Cleaning out gutters before or after?

[dsnorrod]

This may sound like a dumb question,but it's the first time I've had to do the roof AND clean out the gutters on the same house, at the same visit. Would you rather wash the roof, then clean out the gutters, or clean them out and THEN wash the roof? These gutters are packed FULL with debris and small plants. Would the debris soak up runoff and help control it? Or would it just be a horrible mess to clean out afterwards? Any help is welcome. The job is Tuesday.

 

[BlueBliss]

I'd clean the gutters first. It helps to know where the run off will go, and clogged gutters typically make it flow over the sides. Prepare to be amazed at the down spouts, but once gutters are all cleaned, you have a better idea of where you need to watch for your chem!

 

[dsnorrod]

Thanks for the reply. That's what I was thinking but wasn't sure if anyone had experience otherwise.

 

[Christopher]

Definately clean out the gutters first, the downspouts might not drain at all and you can see when running a garden hose in the gutter if there are any leaks which can have bad effects when doing the roof cleaning so you will be aware of those bad areas to pay more attention and water more.

The downspouts are probably clogged up some also.

Not only will it be a bigger mess to clean up after the roof cleaning but the mess getting all over the place can potentially damage more plants/grass wherever it goes if you are not careful.

 

[extremecleantn]

I agree with cleaning out the gutters first to help keep the chemicals from running over the sides of the gutters making you have to clean the gutters off and anything else the chems and debris gets onto.

 

[dsnorrod]

Thanks for the replys. I'm washing the house too so a little debris wouldn't hurt but that makes sense for runoff control.