Leaf Blower Gutter Attachment Guide
Cleaning out clogged gutters is a chore many homeowners dread. Climbing up and down a ladder while manually scooping out debris is time-consuming, strenuous, and downright dangerous. However, by attaching a gutter cleaning accessory to your leaf blower, you can save time while safely clearing out leaves, twigs, and other jams from the ground.
Benefits of Leaf Blower Gutter Attachments
Leaf blower gutter accessories offer a range of advantages over manual cleaning methods:
- Saves time and money compared to hiring a professional
- Allows cleaning from the safety of the ground, prevent falls
- Can reach second story gutters up to 12 feet away
- Clears packed debris that manual methods may miss
- Reduces heavy lifting up and down a ladder
- Direcrts powerful concentrated air to dislodge jams
With gutters cleared in a fraction of the time, without risking injury from heights or overexertion, leaf blower attachments provide a safer and more efficient solution.
Popular Leaf Blower and Gutter Brand Compatibility
Many leading home improvement brands offer gutter cleaning kits designed to work seamlessly with their leaf blowers. A few top options include:
- BLACK+DECKER(r) Gutter Cleaner Attachment - Fits most current models, reaches 12 feet
- Toro and Worx - Both offer curved nozzle attachment kits
- RYOBI Expand-ItTM - Works with gas and battery models up to 9.5 feet
- STIHL - Compatible with BG blowers, 10+ foot reach
- Makita(r) - Designed for LXT(r) Blower models XBU02 to XBU04
When shopping, be sure the accessory you select works with the make and model leaf blower you already own. Many kits include adapters and extension poles to boost compatibility across brands.
Types of Leaf Blower Gutter Attachments
It's important to choose an attachment suited for your specific gutter size, shape, and typical debris load. Common varieties include:
Plastic Gutter Tubes
Flexible plastic gutter tubes are lightweight and can twist to fit most standard "K" and "U" style gutters. Models with extension poles are ideal for two-story homes.
Aluminum Attachments
Sturdy aluminum alloy tubes won't bend or crimp inside gutters like plastic versions can. However, aluminum's rigidity also limits angle flexibility in some gutter shapes.
Attachments with Brushes
Nylon or metal bristled brushes surrounding the gutter tube nozzle help mechanically dislodge packed leaves and debris the airflow missed.
Oversized Gutter Accessories
For large 6-8 inch commercial gutters, such as those found on apartment buildings, oversized cleaning attachments provide extra width and airflow.
Key Features of Leaf Blower Attachments
When evaluating attachments, keep these key functionality features in mind:
Adjustment and Extension Range
Look for units offering adjustable length and positional flexibility to access awkward second-story angles.
Durable Materials
Well-built accessories resist cracking or breaking inside gutters from typical debris loads and cleaning stresses.
Nozzle Shapes
A tight circular or curved nozzle concentrates the blower's full airflow down into the gutter - avoiding diffusion from a wide opening.
Size and Reach
Compact sized tubes directed by lightweight poles extend 10-12 feet to safely reach roof gutters from the ground.
Affordable Price
Quality gutter cleaning kits start around $25. Look for value bundles with multiple tubes and adapter parts.
How to Use a Leaf Blower Attachment to Clean Gutters
Using these handy accessories is quick and easy. Just follow these basic steps:
Safety First
As with any roof work, caution is essential. Wear protective eyewear and avoid baggy clothing that could catch in moving parts.
Angle Nozzle into Gutter
Carefully insert the curved nozzle opening into the gutter trough at an optimal 30-45 degree angle to blast debris loose.
Systematically Work Sections
Progress along the gutter in approx. 10 ft sections, repositioning the tube as needed to cover its entire length and downspouts.
Blast Debris Out
Powerful concentrated air projected down the tube dislodges jammed leaves, sticks, mud, and other gunk - ejecting it out the downspout.
Repeat process as required until the gutter runs clean its entire length. Avoid damaging soffits or fascia boards with the powerful air jet.
Tips for Effective Gutter Cleaning
Follow these pro tips when tackling clogged gutters with your blower attachment:
Inspect First
Check for nests, hive debris, or damage blocking water flow before attempting to clear with high velocity air.
Work Top to Bottom
Start clearing at the top of draining downspouts and work backwards against water flow so dislodged debris exits cleanly.
Clear Downspouts Too
Ensure discharge elbows and vertical downspout pipes are also cleared of compacted debris restricting drainage.
Prevent Future Clogs
Regular seasonal cleaning keeps gutters debris free. You can also install gutter guards to block leaves while letting rain enter.
Alternatives to Leaf Blower Attachments
While leaf blower gutter add-ons provide a fast and easy cleaning solution, they aren't the only option. Some other methods include:
Manual Cleaning
For single story homes, manually scooping out debris using small hand tools remains effective - though tough physical work up a ladder.
Professional Service
Hiring a licensed gutter cleaning contractor offers convenience, safety, and access to industrial equipment - but adds cost.
Gutter Guards
Mesh or perforated filters preventing debris from entering while still letting rainwater flow through eliminates repeat clogs.
High powered wet/dry vacs attached to an extended tube suck compacted debris straight out of roof gutters from the ground.
Choosing the right gutter cleaning system depends on your budget, comfort on ladders, and convenience priorities. For most homeowners, occasional use of a value-priced leaf blower attachment provides the easiest and most affordable solution.