When it comes to rainguard gutters, most people leave them alone and assume that they will carry on draining water from their roof with no problem. But according to the experts at Global Gutter Systems, our rain gutters do need to be maintained regularly to keep them in good working order – and this means cleaning them every so often. However, they also tell us that many people do not take the required care when they do try to clean their gutters, which can lead to injuries or damage to the drainage gutter system. Here are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to gutter cleaning that you should follow.
Do make sure there are no dangerous electrical wires beside the gutters. It is often the case that overhead electrical lines are situated a few inches from the gutter. If so, you should make sure to disconnect the power supply while you are up cleaning the gutters.
Do consider your safety when working at height. It is important that you choose an appropriate ladder and that you are wearing protective gear, particularly if you have a two-story house where you will be up very high. A hard-hat and protective eyewear are required to prevent injury. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands from dirt and debris in the gutters and wear rubber soled shoes to prevent slipping on the ladder. Make sure that you use an extension ladder for a two-story home and use a leg leveler to keep the ladder secure on uneven ground. It is best to have someone with you who can keep the ladder secure at the bottom.
Do bring a bag or bucket with you to collect the dirt and debris from the gutters. There is no point in scooping it all out and then throwing it to the ground as this will give you another mess to clean when you get down. Use your gloved hands to gather the dirt and place it in the bag or bucket that you have hung on the top of the ladder.
Do check for any damage that might have occurred in the gutter system. Once you have cleared away the dirt, you should be able to see if there are any cracks in the gutter system or if any of the fascia brackets have come loose. Make sure that you fix any damage yourself or call a reputable company out to do it for you. Repairing the damage as soon as possible will prevent major, costly repairs in the future.
Don’t forget to give the gutters a wash after you have scooped out all the debris. You might find that some pieces of dirt are hard to get out but a spray with the garden hose can be all you need. Furthermore, it is important to clean the gutters thoroughly as this will remove any seeds that could sprout later if not cleared.
Don’t get on the roof to clean the gutters. This is really important because it can be very dangerous to try and clear your gutters when hanging over the side of the house. One wrong move and you could be sent head first to the ground. It is always best to clean them from a secure point on a ladder that is being stabilized by a helper.
Don’t overlook the benefits of rain gutter covers to minimize the dirt and debris buildup in future. While gutter covers will not prevent everything from entering the gutters, it can keep out the biggest pieces of dirt and keep blockages to a minimum.