Hello! I’ve enjoyed Fine Homebuilding magazine for years, but didn’t know there was an online forum. I’m looking for advice and hope someone here can help.
Our two story house has a 5V metal roof that extends so far into the gutters that the only way to clean them is to use salad tongs.
I’ve got half a dozen old tin snips of various types and managed to cut back a short section on the front porch, but when I go up a ladder two stories to the main roof, I want something that works. I’m not in a hurry, I’m retired and can take my time. Any recommendations?
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Replies
Find a sheet metal nibbler. Harbor Freight has a pneumatic one for less than $30, but you'd need a big compressor to run it. This one from Malco mounts in a drill and is less than $50. https://www.jbtools.com/malco-ts1-turbo-shear-metal/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwaSKqtvi6AIViYbACh2g2AnOEAQYBCABEgLtOPD_BwE
Andy, thanks for pointing me at Harbor Freight. They've got an electric shear for $60. Sure, it's a cheapo, but I've only got 150 feet to cut and it will make life a lot easier.
It's lifespan is probably 160 feet, so you ought to be fine.
I got this Kawasaki shear from amazon ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FYH9GW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 )...relatively cheap...when I did standing seam on my roof. It worked perfectly, lots of cross cuts, diagonals, and length wise cuts and never had an issue. Have used it a few times since and still works well. (and I second Mike's gutter guard suggestion, below. I had some of the same issue, not to mention the ends of the standing seams are SHARP and you don't want to be cleaning gutters right there if you don't have to).
Why not install gutter guards and keep the debris out?
Mike, I've heard too many roofing/gutter contractors laugh about gutter guards. They didn't think they were worth the money.
In So Cal in extreme fire danger areas they are required by fire code. I've never had a problem.
Even a nibble will leave a razor like edge so wear leather gloves to cut it back and anytime you clean the gutter.
Florida - been there, done that, got stitches - I'm careful these days! You make a good point about that sharp edge, but I've got a plan. I'm going to have a metal shop make 12" wide strips with a folded edge. After I cut the 5V, I'll remove the bottom row of screws, slip the strips up under the roof so the smooth folded edge extends 1/4" past the 5V, then replace the screws.