Week 1 — Gutters: Workflow + QA (Lesson)

What you’re doing today

You’re running a repeatable gutter cleaning workflow with a clean jobsite and a clean closeout.

Why this matters

Gutters are easy to sell — and easy to screw up.

Most failures are:

• ladder mistakes
• mess on the ground
• missed downspouts

Tools & materials (minimum viable)

• Ladder + stabilizer
• Gloves
• Containment (bags/tarp/bucket)
• Hose (verify downspouts)
• Phone camera (Proof Pack)

Quick Start (the 60-second version)

1. Walk + map downspouts
2. Stage containment
3. Clear gutters
4. Verify downspouts
5. Cleanup
6. Proof Pack

Step-by-step workflow (foreman sequence)

1. Walk the home → identify downspouts + overflow zones
2. Pre-wet landscaping → stage containment
3. Clean gutters → debris into containment (don’t throw it)
4. Flush + verify downspouts
5. Cleanup (no mess)
6. Proof Pack before/after

Pricing reality check

Undercharging isn’t hustle — it’s a liability plan.

This work costs your body when you do it wrong, and ladders don’t care what the customer paid. Price so you can work safely, show up professionally, and still be here next year.

Decision points

• If a downspout won’t verify:

  • document it and message it.

• If the customer asks about gutter stains:

  • explain the difference between cleaning vs brightening (separate service)
  • show an example so expectations are clear

• If you can’t work safely:
  • reschedule or adjust access. Don’t gamble your health.

Common mistakes + fixes

• Mess in beds/patios
  • Fix: containment system.
• Missed downspout restriction
  • Fix: treat outlets as a checklist item.
• Ladder marks/damage
  • Fix: stabilizer + careful placement.

What good looks like

• No debris left behind
• Verified downspouts (or documented)
• Proof Pack delivered

How to prove it (Proof Pack)

• before: overflow stains + heavy debris + downspout outlets
• after: clean gutter runs + downspout discharge verification

QA checklist

Use: 04_sops/gutters/gutter-cleaning-sop-v2.md (QA section)

Do this next (assignment)

• Run this workflow on a mock house and write your own 6-step checklist.
• Capture a Proof Pack set (even if it’s a practice run).

References (SOPs + checklists)

• Gutter SOP: 04_sops/gutters/gutter-cleaning-sop-v2.md
• Proof Pack SOP: 04_sops/proof-pack/proof-pack-sop-v1.md
• Final Walk checklist: 04_sops/universal/final-walk-checklist-v1.md

Printables

• Operator Checklist Pack (truck copy): 03_curriculum/printables/operator-checklist-pack-v1.md

Field Guide & Interactive Calculator (tbsoftwash.com)

⚡ Interactive Gutter Brightening & Downspout Hydro-Jetting Guides:

• How to Remove Black Tiger Stripes on Gutters: Electrostatic Oxidation Guide →
• Professional Gutter Cleaning Tools Guide →
• Clogged Pool Deck & Downspout French Drain Hydro-Jetting Guide →

Gear Box (Amazon)

Gutter Cleaning, Electrostatic Brightening & Downspout Flush Kit

• Extension Ladder Standoff Stabilizer — rests on the roof/wall instead of crushing soft aluminum K-style gutters.
• Heavy-Duty Metal Ladder Bucket Hooks (4-Pack) — hands-free debris bucket hanging on ladder rungs.
• FANHAO 100% Metal High-Flow Garden Hose Nozzle + CRAFTSMAN Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum.
• Gutter Getter Scoop + 5-Gallon Heavy-Duty Buckets (3-Pack) — fast, clean debris extraction without scratching aluminum troughs.
• LA's Totally Awesome Concentrated Degreaser (1 Gal) — electrostatic tiger-stripe oxidation remover (dilute and never let dry).
• Ettore 59090 Wrap-Around Flow Brush + Ettore 43012 Extension Pole — ground-level gutter face agitation.
• General Pump RB35 Low-Pressure Wash Down Gun + Flexzilla 5/8" x 100ft Supply Hose — flushing troughs and testing downspout flow.
• WEST BAY 100ft 5800 PSI Drain Jetter Kit — clearing underground downspout tile blockages.

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