Common Gutter Cleaning Mistakes

Not Using Safety Gear

Safety first! Don't skip the waterproof, PVC-coated gloves or safety goggles. You never know what you might find up there. Most people do not know that the debris found in your gutters is rotting and bacteria-laden. Because of this, getting it on your hands and face is not only gross, but it can also cause warts, infections, or sickness.

Ignoring the weather

Don't clean your gutters in the rain or right after a storm. Wet debris is heavier and harder to remove. Also, do not clean when it's too cold. Cleaning gutters when the temperature is below freezing is a recipe for disaster. Not only will the debris be impossible to remove because of ice, but it will also make your ladder rungs slippery from going up and down. Whenever possible, make sure to clean your gutters when temps are above freezing and the sun is shining.

Using the wrong tools

Make sure you have the right tools for the job. A sturdy ladder, a leaf blower, and a bucket are basic essentials. A ladder stand-off is nice too because it will help to stabilize yourself against the roof and gutters. Make sure the ladder is in good working order and is proper for the job. It's common to see homeowners using step ladders or ladders with the wrong safety or weight rating. Don't risk your life simply because you are not properly equipped. Plan ahead and the job will be safer, quicker, and easier.

Not checking the downspouts

It's not just about the gutters. Make sure to check and clear any clogs in the downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Seeing clean gutters gives a false sense of accomplishment. You cannot see into the downspouts, so you have to flush them for a couple of minutes each with a garden hose to ensure there are no clogs deeper in the system. If a clog is detected, don't just flush it through. Disassemble the downspout and manually remove the clog.

Neglecting regular gutter cleaning

Don't wait until your gutters are overflowing and full of debris. Regular maintenance prevents more significant problems down the line. Gutters should be cleaned at least once in the spring and twice during the fall months at a minimum. Allowing debris to sit in the gutter system is bad, but it gets worse if the debris advances through the system to the underground pipes. Once issues underground arise, the cost shoots up exponentially. A little proactive maintenance will solve all of those issues.

If you don't want to go it alone, give us a call at 440-454-7040 for Cleveland or 614-641-4030 for Columbus. You can also get a free quote for gutter cleaning and check out our gutter cleaning service plans.