewing the top 6 gutter vacuums here are my recommendations:
Home Owner Gutter Cleaning Machine: If you are a home owner looking to maintain and carry out your own gutter cleaning then we recommend the SkyVac Atom. It is Skyvacs budget entry level gutter cleaning machine and comes with nice a set of lightweight carbon fibre gutter cleaning poles. Also it is a small compact machine easy for the home owner to store away and easier to move around when clearing your gutters. Commercial Gutter Cleaning Machine: If you are a gutter cleaning business or require cleaning larger buildings gutters then our top pick would be the Gutter Sucker . It comes again with lightweight carbon fibre poles, larger 106L drum on a great trolly for easy manoeuvrability even when full of debris, the drum also tips for easy emptying. Top it off the gutter sucker vacuum system comes complete with a recordable camera to see exactly what is in the guttering making the cleaning a lot easier. Not forgetting its 6360 air litres per minute, 3000W triple motor sucking power which proven to be just as good even at 40ft. If none of the above machines are within your budget you could always give making your own DIY gutter vacuum a try. If you are looking for an alternative to the gutter vacuum to clean your homes gutters take a look at- Top 10 Best Gutter Cleaning Tools Why not check some of our other guides and reviews on exterior cleaning product - Top 10 Gutter Cleaning Tools DIY Gutter Vacuum | Make Your Own Gutter Vac Best UPVC Cleaner Best Ladders For Gutter Cleaning DIY Gutter Vacuum
Make Your Own Professional 3000w 80L Gutter Vacuum For Under £455
When it comes to cleaning gutters gutter vacuums are great pieces of kit and are defiantly a tool you want.
The company's that sell these gutter vacuums and gutter cleaning poles charge an absolute fortune and not everyone is fortunate enough or just doesn't fancy spending £1000+ on a vacuum to clean gutters. We constantly see people asking for cheaper alternatives to the gutter vacuums that are available on the market and many people ask weekly on the cleaning facebook pages and cleaning forums if people have ever made there own gutter vacuum. So we have put together a list of all the bits you will need to make your own DIY gutter vacuum thats is just as good as some of the main brands. We made our own DIY gutter vacuum 3 years ago now, it gets used at least 3 times a week and still it's going strong. All the items listed below are the items we have used/purchased from amazon to make our own gutter vacs. Let's get to it, GUTTER VACUUM 3000W 80L First off you will need a 3000w wet vac, the one we use is a - MAXBLAST Industrial Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner & Attachments, Powerful 3000W, 80 Litre, Stainless Steel
For professional cleaning on a commercial scale, you'll need an industrial vacuum cleaner with a powerful motor that can take on anything!
From the MAXBLAST range these vacuums glide round wet and dry surfaces making them the ideal item for your cleaning company, Tackling the toughest of dirt these cleaners can get rid of dirt, dust, pet hair and spillages from carpets or hard floors. Product Features: • Great for wet and dry vacuuming. • 80 litre capacity. • Vacuum nozzle attachment helps to glide around corners. • Vacuum bags help to capture dust making cleaning easier and keeping the dry waste wall compact. 80L Vacuum Cleaner: • Dimensions: 58.5cm wide x 57.3cm deep x 99cm high • Voltage: 240V / 50Hz • Power: 3000W • Air Flow: 106 L/S You buy these on amazon, simply click the link below
20ft GUTTER CLEANING POLES
Once you have the gutter vacuum you will next need the gutter cleaning poles. The aluminium gutter cleaning poles are pretty much exactly the same as aluminium flagpoles -
Specifications:
Weight: 4.2 kg Material: Aluminum Wall thickness: 1.0mm Length: 20 feet (6 meters) Net Weight: 3.5 kg Packing Dim: 43×11×25cm (L×W×H) Diameter: 1.97"/ 5.0cm Gross These can be purchased HERE
Adaptors
So we have got the gutter vacuum and gutter cleaning poles so we are well on our way to making our own DIY gutter cleaning vacuum, next you will need a silicone 51mm-38mm reducer to fit from your DIY gutter vacuum hose to your DIY gutter cleaning poles - 51mm - 38mm ID Silicone Straight Reducing Hose If you are to fitting the cyclonic inlet you will not require this 51mm-38mm silicone adaptor.
This can be purchased HERE
You will also need a 135 degree flexi silicone hose to fit from the other end of your gutter cleaning poles to the gutter cleaning nozzle that will go into the gutter and clean away the muck -
51mm ID Blue 135 Degree Silicone
The link for these HERE
To make a nozzle to fit in the end of this silicone hose adaptor simply use a hacksaw and cut one of the flag poles down to the size you require to clean the gutter like this we have done in the photo below
Pole clamps
These are to keep the gutter cleaning poles together when cleaning the gutters 4 x 48mm - 51mm W4 Stainless Steel T-Bolt Hose Clamps
These can be purchased HERE
Great little extras -
You have everything you need above to make your own DIY gutter vacuum that will serve you well for years to come.
You can buy extra length of hose for the vacuum so you don't have to move the gutter vac so often, we did decided to purchased this as it just makes like easier. This can be found in the link below - These can be purchased HERE
Also we got tired of having to tighten the gutter cleaning pole clamps up so decided to change the bolts in the clamps for seat post bolts which can be purchased below -
These can be purchased HERE
Vacuum hose storage bag- these bags are a great cheap way to store your gutter vacuum hose -
These can be purchased HERE Total cost for your DIY make your own gutter vacuum come's to a total of 3000w 80L Wet Vacuum £359.99 20ft Flagpoles £46.99 51-38mm Reducer £16.02 51mm 135 Silicone Hose £15.13 4 x 48mm - 51mm Clamps £13.37 Total = £451.50 (Amazon prices as of JAN 2024) Don't fancy making your own gutter vacuum, why not visit our guide to the Best gutter cleaning tools 2020
UPDATE: I have recently fit a 51mm cyclonic side entry inlet and 51mm vacuum hose to our gutter vacuum and this has turned the vacuum into a whole new beast :)
I can not believe the difference this inlet has made and what it is now capable of sucking out of gutters without blocking the hose or inlet.
If you are looking to make your own gutter vacuum the 51mm cyclonic inlet upgrade is a MUST... You will not be disappointed... Here is a link to the upgraded inlet on Ebay - 51mm Cyclonic Inlet Kit Thank me later ;) Fitting the 51mm Cyclonic Side Entry Inlet
Fitting the 51mm cyclonic inlet is pretty straight forward and usually takes around 15-20 minutes from start to finish.
The tools you will need are:
STAGE 1 REMOVE INLET First off you are going to need to remove the standard inlet from your machine, these are usually held in place with 4 screws which simply unscrew from the rear
STAGE 2 DRAW TEMPLATE
Once you have removed the inlet you are now going to want to use the gasket as a template to draw the whole that requires cutting for the cyclonic inlet to fit
STAGE 3 CUT INLET WHOLE
When you are happy you have the template drawn the correct place it is then time to cut the new hole to fit your 51mm cyclonic inlet side entry. The easiest and neatest way to cut through the vacuum drum is using a dermel with a cutting disk fitted.
STAGE 4 MARK NEW HOLES
When the whole has been cut in you then need to place the inlet into the whole to ensure it fits correctly. If it sits nicely in the whole you have just cut you will then want to mark the new wholes that require drilling to hold the 51mm cyclonic side entry inlet into place.
STAGE 5 DRILL NEW HOLES
Now its time to drill the new wholes for the 51mm cyclonic inlet side entry to be secured onto your gutter vacuum drum. This is done usiing a HSS drill peace which makes drilling through the drum very easy
STAGE 6 FIT GASKET
All the cutting and drilling is now out of the way and its time to fit the cyclonic inlet. The 51mm Cyclonic Side Entry Inlet kit you buy on ebay comes with a sticky gasket which will simply stick onto your gutter vacuum drum. You will want to ensure all the holes line up ready for the bolts to fit though.
STAGE 7 FITTING THE 51MM CYCLONIC SIDE ENTRY INLET
So now all you need to do is bolt the cyclonic inlet into place using the nuts and bolts supplied for this you will need an allen key and spanner. Each nut and bolt comes with two washer you will want to make sure you place a washer either side of the inlet.
I hope this guide helps you in building a beast of a gutter vacuum for a faction of the cost.
Drop a comment below to let me know how your build went and you feel I've missed anything please let me know. Thanks
Why not check some of our other guides and reviews on exterior cleaning product -
Best Gutter Cleaning vacuum Best UPVC Cleaner Best Ladders For Gutter Cleaning
Choosing The Correct Ladder For Gutter Cleaning
For a single story home or bungalow a step ladder would be the best type of ladders for the job.
Where a 2 story property would need a set of extendable ladders and ideally a ladder stand off. We would not recommend cleaning gutters on a 3 storey property with ladders, you would be better off using a gutter vacuum system, here you can see the most popular gutter vacuums of 2024. Alternatively you could always make your own DIY gutter vacuum. What size ladders do I need to clean my gutters?
A rough guide would be to say most bungalow and single storey homes gutterline in the UK are around 3.3 metres in height.
This means a 8-10 tread step ladder would be sufficient to carry out your gutter clean. Most 2 storey UK homes gutters are approximately 5.7 meters in height. A stepladder could not be used to clean the gutters on a property of this height and a set of extendable ladders would be needed. When buying extendable ladders to clean your gutters you need take into consideration the angle of the ladder and variances in 2 storey house heights so we would recommend going for a minimum of 8 metres. If you think your home may be bigger or smaller than the measurements we have given a you can always measure your home using a lazer measure or if you do not have one of these you can simply measure one brick and the pointing and then count how many bricks your house has up to the guttering and times that by your measurement. Let's take a look at some suitable ladders for gutter cleaning Best Ladders For Gutter Cleaning: Single Storey
8 Step - Trade Platform Step Ladder/Ladders
The NEW Trade Platform Step Ladder offers unrivalled stability and safety when working at heights. Manufactured in the EU by an ISO9001 manufacturer, our platforms are fully certified to the European Trade Standard (EN131) by the TUV testing agency (German equivalent of British Standards). In addition, our steps come with a large non slip standing platform and a high safety handrail for your added reassurance - you will not find a better equipped range of step ladders at our unbeatable prices anywhere else in the UK.
Specification: EN131 Certified (European Trade & DIY Standard) for your safety and reassurance Very strong with a maximum weight rating of 150kg (23.5 stone) which far exceeds that of DIY step ladders Extra Large 260mm ribbed top standing platform for maximum safety and comfort Extra deep, ribbed treads (80mm) for sure footing and safe climbing Non slip, angle cut feet to ensure maximum grip on all floor surfaces Additional rear support bar (on larger models) for extra stability and security Slim line design allows for easy storage and transportation High level safety handrail for added support and complete peace of mind Effortless operation with a smooth and quiet opening/closing action Manufactured from anodised aluminium so it is clean & smooth to touch (not oily!) Aluminium construction means it is light and easy to operate, but still strong to meet the demands of your trade or DIY work Importantly, aluminium design also ensures that the ladder will not rust The cheapest place we found these ladders for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase the 8 Step Ladders on amazon by clicking the link below-
if you think you require a 10 tread step ladders then our recommendation would be the
Lyte Trade 10 Tread Platform Step Ladder - ESP10
Product Description
The Lyte range of industrial stepladders is one of the most popular in the UK and is used used frequently across many sectors.The ESP range of Lyte step ladders are by far one of our best selling step ladders! Features include a unique strengthening beam that is incorporated into non-slip treads. Rubber feet have been fitted for added stability. The step ladder is easy to transport and is lightweight. This range of step ladders feature an aluminium top instead of a tool tray.
The cheapest place we found these ladders for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase the 10 Step Ladders on amazon by clicking the link HERE
Best Ladders For Gutter Cleaning: 2 Storey
3 Section Trade Master Extension Ladder with Integral Stabiliser
TRADE MASTER 3 Section Extension Ladders offer unparalleled quality and unbeatable prices when compared to other models on the market.
They include an integrated stabiliser bar (a unique safety feature not available anywhere else) for maximum grip and stability and auto locking clamps which hold the sections securely when being climbed. They are also tested and certified to EN131 Trade safety standard meaning they are ideal for many jobs around the home, but also tough enough for day in, day out use by tradesmen. We are so confident in the quality of these we give a No Quibble Lifetime Guarantee for your reassurance and peace of mind. Anti-Non slip ribbed rungs for your safety and perfect twist-proof rung joint that runs all the way through the side sections for maximum strength. Strong nylon restraint straps and notches ensure you have the correct rung overlap between sections - An important safety attribute other ladders do without, allowing you to over extend and have as little as a 2 rung overlap leading to a lot of bounce when you climb the ladder. Effortless push up operation. Heavy duty contoured non-slip feet fitted on all sections top and bottom to maximise grip on both the floor and the wall the ladder is resting against. Extremely versatile - can be used as 1, 2 or 3 section extension ladder. Being a 3 section ladder - more compact in storage and transport than its 2 section equivalent - Doubles are more unwieldy and are cheaper for this very reason. Rungs set only 255mm (10") apart making the ladder easier and more comfortable to climb. Most other ladders available have rungs 280mm (11") or even 300mm (12") apart making them very hard work to climb. Made in the EU by an ISO9001 supplier. Extended length is 7.96 metres. Closed length is 3.42 metres. Weight is 22.5 Kilograms. The cheapest place we found these ladders for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase these extendable ladders on amazon by clicking the link below-
Trade Triple Extension Ladder
The cheapest place we found these ladders for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase these extendable ladders on amazon by clicking the link below-
So hopefully by now you know which ladders you need and the best ladder for cleaning your gutters.
Let's now talk about ladder standoffs What are ladder standoffs? Ladder standoffs are an attachment which attached to the rungs on your ladder which keep your ladders approximately 20" or 50cm away from the wall. This then gives you a better working positions and is a lot more safe, not to forget giving you more space to clean the gutters and keeping the ladders from having to lean on the guttering which makes clearing them harder. Using ladders without a standoff means the ladders would have to leaning onto guttering which can cause damage to the guttering also the ladders could slide sideways causing a serious accident. You can read the HSE website for more information regarding the safe use of ladders and step ladder. There are a few different types/designs of ladder standoffs so we will go through our favourite and the most popular - Best Ladder Standoff For Gutter Cleaning
Universal V-Shaped Down Pipe Stand Off
Product Description
One of our bestselling ladder accessories, the V shaped downpipe ladder stand off fits most extension or combination ladders to give you much greater space when drilling into walls or painting windowsills. Designed especially to fit corner points or over guttering, the standoff allows additional arm room so you don't feel as though you are pushed against the wall. The 640mm wide span also improves safety as this helps to prevent your ladder slipping sideways while you are working at the top of the ladder. Heat treated for maximum strength and very easy to attach to your ladder, the stand off will hold your ladder approximately 330mm clear off the wall. You can also use this on flat surfaces. Horizon provides 1 years warranty. The cheapest place we found these ladder standoffs for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase this standoff on amazon by clicking the link below-
Adjustable Ladder Stand Off
This standoff fits most ladders and increases the safety and stability of your ladder.
Adjustable giving 17" - 24" (430mm - 610mm) clearance Detachable With over 1 metre span Quick and easy to fit Makes access for guttering and window maintenance so much easier Complete with bucket hook Weight 2.5Kg The cheapest place we found these adjustable ladder standoffs for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase this standoff on amazon by clicking the link below-
The Microlite Stand Off
The Microlite Stand Off is the ideal lightweight stand off to use for window cleaning, working on windows, gutters and accessing either a sloping roof or a flat roof.
In a few seconds it secures the Microlite at the top of the ladders with two spring clips and can be left attached to your ladders when they are fully closed. for ease of transport. It fixes on all types of ladders whether aluminium or timber except C section ladders. The Microlite Stand Off is built using Class 1 materials making it lightweight (only 1.8Kg) and very robust suitable for trade or industrial use. It the only stand off that is recommended to access either a sloping roof or a flat roof safely as it goes over flimsy, slippery gutters and any size soffit which makes it essential for safe roof access. The Microlite has D wheels that flatten against the wall making it easy and safe allowing the user to role the ladders up the wall and secure the ladder quickly and safely. The Microlite is made in one single piece the user has no awkward pieces to lose. The Microlite can be placed a few rungs down from the top of the ladder which can give the user a higher reach and safer hand hold especially when accessing the roof. The cheapest place we found these Microlite ladder standoffs for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase this standoff on amazon by clicking the link below-
,So we have gone through the best ladders and ladder standoffs for gutter cleaning, now we shall show you a few little extras that can make gutter cleaning off ladders that little bit more easier and safer for you.
Best Gutter Cleaning Ladder: Extras
LadderLimb
.Product Description
Ladderlimb - the ingenious device that leaves both your hands free on the ladder Features: Makes working up ladders safer by securely holding tool Bags, buckets of water or paint cans securely in place leaving your hands free to work. Fits into the hollow rung of most Modern aluminium ladders. Simply attach the item, for example, your paint can, to the Ladderlimb clip and take it up the ladder and inserting it into the hollow rung at your chosen height. The Ladderlimb is a simple, easy-to-use device which fits effortlessly into any of the hollowed rungs at either the left or right hand side of a ladder and at any height. The tapered, rubberised 'limb' Of the Ladderlimb fits snugly into the ladder, holding whatever is attached to it securely in place. And, when you wish to work at another height. The Ladderlimb can be easily and effortlessly withdrawn and placed into another rung. The handle of your bucket, tool bag or paint tin is clipped onto the sprung clasp at the end of the hand grip. Ladderlimb allows you to work with three points of contact making it simpler and safer to work at heights. Because The Ladderlimb fits into the left or right hand ladder rungs, it doesn't matter whether you are left or right handed. The versatile Ladderlimb makes so many tasks so much easier, whether it's cleaning out gutters, washing the caravan, pointing or repainting the house, cleaning your windows or pruning trees and bushes. You will wonder how they ever managed without one! Ladderlimb's tapered rubberised 'limb' Fits most modern ladders and some stepladders and is a worthwhile step towards making so many up-ladder tasks safer and easier to do.1 x clip only. The cheapest place we found these Ladderlimbs for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase this ladderlimb on amazon by clicking the link below-
PROGUTTER Gutter Cleaning Scrapers
The professional solution to gutter clearance. Cleaning your gutters has never been easier!!! The PROGUTTER system has been developed to help you clean gutters in a safer way. The interchangeable gutter scrapers allow you to clean gutters easily. What is included: 1x Half round gutter scraper, 1x Square line gutter scraper, 1x Ogee gutter scraper & 1x Miniflo gutter scraper. PROGUTTER scrapers contain a acme/universal thread and screw directly onto most good quality painters/decorators style telescopic poles with a acme/universal style thread. (POLE NOT INCLUDED) Please note PROGUTTER gutter scrapers are designed only for cleaning debris out of the style of guttering the scrapers are made for. For deep valley guttering please use our half round gutter scraper. For cleaning your gutters from the ground please use our angle adapter (sold separately). The cheapest place we found these Progutter Tools for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase this Pro Gutter Set on amazon by clicking the link below-
Here is the handle you would need for the progutter attachments -
DocaPole 2m - 7m Extension Pole
Why not check some of our other guides and reviews on exterior cleaning product -
Top 10 Gutter Cleaning Tools Best Gutter Cleaning vacuum DIY Gutter Vacuum | Make Your Own Gutter Vac Best UPVC Cleaner Top 10 Best Gutter Cleaning ToolsBeing a gutter cleaning company we have our fair share of enquires asking the best gutter cleaning tools available for the domestic customers who want to empty their own gutters instead of hiring a professional company. Over the years we have tried and tested many different gutter cleaning tools so have made a list of the top 10 most popular which we feel could help those looking to have a go at emptying their own gutters instead of hiring a professional company to carry out the work. 1. Gutter Vacuum System
The gutter vacuum system is our most used and favourite gutter cleaning tool.
The gutter vacuum makes cleaning gutters easier and safer than ever before, those hard to reach gutters such as over extension and conservatory are no longer and issue when using a gutter vacuum. They are on the pricey side for domestic customers who simply wants to empty there own gutters annually but these to us are by far number 1 when it comes to clearing debris from gutters. Read our gutter vacuum reviews here : Best Gutter Vacuum System: Gutter Cleaning Machines REVIEWS [2024] There are many suppliers of gutter vacuums and poles but skyvac seems to be one of the most popular within the gutter cleaning industry. The model they recommend for domestic customers is the SkyVac Atom
The most compact SkyVac in the gutter cleaning family but still packs a powerful punch.
The Atom is easy to transport and ideal for the homeowner. With a commercial build, the Atom can tackle any challenge thrown at it in a wide range of environments. Spec: Motor Wattage: 1600 watts max Water Lift: 110” Air Flow Movement:3800 litres per minute Decibel Level:60 dB Container Capacity:35 litres Mains Connection: 240v Power Cable Length: 8 metres Weight:8 kg L x W x H (cm):37 x 40 x 79 The cheapest place we found these for sale was on amazon and they also are available with prime delivery. You can view/purchase the SkyVac Atoms on amazon by clicking the link HERE Then the model most gutter cleaning/exterior cleaning company's use is the
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Why not check some of our other guides and reviews on exterior cleaning product -
Best Gutter Guards Best UPVC Cleaner Best Gutter Cleaning vacuum DIY Gutter Vacuum | Make Your Own Gutter Vac Best Ladders For Gutter Cleaning |
After carrying out a water check it was evident that the new joining bracket was water tight but the guttering did have a very slight leak from one of the end caps which wasnt showing when the gutter were full of moss, so we also replaced this while we were there. Once this was replaced the job was complete and it was time to show the customer the water flow check being carried out and no leaks or drips present along the guttering. | With today’s rain here at Unblock my gutters we were called out to a leaking gutter problem over in Cannock. Once we arrived at the property it was very clear what causing the leak, the gutter had separated at the joining bracket and a seal from the bracket was missing. After a further inspection, the guttering itself was full of moss which had fallen from the roof tiles and had also lead to the down-pipe becoming block. The first step was to clear the gutters so we were then able to carry out the repairs. Once we were happy all the debris was removing from the guttering it was time to remove the old joining bracket and replace. This being the reason we carry many spares on board our vans so we are prepared for any guttering ng problems we may come across. So after fitting the new joining bracket it was then time to carry out a water check to double check our repairs were 110% water tight. |
If you live in Cannock and require a FREE quotation for our gutter cleaning or repair service please feel free to call us on 01785 503028
So today we had a call from a customer over in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton who had noticed that there gutters had started to over flow.
After inspecting the gutters it was clear that a blocked down pipe was the issue.
After inspecting the gutters it was clear that a blocked down pipe was the issue.
Once the gutters had been cleared of debris and the down pipe unblocked we then ran a water check to make sure the guttering was flowing as it should...
Problem solved and another happy customer :)
It is advised that your gutters are cleared annually, if you have not had your guttering cleaned this year why not give us a call on 01785 503028 for your free no obligation quote.
Problem solved and another happy customer :)
It is advised that your gutters are cleared annually, if you have not had your guttering cleaned this year why not give us a call on 01785 503028 for your free no obligation quote.