Gutter Cleaning

Although it may not be one well anticipated, gutter cleaning is a necessary part of regular home and roof maintenance. It is recommended that the gutters be cleaned at least twice a year. Most often, Spring and Fall are the best times of the year to accomplish this task. This can be done by the homeowner, or by using gutter cleaning services. For homeowners that plan to tackle the job alone, it is best to be well prepared and equipped. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours at it. Given that the chore involves moving about on the roof, most homeowners wisely decide to leave the job to the professionals. Many ER visits are made each year due to falls from the roof. Having the gutters professionally cleaned costs a LOT less than a trip to the emergency room and possible injuries. 

 

 

 

 

Having the right equipment and supplies with you when you go up to the roof is one way to avoid possible injuries. Getting the equipment on the roof requires balance and stability. Use a sturdy, reliable ladder. Also, wear sturdy work boots. Traction will be important while moving about the rooftop. You should also have these items with you:

• Garden trowel
• Heavy work gloves
• Garden hose
• Garbage bags

Depending on your experience, and the size and slope of the roof, it may also be a good idea to bring a rope. If nothing else, secure the rope around yourself, and to the chimney. Falling off of a roof is no laughing matter. Safety first should be a priority when doing any type of work on the roof. Also be sure that the garden hose is already attached to the spigot and ready to go.  

While there is not a particular set of rules most gutter cleaning services recommend that you work clockwise, one side at a time. Clean all of the debris out of the gutter using the garden trowel and your hands. Don’t forget the work gloves. Once the gutter is cleaned out, use the garden hose to send the debris to the downspout. This is an excellent time to check for clogs in the downspouts as well. If the water does not run through the gutter system correctly, you will have to unclog the downspout. Then, work each side of the home, cleaning the gutter system in the same way. Collect the debris and put it into a garbage bag as you go. 

 

This is also an excellent time to clean the roof. It only requires a couple of extra steps, such as starting at the highest point on the roof and using the garden hose to move the debris to the gutter. This is the simple version, and it should be noted that roof cleaning isn’t always that simple. It often requires much more work. Gutter cleaning services often do both at the same time, but always check for problems even if only doing one of the two jobs.