Gutter cleaning is an important maintenance task that should ideally be done at least once a year. It may sound like a simple thing for homeowners to do, but there are mistakes that can result in injury to you or damage to your home. In today’s post, Gutter Helmet® of Cookeville shares common mistakes you should avoid when cleaning your gutters.
1. Not Using the Ladder Properly — Observing proper use of a ladder when climbing the side of your house can save you from an injury. Make sure the ladder’s base is secured on the ground, and is leaning on the siding. Leaning it on the gutters can make the ladder slip. This is why cleaning gutters with gutter guards should be done by a professional, as covered gutters wouldn’t provide enough grip. Also, make sure that you have someone securing the ladder from the ground.
2. Overreaching — If you feel the need to shift your weight while standing on a ladder just to reach something, don’t. Overreaching can tilt even the steadiest of ladders. It may be inconvenient to climb down the ladder, move it and climb back up, but it can certainly save you from a trip to the emergency room.
3. Wearing Inappropriate Clothing — Wearing appropriate attire can actually make gutter cleaning safer and more comfortable. Closed shoes with rubber soles give your feet better traction and help avoid slipping. Protective eyewear can prevent flying debris and insects from getting into your eyes. Wear leather or thick suede gloves to prevent injury to your hands, as there may be sharp objects hidden in among the debris.
4. Not Cleaning the Gutters Thoroughly — Scooping out leaves and debris is but one part of cleaning your gutters. You should be aiming for completely clean gutter troughs because this helps maintain gutter efficiency. After scooping out all that you can with your hands, you need to flush the remaining dirt using a garden hose–never use a pressure washer.
Of course, you can avoid all the cleaning work by having Gutter Helmet® installed on your gutters. Find out for yourself about how cleaning gutters with gutter guards are a lot easier to do by calling Gutter Helmet® of Cookeville at (866) 985-9982. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Cookeville, TN, and surrounding communities.
