You don’t have to buy a gutter cleaning kit to blow leaves off of your roof. In fact, you can build your own attachment fairly easily. Actually, if you want some custom features on your extension, this idea may be your best option.
How to Make Your Own Gutter Blower:
Through my trial-and-error experience, I came across a helpful video tutorial demonstrating how to assemble your own gutter cleaning tool. You only need a few cheap supplies from your local hardware store.
Note: This extension tube is easy to build yourself, plus you can customize the length and design to suit your needs. You can even screw on an easy-grip handle for less than $5.
The homeowner put together a great step-by-step tutorial. If you want to support him by liking his video, just click here to visit his page.
He mentions in the video that aluminum downpipe weighs less than the PVC plastic version. It only weighs 2.2 lbs for an 8-foot extension.
However, I found a 10-foot PVC vinyl gutter downspout that weighs about the same, 2.6 lbs. Plus, it costs a couple dollars less for a longer piece of material.
In either case, you can construct your own homemade blower attachment very inexpensively. You don’t have to purchase manufacturer-made accessories for your blower. Simply attach the pieces together using screws, glue or duct tape.
Note: The downpipe and elbows linked above measure 3″ x 2″, but these measurements will not fit all blower brands.
It fits the Toro Ultra Blower 340-CFM 260-MPH (shown) because the Toro is slightly smaller. Therefore, measure the nozzle before purchasing materials.
Pros & Cons of Making Your Own:
When you DIY, you save big – about $20-25 compared to buying a kit. Plus, homemade gutters clean fast and cheap. But watch out for the design details. The wide nozzle might lower efficiency by messing with air pressure, making it harder to clear debris. With a powerful leaf blower, though, the homemade version can still perform great despite its quirks.
