Improper gutter maintenance is just as bad as neglecting to clean your gutters. What are some of the most common gutter cleaning mistakes homeowners should avoid?
1. Wearing Inappropriate Attire and Not Using the Right Tools and Equipment
The standard attire worn by gutter professionals includes safety goggles (to protect the eyes from leaves and loose twigs that might be blown away by winds), gloves (to protect your bare hands from mold, fungi, pest droppings and sharp debris) and shoes with rubber soles (to prevent slips). Meanwhile, standard equipment for cleaning includes vacuum attachments, rotary gutter cleaning systems and gutter sprays.
2. Failing to Secure the Ladder
Secure your ladder by setting it firmly on a flat surface or attaching it to your home using a standoff bracket. If you’re using a straight or extension ladder, remember the 4-to-1-rule while setting it up: The base of the ladder has to be a foot away from the wall for every four feet of height. For added protection against accidents, have someone hold the ladder for you while you’re cleaning your gutters.
3. Overreaching
Repositioning the ladder every time you move on to another section of your gutter system may be annoying at times, it’s essential. Overreaching is a major fall hazard. Remember: always prioritize your safety while doing home improvement and maintenance projects.
Why Install Gutter Guards?
Gutter maintenance can be time-consuming, but it’s necessary if you want to keep your gutters clog-free and your roof in good condition. Fortunately, you can reduce your gutter’s maintenance needs by installing rain gutter guards, which prevent leaves, twigs and other debris from entering and clogging your gutters. Gutter Helmet® is the only gutter protection system with Never Clean Your Gutters Again® guarantee.
Want to learn more about Gutter Helmet’s patented features? Gutter Helmet of Minnesota offers premium rain gutter guards as well as professional gutter installation services. To get a free quote, call us at (866) 200-5339 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Monticello, MN, as well as the surrounding communities.
