Now that winter is a thing of the past, homeowners all over the country are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. That might mean cleaning up the yard, hauling junk out of an old equipment shed, throwing boxes of unwanted stuff out of the attic or basement, or even a minor renovation project. Cleaning the gutter is another project that almost all homeowners have on their radar this time of year. Some people like to do it themselves, while others prefer to call in a professional and focus their efforts on other things.
For those who prefer to tackle this project themselves, there are a number of important things to be aware of. Cleaning gutters is an important task, and getting it done right makes a huge difference to the functionality and integrity of your home. There are also safety issues to consider – being up high requires presence of mind and careful precautions.
If you’re thinking of cleaning your own gutters this spring, here are five major tips you should keep in mind.
- Wear the right gear
Cleaning gutters is far safer when you dress properly for it. That should include a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and rubber gloves to protect your hands and keep them dry. Wearing the right gear prevents all kinds of mishaps and keeps you comfortable as you go about cleaning the gutters.
- Use a good ladder and a stabilizer
When it comes to cleaning gutters, most accidents happen as a result of faulty, old, or poorly-built ladders. Make sure your ladder is high quality, and use a standoff stabilizer to make it extra safe, and to protect your gutter and roof from being damaged by the ladder itself.
- Use a gutter scoop
Instead of using your hands, use a scoop to clear muck and debris from the gutter. These are available from your local hardware store. You can also opt for plastic sand shovel if you have on around the house.
- Use a tarp to protect your lawn
It’s an extra step and will take a little more time, but your lawn will thank you if you lay down a tarp and throw the gunk on top of that, moving it along with you as you move the ladder.
- Don’t forget to flush the downspouts
This is an important step – use a hose to flush debris from the downspouts. Skipping this step will prevent water from escaping your freshly cleaned gutters, which will result in a long list of problems.
What if you don’t want to clean your own gutters?
Professional service is a sensible option for a lot of people. It gets you a guaranteed result (provided you hire a reputable contractor), and it eliminates all of the various safety and logistical issues that come with cleaning your own gutters. A skilled gutters specialist isn’t just an individual who posts a free ad online, however. Professional outfits have years of experience in the field. They have an established online presence, and have carefully built a positive reputation in the community by providing stellar services to homeowners of all kinds. Gutter cleaning is a fast and affordable professional service, and it also serves as a gutter inspection, in which any lingering issues with your gutters can be identified and discussed.