Most homeowners know that gutters serve an important purpose. Do you know what that purpose is? Gutters guide water that lands on the roof away from the foundation, and into the drain. This vital action protects your foundation from becoming unstable. In order to ensure that gutters perform this job well, they must be cleaned and maintained regularly. Since you generally have to use a ladder to do this, safety is key. Here’s how to clean your gutters safely and effectively.
Dress For The Job: Wear Gloves, Rubber Shoes, and Goggles
Before you even get on the ladder, make sure that you’re dressed in clothing that will protect you. Gloves will protect your hands from dirt, bugs, and sharp objects; rubber shoes are ideal if you have to climb on the roof; and goggles are needed to shield your eyes from debris when you actually clean your gutters out.
Practice Ladder Safety
Always tell someone that you will be using a ladder to work on your gutters. Make sure you are using the right ladder for the job: for single-story structures, use a step ladder, and for two-story or more structures, use an extension ladder.
Start by Cleaning off the Roof
When we take showers, we usually start by washing our hair first, right? This is because if we wash our body before our hair, we’ll just have to wash our hair again. When cleaning your gutters, your roof is like your hair; in a top-down scenario, the roof is the top. If you clean the gutters first, you’re just going to have to clean them again after the rain comes.
Use a Garden Hose and a Gutter Scoop
Use a garden hose with a pistol-grip trigger spray nozzle to hose down your gutters. This will help soften any hard debris. Next, use a gutter scoop to scoop out leaves, dirt and debris.
Invest in Gutter Guards
To minimize the need for frequent gutter cleanings, we recommend having gutter guards installed. These guards protect your gutters from the buildup of pine needles, leaves, and debris.