5 Important Gutter Cleaning Tips
Now that the summer has faded away and the leaves are falling, it’s time to take to the roof and clean out those gutters. Gutter cleaning can be a time-consuming and dangerous chore, but following these simple tips can help the task go smoothly and safely.
- Tell Someone: Going up on the roof alone is dangerous. Ladders can fall over and leave the gutter-cleaner stranded on the roof. Having someone around to keep an eye out is vital for staying safe.
- Secure the Ladder: An unsteady ladder on uneven ground is a recipe for disaster. Also, be sure to put the ladder in a place where the wind can’t easily knock it over.
- Bring the Right Tools for the Job: A hose can help rinse the gutters, quickly dislodging any debris. Gutter scoops are another common time-saving tool that can be found at most hardware stores.
- Wear Gloves: Some leaves and debris won’t rinse away and will need to be grabbed by hand. Thick, suede work gloves offer the most protection.
- Wear Rubber-soled Boots: Any rubber-soled shoe will provide more grip on a slippery roof, but rubber-soled boots are the best option because they also offer more stability and protection than shoes.
If the homeowner feels unsafe or that the gutters are too clogged to clean by themselves, they should always contact a professional service instead of trying to do it alone.
How Do Professional Plumbers Clean Gutters?
Despite these valuable tips, gutter cleaning can be such a messy and sometimes dangerous job that it’s often best to leave it to a professional. Professional gutter cleaning services will clean gutters safely and more thoroughly than the average homeowner.
Professional gutter cleaners are more equipped to tackle the job. They often use pressure-washers to blast away leaves, twigs, and other waste more efficiently than a garden hose. When they’re finished with the pressure washer, an industrial wet-dry vacuum is brought in to clean up what’s washed out of the gutter. All in all, it should only take a plumbing service around an hour to clean the gutters of the average single-family home.
Why Tree Trimming Is So Important
Falling leaves are the most common cause of clogged gutters. The leaves combine with rainwater and form a mass in the gutter, leading to back-ups and flooding. The flooding can then cause the roof to rot if it’s not cleared. In the colder months, the water can freeze and further damage the roof structure.
Keeping trees trimmed and orderly dramatically reduces the number of leaves and twigs that can end up in the gutters, in turn reducing the threat of a clogged gutter and the amount of time and effort it takes to clean the gutters.
What Are Gutter Guards
Investing in gutter guards in the easiest way to prevent clogged gutters. Gutter guards are plastic shields that fit over the top of the gutter, blocking leaves and other material from entering the gutter. Of course, they don’t completely encapsulate the gutter, allowing for proper drainage. Gutter guards are not a fool-proof solution, and gutters should still be routinely cleaned and maintained by a professional, but they definitely make the job easier.
About Sheely Plumbing Inc.
Sheely Plumbing Inc. serves Alto, Michigan, and the greater Grand Rapids area. With over a decade of industry experience, they offer 100% customer satisfaction and prides themselves on providing honest prices on their wide variety of plumbing solutions. Give them a call for expert plumbing services in Alto and Grand Rapids.
