Cleaning your gutters is a crucial part of routine house maintenance that helps prevent leaks, foundation damage, and other major problems. Even though it may appear simple, cleaning out trash from your gutters may be risky if done incorrectly. If you’ve never done the work before or if your house has a lofty roof, it’s much riskier.
There are a few common gutter-cleaning mistakes you should avoid to save money and prevent dangerous circumstances.
6 Frequent Gutter Cleaning Mistakes You Should Avoid
1. Not Having A Gutter Cleaning Schedule
One of the major mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to gutter cleaning is not having a gutter cleaning schedule. Debris and leaves can build up over time in the gutter, which can cause clogs and other gutter issues.
Establishing a gutter cleaning routine is essential to keep your gutters effective and long-lasting. To choose the frequency that works best for you, take into account the local surroundings and climate. However, according to experts, gutter cleaning should be done twice a year.
2. Using Unsafe Ladder
Unsafe ladder use is the leading cause of injuries sustained while cleaning gutters. Many homeowners take the associated risks lightly, which might result in accidents.
Therefore, it’s advisable to ensure the ladder is stable by inspecting it before using it. Before using the base, make sure it has even footing as well. Asking a family member to assist with holding the ladder is an excellent approach to reducing the risk of injuries caused by ladders.
3. Using Wrong Tools
Another common mistake for gutter cleaning is using the wrong tools. Using the incorrect tools can reduce productivity and might result in accidents.
To clean high-up gutters and increase cleaning efficiency, ensure you have the right equipment, including a ladder, leaf blower, and gutter cleaning attachments like rotary-gutter cleaning systems and sprayers.
4. Cleaning Gutter At The Wrong Times
The season should be taken into account when cleaning your gutters. For instance, cleaning your gutters during the summer and winter is dangerous because of the severe weather conditions.
However, as the weather is neutral in the fall and spring, these are the best seasons to clear your gutter of debris and fallen leaves. Gutter cleaning in the spring and fall also helps your gutters prepare for the summer and winter’s harsh conditions.
5. Not Wearing Protective Gear
Cleaning gutters is a messy task sometimes, and you don’t want to use your bare hands to dig through a pile of decaying and filthy leaves. Use a pair of heavy-duty work gloves to keep your hands clean and shield yourself from any sharp objects that might be concealed in the trash. Additionally, traction-enhancing shoes with rubber soles can prevent slides on the ladder. So, you can use them too.
6. Doing The Work Alone
When it comes to cleaning your gutters, don’t tackle it alone. It is a wise decision to have a reliable spotter by your side. Make sure that someone is always keeping the ladder steady at the bottom, whether you’re using a ladder or any other piece of equipment. Accidents and misfortunes can be avoided with the extra stability and support that an extra pair of hands offers.
Call A Professional Gutter Cleaning Service
Not using the right tools, having no proper support system, and not cleaning with protective gear are common gutter cleaning mistakes you should avoid to prevent misfortune from happening, maintain the functionality of your gutters, and protect your home. Also, by being mindful of these mistakes, you can avoid potential issues and ensure smooth water flow.
If you are feeling overburdened or require additional help and knowledge to handle gutter cleaning on your own, you are welcome to seek professional assistance. You can ensure the task is done safely and successfully while saving a significant amount of time and effort by hiring a gutter cleaning partner.
