Cleaning your gutters is an important part of your home maintenance. It will ensure that the gutters do their job of removing rainwater and directing it away from your home, and it will prevent damage from occurring to the roof, the siding, the foundation, and more. Take a look at some of the important things to remember when you are cleaning and maintaining your gutters.
Make Sure You Use Your Ladder Safely
When you climb up on the ladder to clean your gutters, make sure that you let someone know what you are doing. This is a common safety practice whenever you work on a tall ladder or on your home’s roof. You should also make sure that the ladder is sturdy and has a shelf that will hold a large bucket where you will collect your debris. Fiberglass ladders are the strongest, but they are also heavy. You will use a four-legged ladder for one-story homes and an extension ladder if the home is taller. Make sure that your ladder is fully functional and locked in place before you climb up on it.
Use a Garden Hose
When you are cleaning your gutters, you will want to use a garden hose. You can gather debris and place it in a bucket for removal. Then place a spray nozzle on your hose and use it to spray the gutters clean. You can hang it on the side of the gutter when you aren’t using it, and it is easy to get a spray nozzle attachment. This will help you clean out the gutters.
Make Use of a Gutter Scoop
Part of the reason that you clean out your gutters is to remove debris that can accumulate over time. You can use a gutter scoop to easily clean out the gutters. It is a scooping tool that you can easily get from a hardware store. The edge in the front is thin, and it will mold to the bottom of the gutter, so it is very easy to remove any debris that is in there.
Wear Gloves
It is important to wear gloves to protect your hands when you are cleaning the gutters. You are likely to find leaves and twigs that also have droppings from squirrels, birds, and other critters. In addition, gloves will prevent your hands from being scraped by any loose metal. You should get a pair of suede leather gloves because they are made specifically for this type of job.
Other Protective Clothing
You should also make sure that you use eye protection as a precaution, and wear shoes with rubber soles. This will help you avoid slipping while you are working up on a ladder and the roof of your home. There will be water involved in the process, and other types of soles can slip. You should also remember that if you are planning to walk on the roof, late morning to early afternoon is the best time because the dew from the night will be dry.