Safety Tips For Gutter Cleaning
Gutters are prone to collecting dirt, animal feces, leaves, and debris that can lead to clogs. Cleaning them involves climbing a ladder, so it’s important to follow safety tips to avoid slipping or falling.
Keeping your gutters clean will help them last longer. It also minimizes basement flooding and mold growth, which can cause a slew of health problems. Read on to know more.
Safety First
While it may seem like a mundane task, cleaning gutters can be dangerous. A fall from a ladder is a common cause of serious injury or death. It’s important to make sure the ladder is safe before using it, and that someone is standing by to keep an eye on you while you work.
Another safety precaution is to wear sturdy work gloves and protective eyewear. Gutter debris is often contaminated with pest feces, which can irritate the skin and eyes. It’s also a good idea to wear eye protection as the bits of debris that are loosened from the gutter can fly away at high speeds.
A thick suede glove material will protect your hands better than cotton or rubber gloves. It’s also a good idea not to climb onto the gutters themselves, as this can lead to rot and other problems down the line. Instead, use a garden hose to spray down the gutters, which will help them stay clean and free of debris.
A Bucket of Water
A bucket for collecting debris, preferably with a lip that is easy to grip. Ladder safety is always a priority. Ensure that the ladder is properly placed and use a stepladder for single-story homes or an extension ladder for two-story buildings.
Start the cleaning process on a dry day, if possible. Wet leaves and debris are much harder to remove from the gutters.
Once the roof is clear, begin at the end of the gutter closest to the downspout outlet and work your way back towards the house. Scoop debris into your bucket and discard as needed.
After the gutters are cleaned, rinse them with a hose to flush out the system and remove any remaining dirt or moss. This is a good time to inspect the downspouts for clogs as well. If you find a clogged downspout, try using a drain cleaner or a hose wand attachment that can reach down the drain line to the street.
Don’t Forget the Downspouts
Gutter cleaning isn’t just about removing debris from the gutters; it also involves checking downspouts to ensure they are not clogged. This is important because if a downspout is clogged, rainwater will not properly flow away from the home. This can lead to water damage, mold, mildew and can even flood the basement.
Regular gutter cleaning also helps to extend the lifespan of roofs. Clogged gutters can trap ice which can add unnecessary weight and stress to the roof. This can cause the roof to sag or even collapse if left unchecked.
Another important reason to keep up with gutter maintenance is to prevent pest infestations. Clogged gutters create the perfect environment for mosquitoes, termites, and wasps to lay their eggs and breed. Gutter cleaning keeps them at bay, ensuring your property stays safe and free of these unwanted visitors.
Use the Right Tools
Whether you’re cleaning gutters for a business or just keeping your own home looking neat, quality tools can make all the difference. These tools allow you to work more quickly, efficiently, and safely.
A telescoping gutter cleaning tool is useful for reaching hard-to-reach spots, as well as for clearing away debris from a safe distance. This model includes a long cable and a micro camera for pristine images of clogged areas.
Gloves are another important safety tool to have handy when dealing with gutter debris. A pair of heavy-duty work gloves will protect your hands from the twigs, leaves, and other hazards that may be present. You’ll also need a collection container for your debris, such as a bucket or sturdy garbage bag. Lastly, a ladder that extends to the height of your gutters is necessary for any kind of gutter cleaning service. Make sure that it’s a ladder that’s stable and meets all state safety standards for ladder use. Read on to find out!