Follow these checkpoints:
1. Pick the right equipment: Ladder, thick rubber gloves, bucket.
2. Pick the right time.
3. Pick the right weather.
4. The cleaning.
1. Pick the right equipment: Ladder, Gloves, Bucket
Your local home hardware store will have everything you need. Make sure your ladder is the correct size. A 1-story house needs a pretty short ladder, just make sure not to set it too steep and level it properly. A 2-story house is a more serious job, and you will need a 30 ft ladder, so make sure you know how to handle it before you start. Maybe you should use a helper for this one? A 2-story house with a walk-out? You will need a 40 ft ladder, that is a big job even for the professionals, we usually use 2 technicians to do that.
Get thick rubber gloves, as eavestroughs and roof have a lot of sharp edges and nails.
A plain bucket will make your job so much easier. Collect dirt and debris from the eavestroughs into the bucket and dump it into a garbage bag after.
There is one more tool that we use every single day, but my colleague calls it a ‘job security’ because it makes the cleaning go faster, so we are not ready to tell you about it just yet. Maybe in one of the next posts 🙂
2. Pick the right time.
Right time of the year – fall season when leaves dropped down already, right time of the day – any time in the daylight.
3. Pick the right weather.
Never work in windy weather, and make sure there are no precipitations.
4. The cleaning.
A. Check and clean the eavestroughs around the house.
B. Make sure all downspouts flow freely and unclog them if needed.
C. Cleanup after yourself.
Why it’s dangerous to clean gutters by yourself
Many homeowners don’t realize the risks associated with attempting to clean their own gutters, and it’s important to understand why it’s better to hire a professional. One of the most common dangers associated with cleaning gutters is the risk of falling. Gutters are typically installed at the highest point of a home, making it difficult to reach them without a ladder. Even if you’re using a proper ladder, it can be easy to lose your balance and fall. Furthermore, if you’re cleaning your gutters on a two-story house, the risk of falling increases significantly.
In addition to the risk of falling, there is also the risk of being injured by the debris that accumulates in the gutters. If you’re not wearing protective gear, such as gloves and a face mask, you could get cuts or scrapes from sharp objects in the gutters. Additionally, you could be exposed to hazardous materials, such as mold or mildew, which can cause health problems.
Overall, it’s important to understand the risks associated with cleaning your own gutters. Hiring a professional gutter cleaning service is the safest and most effective way to keep your gutters clean and your home safe.
Now you can take a quick look at How Lowe’s wants you to do it.
If you are still not comfortable, give A-Team: gutter cleaning a call, we’ll be happy to help.