Zac Babbidge
You need to clean your gutters to prevent damage to your property yet you need to stay safe while cleaning it. Here are some tips worth following.
Gutters will become clogged with leaves and debris and then rainwater can overflow causing water to leak and potentially damage ceilings, foundations and electrical systems, as well as the interior contents and décor of your property.
Inspect any wires or cables connected to, or near the roof. This is to ensure the protective wire insulation is intact, and it’s safe to be near the wires. If cables appear worn or damaged, contact a licensed professional electrical contractor to make repairs BEFORE cleaning the gutters!
Don’t put your gutter cleaning off too long, but plan for a day when the weather is relatively nice. Pulling out the ladder as the storm clouds are rolling in and the winds are gusting is a sure-fire way to have an accident while rushing around to get the job done quickly.
Clogged gutters are a real danger to your property. Aside from the fact that they may cause a waterfall right over your front door, they prevent water from draining. It’s probably not enough to clean gutters once each fall. Two or three times might help keep them from decaying to that disgusting point before they are removed.
You can test whether your downspouts are clogged by spraying water through them. Keep the pressure low because they're not designed for high-impact water flow. If you find a downspout that is badly clogged, try using a straightened hanger to dislodge the blockage.
Check all the spikes that are supposed to go through the gutter, through the fascia board and into the rafter behind it. At most homes, these spikes miss the rafters entirely, usually because the spike has just worked its way out of the hole over the years. It's a good idea to invest in new gutter spikes so the gutters are securely fastened once again.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 90,000 people go to the emergency room each year for ladder-related injuries. To avoid toppling your ladder, never climb above the second-to-last step.
Gutter cleaning can also be performed by a professional service. If you are afraid of heights, or are just uncomfortable cleaning the gutters yourself, call a gutter cleaning agency. Schedule them to come out twice a year and they will clean, and visually inspect, your gutters.Gutter cleaning services are well worth the price when you consider the cost of new paint, windows or siding due to damaged or clogged gutters.
