Gutter cleaning is an underappreciated yet crucial task that helps protect your home’s foundation from water damage. While it looks simple, gutter cleaning can be dangerous if you don’t do it properly.
So, in this blog, we have discussed the most common mistakes to avoid while cleaning your gutters to prevent costly repairs and to help you protect yourself from costly repairs.
Costly Gutter Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid
⇒ Not Cleaning Gutters Frequently
One of the most common gutter cleaning mistakes most homeowners make is not cleaning their gutters as frequently. It leads to issues like clogging and damage to your home’s foundation.
The recommended frequency of gutter cleaning is at least two times a year, but it can increase depending on your landscape and needs. Regular gutter cleaning will ensure your gutters remain clean and unclogged throughout the year and prevent costly repairs.
⇒ Not Wearing Safety Gear
Things can get quite messy when you are cleaning gutters. From putting your hands in dirt and grime to picking up sharp objects, you can get injured doing all of these.
To prevent this, wear proper safety gear like heavy-duty gloves and rubber-soled boots to prevent slipping from the ladders. Also, include eyewear to shield yourself from flying dirt and debris.
⇒ Unsafe Ladder Use
The most common cause of gutter cleaning injuries is using ladders in an unsafe way. Many homeowners don’t take the risks involved seriously, leading to accidents.
So, it’s best to inspect the ladder carefully before using it and ensure that it’s stable. Also, see that the base has even footing before using it. A good way to prevent ladder-related injuries is to enlist the help of a family member to hold the ladder.
⇒ Using the Wrong Tools and Equipment
Another common gutter-cleaning mistake you are making is not using the right tools for the job. Using the wrong tools can decrease productivity at best and lead to accidents at worst.
Therefore, ensure you have proper tools like a ladder, leaf blower, and gutter cleaning attachments like rotary-gutter cleaning systems and sprayers to clean high-up gutters and make cleaning more effective.
⇒ Not Installing Gutter Guards
If you haven’t installed a gutter guard, then you are making a mistake. Gutter guards are a useful device that prevents debris from accumulating inside your gutter while allowing water to flow freely. It saves you the difficult task of cleaning the gutter as frequently and protects it from damage.
⇒ Cleaning Gutters at The Wrong Time of the Year
When cleaning your gutter, you should also consider the time of the year. For example, it’s unsafe to clean your gutter in summer and winter due to the extreme weather in these seasons.
On the other hand, fall and spring are appropriate times to remove debris and fallen leaves from your gutter, as the weather is neutral. Cleaning your gutter in spring and autumn also helps prepare it for the severe weather in summer and winter.
Summing Up
When you set out to clean your gutter, remember these six common gutter cleaning mistakes to avoid. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll ensure your safety and prevent damage to your gutter and home.
So remember to pick the right time to clean the gutter, wear proper safety gear, and use the right tools to clean your gutters. Also, inspect the ladder carefully and maintain a regular cleaning frequency to prevent excess accumulation of debris.
