Do gutter vacs actually work?

[nick666]

Once skilled with a gutter vac it's miles faster than messing about on a ladder with a small tool on the end of a harris pole, I started off my business doing just gutters and invested in a vac, carbon poles and inspection pole with camera etc etc, and I made sure I advertised it correctly, picked up plenty of work using it, I found many customers loved the idea and didn't mind paying a higher rate to have this machine clear their gutters (perhaps using the machine to charge a premium but so be it) using the customers power has never been a issue, many trades need customers power it's not even a consideration to them. However it did take some getting used to using it right, you can vac and think it's all out only to pop up the camera to find plenty missed, but with the various end tools you kinda get the grips with what works best for each type of guttering. I sell up on the service when doing F/S/G cleans and the mention of the vac system generally has the customer wanting it done while cleaning them so its like a double up on the initial job. Also a good thing to offer year round when other services dry up and no gutter under 40 feet for me is not doable. I doubt I could charge my rates using just a B&Q tool either, so think of it as a investment to charge a little extra on that service too.
the only time I ever use ladders is when guttering has little room between the roof tile or if there is a deep blockage in a down pipe, but many times I pull it out with the vac if you work at it enough! Always go after heavy rain if poss /emoticons/smile.png

Interestered in your comment that you advertised the gutter cleaning correctly-wondering whether you had any tips ?;-)

 

[sllab]

Mr Bump how are you getting on with your skyvac atom I'm considering buying one but am in two minds about if it's powerful enough

My one works really well. Nothing it hasn't been able to handle. If you start doing a lot of gutter jobs you can get another more powerful vacuum and keep using the same poles. The poles are the best thing about them by far.

 

[Beano]

My one works really well. Nothing it hasn't been able to handle. If you start doing a lot of gutter jobs you can get another more powerful vacuum and keep using the same poles. The poles are the best thing about them by far.

I took the plunge and got one, used it for the first time today the poles are amazing so light can get through the work very quickly and also efficiently. Cracking bit of kit

 

[Guybrush]

is that the atom beano? choosing a vac supplier is starting to do my head in. looking at the Grippatank systems now.

 

[Beano]

is that the atom beano? choosing a vac supplier is starting to do my head in. looking at the Grippatank systems now.

Yes that was the atom it's a cracking bit of kit. I was skeptical about whether or not it would have enough sucking power but it brilliant and the poles are great so light and makes work so effortless. My advice would be get one if your thinking about it. It has a great name/brand behind it as well

 

[adamangler]

Gutter vac is on my list of things to buy as ive been asked a few times now, ladder may be cheaper and easier but i wont get up them even with an ankalad type thing.

 

[Beano]

I've used a vac now for 2

Gutter vac is on my list of things to buy as ive been asked a few times now, ladder may be cheaper and easier but i wont get up them even with an ankalad type thing.

I've used a vac now for 2 years started off with one with aluminium poles to get me started and now got the new skyvac atom. It's awsome and the poles are so light. In 2 years I haven't been up a ladder unless I'm taking out the bend at the top of the down Pipe to clear if blocked. I personally think vacs give you that bit more of a professional look which all adds to how the customer sees you.

 

[Jimroot]

They might work well, but I wouldn't like to do this job without a ladder, there's too many times it's impossible to do without a ladder and hands on. Not having a ladder or being willing to get up to roof line you will get caught out eventually

 

[Beano]

They might work well, but I wouldn't like to do this job without a ladder, there's too many times it's impossible to do without a ladder and hands on. Not having a ladder or being willing to get up to roof line you will get caught out eventually

I do see where your coming from and I do carry a ladder but only use it to check and clear any blockages in the Bend of any downpipes. If you know how to use a vac properly and have a good one you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Jimroot]

a few I've done recently have had issues such as a gap off the tile of less than half an inch in places, sections of gutter tucked behind down pipes into the eves, hard to get to even by hand, sticky dense mud material that jams the 54mm hose within seconds. Membrane and tile slip into gutter...

I don't see how a vac could have done any of that. My smallest end tool is about an inch wide.

 

[Dirty Marks Cleaning]

Like most tools, I think that you get what you pay for.

 

[Green Pro Clean Ltd]

My smallest end tool is about an inch wide

I can of course make no comment, we shall have to leave your wife to judge! :rofl:

 

[noddy]

just bought two set ups with cams and carbon poles for the new van its add on and needs to be looked at that way , we don't want to do them but we will do them , I would rather stop on the glass however if a regular wants them doing we will vac them . been running with them for three years ,

me legs and the use of them are worth more then I spent . lets face it you will earn northing if you in a wheel chair weeing in a bag why go up ladders when you don't have too

working as double team we doing a full house in less then 10 mins , northing better then one just watching the hover end while the other watches the tv and moves the pipes round and out of the way