Gutter cleaning is one of those tasks that doesn’t really require professional experience or technical skill, but is still tricky to do on your own. Too many homeowners go against their better judgment, attempt a DIY, and wind up putting themselves at risk, damaging their roof or gutters, or doing a subpar job. If you’re one of these homeowners, take time to read the five biggest gutter cleaning sins.
1. Using the wrong gutter cleaning tools.
To clean your gutters, you need a plastic scoop, a stiff brush and a hose. Never use a metal scoop or scraper, which can damage surfaces and promote rusting.
2. Not checking the ladder.
Make it a habit to check for cracks and loose parts and keep your ladder’s maximum load capacity in mind. Always test the stability of the base by jumping on the first rung a few times before climbing all the way up.
3. Wearing the wrong safety gear.
When cleaning gutters, always wear work gloves, non-slip shoes and protective eyewear. You may also want to use a safety belt or harness to guard against falls.
4. Not having a spotter.
Whatever type of ladder you use and whether or not you’re wearing a harness, always ask a spotter to stay on the lookout and hold the ladder in place.
5. Not leaving it to the professionals.
Hiring a contractor to clean your gutters is always a good idea. We are equipped with specialized gutter cleaning tools and better able to spot damage and danger signs. We are also insured against workplace injuries.
Hiring a professional is better than DIY, but eliminating the need for gutter cleaning altogether is by far your best option. Gutter Helmet does just that by keeping leaves, twigs and other debris out of your gutters, so you’ll never have to climb up a ladder again! Call Gutter Helmet® by Harry Helmet of Northeast Ohio to learn more about the best alternative to gutter cleaning today.
