Gutter cleaning is a crucial part of house maintenance that helps prevent leaks, harm to your foundation, and other significant problems. Although cleaning out your gutters may seem simple, it could be dangerous if you don’t do it correctly, especially because you’ll probably be working from a ladder. If your residence has a lofty roof or if you’ve never done the task before, it’s considerably hazardous.
There are a few gutter cleaning blunders that homeowners should be careful to avoid to save money and avoid dangerous circumstances. Maintaining clean, debris-free gutters is easy if you take a few safety measures and maintain a regular maintenance routine. Learn how to prevent these typical gutter-cleaning blunders to ensure this upkeep task is always successful.
4 Common Mistakes When Cleaning Gutters
1. You don’t regularly clean your gutters.
Neglecting to clean gutters as frequently as necessary is one of the most frequent maintenance errors homeowners make. The standard guideline is to clean at least twice a year; however, given your landscape, periodic maintenance may be required.
2. You clean your gutters at the incorrect time of year.
Timing is crucial for your drainage system to function correctly when required. Unpredictable weather or storms may cause damage to your residence if your gutters become blocked or inadequate. Before periods when bad weather is frequent in your area, make plans to clear your gutters. In many areas, this entails cleaning gutters twice a year, in the spring and the fall, to get them ready for stormy summers and chilly winters.
3. You’re not wearing the appropriate safety gear.
You shouldn’t reach barehanded into a pile of filthy, rotting leaves when cleaning gutters because it’s a messy job. To keep your palms clean and safeguard against any potentially sharp objects concealed in the trash, put on a pair of heavy-duty work gloves. Rubber-soled shoes with strong traction can also help prevent ladder slips. Also, don’t forget your safety glasses. When cleaning gutters, you never know what could fly out of the downspout.
4. The incorrect tools are being used.
While using gloved hands to remove leaves and other debris from gutters can be effective, some equipment can make the process more straightforward. For instance, a shop vacuum with a gutter cleaning attachment can assist in speedily removing small amounts of gutter material, such as twigs or pine needles. According to Counahan, some homeowners prefer a pressure washer to blast the debris out of their gutters when there has been a more significant buildup. It is advisable to clear your gutters by hand or hire a professional to do the task if you cannot use the instrument safely.
Gutter cleaning is more difficult than one might imagine. Think about getting in touch with the crew at Reynolds Gutters, who can handle any kind of cleaning task you may have. Our tools and equipment are capable of doing the work correctly, ensuring year-round protection for your home. Do your gutters need to be cleaned? Let’s talk!