How to Start Gutter Cleaning Business
Gutter cleaning is the process of getting rid of dirt and debris from the rain gutters of buildings. It may involve the use of a long ladder to have easy access to the roof but it can also be done while you are on the ground.
Gutter cleaning is a dirty and potentially dangerous business hence so many house owners would rather prefer to use professional gutter cleaners to get the job done.
Other people are reluctantly cleaning their gutters because of the inherent danger associated with carrying a ladder up to the rooftop. In some instances, gutter cleaning has resulted in accidents and even deaths. Indeed about 90,000 gutter cleaners receive medical treatment in the US alone every year because of ladder failure. But following the proper cleaning procedure and using the right tools can substantially reduce the incidence of accidents or death.
Gutter cleaning frees gutters of dirt and debris and keeps the roof in good condition so that clogging does not occur. When gutters are clogged they hinder rainwater from flowing freely through the downspout system and this can cause pooled water to find its way inside and around the house and can adversely affect the foundation in due cause.
Gutters are the key to keeping water at bay from your house, but regular cleaning of the gutters is important to prevent them from clogging and rainwater finding its way in and around the building. To remove the dirt and debris, many options are open to you. But before we dwell on the different approaches to cleaning the gutter, let us look through the processes of cleaning the gutter and the probable risks associated with it.
If you happen to take delight in working in the open, with trees in your neighborhood where you reside, and you want to try your hand in a business that has low start-up capital, look no further, you have found it in gutter cleaning. Gutter cleaning is very lucrative and has a very low-cost initial investment but can be dangerous too. To be successful in this business, you must not be too afraid of being on the roof of a tall building and moving your two hands freely without giving a deep thought of the prospect of falling.
How does gutter cleaning work?
Gutter cleaners carry long ladders and other gutter cleaning tools such as garden hose and a leaf blower, and shuttle from one house to another where you are billed to do some gutter cleaning work. You must agree with me that the job is a dirty one and a dangerous one too, but don’t be scared even though people get wounded and even die on the job. The point is that every business is a risk and if you undergo a period of training and are not scared of being on the rooftop of a tall building fixing things, you can do the job. But don’t forget to get a good insurance cover for you and your business makes business sense.
There are three easy methods to clean gutters we shall concentrate on but there are many others you can adopt or if you like, use multiple methods. The first methods are the use of Ladder, the use of Gutter Scooping, and the use of Blowing Machine.
- The use of a ladder
If you are going to clean a steep roof, it is important to use a ladder. The ladder will enable you to reach the gutter and you will be able to scoop to pick up the dirt and debris. But you must make sure the ladder is firm on solid ground. In this way, you are going to feel a bit comfortable doing your work.
- Scooping Method: – This method calls for the use of gutter scooper to remove dirt and debris. It is best used when the roof is wet to pick up debris and sweep away dirt. It may take a longer time than the other methods, but it is better to use this method when the roof is wet than any other method if you want to do a clean job.
- Blowing Method: This method makes use of the leaf blower to pick up debris and dirt from gutters. Once you have a clear view of the roof you want to clean, mount the blowing machine and begin to blow off dirt and debris from the gutters until a particular side is clean and you move the ladder to another side. The advantage of this method is that it saves time but can suffer from the disadvantage that it can’t be used when the roof is wet. My recommendation, however, is that you can be flexible on this and adopt the methods that are very suitable for different types of roofs; procure equipment necessary for multiple usages.
Different types of gutters
As an entrepreneur planning to go into the gutter cleaning business, it is vital to be aware of different types of gutters to be able to handle each one appropriately. There is some gutter that exhibits some aesthetic qualities and others that are known for their drainage capabilities, but the important thing is to have a fair knowledge of how to clean them to bring out their beauty.
- K-style gutters – K-style gutters are popular in the US and can be made with a variety of materials. Materials have been used to make K-style gutter include vinyl, aluminum, galvanized steel, and some cases copper.
There are different ranges of sizes that can be found in K-style gutters. The most common being the five and six-inch troughs which can hold weighty runoff in most domestic home roofs.
- Box gutters – This is also known as “square” gutters and has wide and deep troughs but without the contours. However today Box Gutters have the utilitarian look and larger troughs that make them more suitable for commercial and residential homes where aesthetics do not count much.
- Half-round gutters – They can’t hold plenty of water in comparison with K-style and Box-gutter, and therefore knowing which gutter style will suit your home is an absolute necessity both in terms of the amount of rainfall in your area and the pitch of your roof.
Different ways to clean gutters
Gutters can be cleaned by different methods depending on the type of gutter, whether it is wet or dry season, whether you are standing on the ground or using a ladder. The best method of cleaning your gutters can be with the use of ladder but is also convenient to do the cleaning while on the ground. The following are some of the effective ways to clean your gutters whether standing on the ground or using the ladder.
The use of Leaf Blower
To use this method, you need a Leaf Blower and a nozzle attachment. Most models have the attachment, but you can buy one separately if yours don’t have the attachment. All you have to do is to position yourself at the end of the gutter and position yourself in such a way that it is above the gutter you are about to clean. You can then turn on your leaf blower, clearing the debris and dirt from your gutter and repeating the rounds.
If you are using a ladder, position it so that you can work toward the downspout, removing debris as you gradually move down. But be careful not to send leaves into the downspout. But if on the hand you are not using a ladder, you can use a specialized attachment that can lengthen your leaf blower.
The use of a power washer
You will need to wear a rain jacket and possibly goggles for protection. Since this can get messed up, you may have to wash the roof and the outside walls after the clean-up.
You have to get a telescoping wand and a U-shaped attachment for the power washer. Stand toward the end of the gutter and position the attachment so that it is slightly held above the gutter. Then switch on the power washer and clean from one end of the gutter to the other, pausing momentarily for water to drain out. You can do the same for all the gutters. If however, you want to do a thorough cleaning, you can go further and wash the exteriors of your gutters too.
The use of wet/dry vacuum
This method is usually used to clear heavy debris from your gutters. All you are required to do is to visit your local improvement retail store to buy the hose and curved attachments you will need to work. After attaching them to your vacuum, position yourself at the bottom of your gutter while holding the attachment above the gutter and switch on the vacuum.
As the vacuum is turned on, you should work your way from one end of the gutter to the other until the gutter is clean. Repeat the rounds for all the gutters and any stubborn debris, and for thorough cleaning of the gutters, work through particular spots again. It is better to use the garden hose to rinse the gutters after the debris has been removed.
The use of garden hose
You can use this method when you fix a rigid tube with a curved end to a vacuum. So far the gutters are not heavily clogged; the garden hose can do the job. All you have to do is to visit your home improvement store to procure the right cleaning attachment. Make sure to protect yourself to avoid getting wet.
To clean the gutters, position yourself toward the end of the gutter while holding the attachment out so that it is above your gutter. Then switch on the garden hose and start working from one end of the gutter to the other. Do the same for all the gutters. As you work along the gutters, pause for a moment to allow waters to drain.
The use of bare hand
To use your hand to clean gutters, you will need more gutter cleaning tools. These may include a ladder, gutter scoop, bucket, and heavy-duty gloves. You can do this by removing the debris little by little and putting them into the bucket. When this task is completed, splash water on the gutters and downspout until it is certain that rain waters can easily flow once again.
Gutter cleaning equipment for use
When you start gutter cleaning and you secure the right equipment, it is the most important step if you want to achieve success in this business. The equipment are many and varied but the most common equipment are as follows:
- Ladder: A ladder lets you get to the roof of buildings, though skyscrapers are exempt. You need a ladder to do some cleaning but to do so; you must position the ladder firmly on the ground.
- Safety gear: For safety reasons, you should invest in goggles, heavy gloves, light rubber shoes, a helmet, and a rope. More gutter cleaners are now using rope as a safety device. Goggle is used to prevent light debris flying into your eyes while the helmet can protect your head from getting hit by any object. The light rubber shoes is can help you maintain firmness as you walk on the roof and the gloves is meant to shield your hands from sharp objects as well as bacteria.
- A debris bucket: The bucket is used to hold debris removed from the gutter. It must be carefully held when you are on the roof or ladder to avoid missteps.
- High-pressure hose: This equipment helps flash the debris remaining on the gutter after the initial work has been completed.
- A trowel and scoop: In the absence of using bare hand to remove debris, this equipment is used to remove dirt and debris from the gutter.
- Gutter Claw
This interesting tool lets you pick things from a distance and as a matter of fact, it is not built for gutter cleaning but can be used to do a good cleaning job. It can be used to grab debris at a distance, which you can’t reach with your hands.
- Ladder Stabilizer
Being on the ladder is easier when you are on the ladder with ladder stabilizer. It makes the ladder more stable and firm on the ground and people who are not at ease, become more confident to be on a ladder and work on the gutter.
With the ladder stabilizer, you may not need an assistant who will keep the ladder firmly secured on the ground. You can’t feel unsafe anymore, so go out, and buy your ladder stabilizer if you are going to start a gutter cleaning business.
- Gutter Cleaning Brush
This tool is attached to the end of a pole and when in operation, can run it through the gutters to wipe dirt and debris. You can also use it to remove obstinate leaves that hold out to the sides of your gutters.
To use this brush to do a clean job, you may have to be on the ladder. But once on the ladder, it is rugged enough to enable you to do an efficient cleaning. However, gutter cleaning brush on its own can’t dislodge stubborn debris and so you need to have other methods available and possibly tools to use in combination with the brush.
- Gutter Wire Brush
A gutter wire brush is only a preventive measure and not a cleaning device. It is placed on the gutter to prevent the clogging of debris. Since water has to flow through the gutters freely, there is the need to use this preventive tool to make the gutter free from clogging and for the gutters to function properly.
The problem with a gutter wire brush is that it is not debris proof because debris does find their way into the gutter; you will still need to clean your gutters regularly; if you want clean gutters.
Telescoping Water Wand
This equipment is necessary if you are height averse, though if this is the case you don’t have any business being in the gutter cleaning industry. What it does is that you can position it while on the ground so you don’t need to climb the ladder. The good thing about the Water Wand is that it is adjustable to reach your gutter’s height, though not endless. But it could be a good solution for those who can do anything to avoid climbing ladder, particularly the Do It Yourself (DIY)
The telescoping water wand was originally built to water plants but as it turns out, people now use it to clean their gutters, what a great innovation. When this equipment is used, water runs down your gutters, and sometimes the water is enough to dislodge the debris that has caused clogging on the gutter. But it is possible that this might not be the final solution if the debris has built up over time and is causing serious problems.
How to Start Gutter Cleaning Business
- Register a Business Name
Some gutter cleaners carry on their business without first registering its name. This may appear normal but to exhibit credibility to your potential clients, registering your business is a necessity. Secondly, as an entrepreneur, you run your business as a legal entity, separate from you. You might even decide to register your business as a limited liability company (LLC), where you have the opportunity to protect your assets because your liability is limited to the amount of your investment in the business.
- Procure the relevant equipment for your gutter cleaning.
Having all the required equipment will enable you to launch your gutter cleaning business. Some of the equipment needed to do your business includes:
ladders, a high-pressure hose, a trowel and scoop, a debris bucket, and a host of other protective items such as hand gloves, goggles, helmet, and light rubber shoes.
- Marketing your business
Marketing your business may begin with designing a befitting logo and branding your gutter cleaning business. Re-discover your passion and what it was that dragged you into the gutter cleaning business and use it as your unique selling proposition (USP). Sell your business as such and include it in all your business documents.
Create a website and use it to promote and attract potential customers by contracting out engaging content to be uploaded regularly into your site.
Visit homes and corporate houses with your flyers and contact addresses and when appropriate, convince them of the need to clean their gutters and why you are right for the job.
Networking – use your contact to network and garner contacts for your business. Visit all possible places, entertainment houses, places of worship, and other isolated houses in search of leads.
Also, make use of social media to promote your business. Open a business account on Facebook, be active on Instagram, and Twitter. Direct visitors on your social media account to your site using the appropriate links. Upload captivating articles to your Facebook account regularly.
Pricing Your Gutter Business
Take a cue of what other similar businesses are using to arrive at the price they charge. If they are charging per service or hour, use it so you are not going to be at odds with other gutter service organizations. However, as you begin to stabilize, choose the best pricing method that suits your business. By and large, always do your calculation based on the roof height, materials used for the roof, and the square footage.
Read Also: How to Make Customers Pay your Price
Conclusion
Gutter cleaning is a business you should go into after a good assessment of your potential capability. This is because it is a dirty and dangerous business but could be profitable if done diligently. But if you find yourself worthy of going into the business, there are few things you should avoid if you hope to make a success of it.
- Inspect every Job before Billing-: Always inspect the work you wish to sign the contract and look at the nitty-gritty of it before quoting the price and thereby appending your signature. The reason for this is not far-fetched. Some potential customers will insist on the telephone that you mention the price range for the services you offer and without inspecting the job, it is hard to quote the right price. So insist that you, first of all, see the job before estimating the price.
- Be safety conscious – You must always protect yourself when you are at work. Put on all the protective wears before engaging in gutter cleaning whether you are on the ground or the ladder. It is the only way to avoid unnecessary accidents.
- Don’t work during bad weather – Gutter cleaning is seasonal and therefore cannot be done all year-round. When you observe that the weather is bad, suspend your work, until things get better. It is better to avoid unnecessary accidents and not earn money than to earn a few dollars and get hospitalized.
