Gutters might be the most underrated part of your roofing system. They never truly get the credit they deserve- they’re integral to how your roof is supposed to work. And with the weather that we get here in Florida, these unsung heroes need to be ready to perform their duties for your property. All that rain and other precipitation needs somewhere to go. But, with the importance of the gutters to your roof, you don’t want to go up to check and clean the gutters unprepared.
Doing so can lead to damage to your roof, your home, and even yourself. That’s why we’ve gathered some of our best tips and tricks to help you safely and effectively get those gutters up to code.
Ladder Safety
First things first, always make sure that you’ve let someone know that you’ll be performing some gutter maintenance before you get going, just in case of an accident. Even the most experienced ladder users can fall if a gust of wind comes rolling through, so make sure you inform someone that you’ll be using a ladder.
Also, you’re going to want to inspect the ladder. A small issue could mean that your ladder isn’t safe to use. And once you’ve inspected it for safety, you’ll want to attach a bucket for the dirt and debris that is in your gutter. Secure that bucket with a lanyard so you don’t have to carry it around while you’re going up and down the ladder. And the last step- make sure there are no power lines or tree branches that will be blocking your path.
The Right Materials
Along with a safe ladder, you’ll want to get all of your materials before you get up on that roof. One of the most important things you’ll want to grab is a good, sturdy pair of gloves. Your hands need some protection against the debris that’s clogging your gutters, as it’s likely full of bacteria. Those gloves will also protect you from cuts from any shards that may have found their way into your gutter. Protective eyewear is also important as you never know what could come out of those downspouts.
And as for the actual cleaning of the gutters, there are two important items you’ll want to have: a scooper and a hose. You could use your hands to scoop out the debris in your gutter, but that scooper makes the job even easier. The technology has come a long way with the scooper, so you’ll be able to find a scooper specific for your gutters. And as for the hose, a pressurized spray nozzle attachment will help you with those final cleaning steps. You can also use it to confirm that water will safely travel through your gutters, down your downspouts, and away from your home’s foundation.
Pre-Cleaning
Now, we’ve talked a lot about the preparation that goes into cleaning your gutters. But, with the right steps, the actual cleaning should be a breeze! The first prep step is to get a tarp to put under you and your ladder to catch any debris that drops from your gutters. This tarp can also protect your landscaping and sidewalks.
Next, you’ll want to sweep or rake-off any excess debris that’s on your roof. You don’t want to go through all the work of cleaning your gutters just for the next rainstorm to push all the roof’s debris right back into your gutters.
Finally, the Actual Cleaning of the Gutters
We’ve made it! You are ready to get your gutters into tip-top shape. If you’ve performed all the necessary steps listed above, then we are at the easy part of the day! Make sure your ladder is safe and secure, your bucket is ready for debris-catching, and get to scooping that dirt out of your gutters! Once you’ve gotten as much as possible out of your gutters, run your hose to collect any remaining debris and ensure that rain and melting snow have a path away from your home.
All in all, it’s really a simple process. But this simple process is so important to make sure that your roofing system is operating properly. If you have any questions about how to properly clean your gutters or any other roofing services, you know where to find us, so call us today!
