Dirt and debris can collect inside your gutters and cause them to become blocked. In fact, in less than a year your gutters can collect enough dirt and debris to do serious damage to your gutters. For some homeowners, gutter cleaning is not an enjoyable task but it’s a job that has to get done. Hopefully, these tips will help make the job a little easier.
Bring a Buddy
For safety reasons, ask a friend or relative to keep your ladder steady while you are working. By having someone helping you, you can finish faster with less chance of injury.
Come Dressed for the Occasion
Put on an old set of clothes before you begin your gutter cleaning. Be sure to wear long sleeves, long pants, thick work gloves and protective eyewear. This will prevent any potential injuries.
Lay Down a Tarp
You can lay down a large tarp on your lawn near your ladder. This will collect any debris that falls and enable you to save time raking up your yard when you have finish cleaning your gutters.
Use a Good Safety Ladder
Choose the best ladder for your type of home and gutters. For a single story home, a stepladder is tall enough to get access to the gutters. A multilevel home will need a taller ladder. Invest in a ladder horn to prevent damage to your gutter while you are working. Do not extend the ladder any further than necessary while working. Move your ladder as often as possible to be able to safely reach and clean the gutters.
Use a Scoop
Get a scoop to help remove the debris from the gutters. They are easy to manipulate and can make the job much easier and quicker to complete.
Proper Inspection
As you are scooping the debris from inside your gutters, carefully check to see that the gutters are securely attached. A loose gutter can begin to pull away from the house exterior and cause damage to both the gutters and the structure of your home. Damage to your gutters or exterior structure can be an expensive job to repair.
Flush the Gutters
After you have removed all of the debris from your gutters, use your garden hose to run water through the gutters. This will ensure that any blockages have been opened and that your gutters are working properly. You will also be able to see if there are any leaks or holes in the system that may need repair.