This is exactly how you can safely and effectively clean your gutters!
Photos by: Freepik
What's the big deal about gutter cleaning? A lot of. Every year over 28,000 accidents occur when ladders are climbed for maintenance. Cleaning the gutters is a task that is often forgotten, but is a house maintenance project that should be completed on a regular basis. It seems like an easy task, but understand the procedures to follow and why. Here are some key tips for cleaning gutters effectively. It could save you misery in the long run.
Take out the protective equipment
Safety glasses to protect your eyes are strongly recommended. Flying debris, bird droppings, and that occasional wasp or bee can hit your eyes in seconds. Don't take the chance. Also, keep your mouth and nose covered to avoid unwanted contamination. Wear suede gloves whenever possible. They protect your hands from the sharp edges of gutters and you won't run into sewage seeping away. Shoes should be made of non-slip boots with rubber soles as you climb onto the roof.
Avoid power lines
Power lines are deadly. A slip on a ladder or roof can cause you to reach for something nearby. Do not position yourself where power lines are within easy reach. It's not worth the danger.
Make sure you have all the tools you need
Here is a general list of tools you should have when you start cleaning your gutters:
– gutter shovel
– Garden hose with nozzle
– Small hand trowel
– Good cleaning solution
– A broom with hard bristles and a hand brush
– Stable ladder
– Green rubbish bags or tarpaulin to catch dirt
If you're not prepared, you can try moving forward without the required gutter cleaning tools. Better to have everything you need than finding that you need items halfway through the job.
First spray the roof with pressurized water and cleaning agent. The hook from the roof lands in the gutters, saving time when all debris is removed. You will find that this saves you one step of cleaning up the mess. Don't forget that cleaning your roof is another important task that should be done alongside cleaning your gutters.
Install the gutter guards
After you've cleaned the roof, removed dirt from the gutters, and scrubbed the interior trim, it's time to install gutter guards to avoid as much debris as possible for the next season. Putting gutter guards over existing gutters can help keep the gutters from clogging. You will spend less time keeping your gutters clear.
Hire a professional if you're not sure
There are professional gutter cleaning companies out there who can take the time and worry about cleaning your gutters. The cost of renting a gutter cleaner is within the scope of the service you received. If you're unsure about power lines, can't scrub your roof adequately, or replace worn gutters, it's best to consult a professional to do the job.
The best way to clean gutters is to put your safety first, have the right tools second, and protect your gutter with guards or clean it regularly. Cleaning your gutters is a necessary approach to protecting your foundation, roof, and wiretapping. If you ever have questions about what to do, reach out to a gutter cleaning specialist and let them do the job for you.
