Homeowners are always looking for ways to cut costs, especially now-a-days. With Fall approaching, you can expect lots of rainfall and windy days that blow the leaves right off the trees and into your gutters. Cleaning your gutter system is an extremely important maintenance task. Most people would think that cleaning out gutters is a simple, no-hassle task. However, there are some common mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to cleaning out their gutters.
Mistakes to Avoid
Not following ladder safety. If you take a close look at your ladder, you will see many precautions and warnings. They are there for good reason and you should follow them for your own safety. Operating at any height can be dangerous and pose risks. Ladder-related injuries are quite common and can occur at any height. Keep in mind, when climbing a ladder, someone should be securing the base and making sure it is placed firmly on the ground.
Not all homeowners realize this, but a ladder needs to lean against the siding of the house and not on the gutter itself, as the gutter may be slippery. Also, operating power tools is not an easy task while trying to balance at any height, especially on a ladder.
Overreaching while on a ladder. This mistake can easily be avoided. Repositioning the ladder may seem like an annoyance, but the dangers that come with overreaching aren’t worth the possible risks that can come from it. Overreaching can throw you and/or your ladder off balance causing you to fall. It is more common to fall from overreaching when you do not have a spotter at the base of the ladder, so make sure you have someone there to help.
Wearing inappropriate clothing. Some homeowners may not think twice about the clothing they will wear to clean out the gutters. However, wearing the right protective attire and footwear is important when climbing a ladder or getting on a roof. Your shoes should have a rubber sole and be close-toed. It is always a good idea to wear eye protection, head protection, and gloves. These items are often overlooked. Eyewear can protect your eyes from flying debris or pests that may be hiding in the gutter, such as bees. Headgear is important as it could protect your head if you were to fall and from any other circumstances that may occur out of your control. Wearing gloves can protect your hands from sharp tools, sharp debris, or bacteria that are in your gutters.
Using the wrong tools. Having the right tools is essential when cleaning out your gutters. Items such as spray, vacuum, and broom-like tools can make your DIY gutter cleaning a bit easier. However, they are not ideal and may not completely unclog your gutters.
Not unclogging gutters completely. If you are unsure as to how to clean out your gutters or you are unable to fully see the inside of your gutters from your position, there is a pretty good chance you will not get all of the debris. Therefore, your gutters could quickly become clogged again, which could lead to a flooded basement, a damaged foundation, ruined siding, split downspouts, and other problems. This is why it is very important to clean your gutters thoroughly and the right way at least twice a year.
Gutter cleaning is one of our specialties here at Gutter Pros. Our technicians are highly experienced and skilled and will make sure your gutters are clean and clog-free quickly. Call us today at (314) 656-7195 so we can help you get your gutters cleaned for Fall.