WGUMC Garden Blog: Jan 2016 Woodhaven gutter cleaning

Pastor Irelan reported that Woodhaven gutters were overflowing and running down doors and windows. If not addressed that will lead to real property damage. So I took a 12 aluminum ladder from the stage (there was a boy scout event going on, looked like an Eagle Scout award so I just told everyone I was working on a gutter merit badge and borrowed the ladder). On the roof it was immediately obvious that all the gutters were either totally or partially blocked. I had my big new leaf blower available but all the gutter debris was wet so it couldn't be blown and also, I had just seen a recall notice for my big new leaf blower at Orchard Supply Hardware. Apparently the motor has a tendency to burst into flames. I love the WGUMC but not enough to be a burnt offering so...it was time to put on the gloves and start hand raking the muck out. There was a LOT of muck.

After cleaning the first story gutters it was time to go after the seriously plugged second story gutters. That needed a heavy 20 foot wood ladder from the Woodhaven garage. Note to self, pump up the flat tire on the dolly.

Unfortunately when I got to the east wall I discovered that I couldn't actually deploy a 20 foot ladder by myself. But I'm an engineer! So I used the 12 foot ladder to get into a position where I could get leverage in the middle of the 20 foot ladder to deploy it. Huzzah! But it really is a two person operation.

On the east wall second floor gutters the downspout was really plugged. And even after cleaning the gutter the plugged downspout was just a little too far away to safely reach from the balcony. I briefly thought about stepping on the guard rail and leaning way way over but then I would be a candidate for my own continuing Facebook series: why women live longer than men. Fortunately some smart engineer (guess who!) had repaired the front yard hose reel and put on a new nozzle with several settings, one of which was JET! Snake the hose out to the downspout, blast away for about a minute and the plug popped out the bottom of the spout. Yea!