Is it time to clean your gutters? Use these gutter cleaning safety tips to ensure a fast, convenient and safe activity:
Wear and use safety equipment
Cleaning gutters may seem an easy, no-nonsense job but it's important to remember that you will be doing this job several feet off the ground, standing on a gutter cleaning near me ladder rung or a scaffolding. Make sure to use stable and reliable equipment and tools to prevent a fall or injury.
Start with a good, stable ladder that's long enough to reach a foot or so above the gutters. Make sure to lean the ladder on a solid area of the gutter. This will provide a solid footing and prevent you from falling out of balance.
Next, use thick work gloves. Clogged gutters hold stagnant water and rotting debris, an environment that is ideal for the growth of bacteria, fungi and molds. This is why you should never attempt to pick up leaves and debris from gutters with your bare hands. With work gloves or just your basic pair of rubber gloves, you will prevent direct contact from material that could cause an infection or an allergic reaction.
If there is too much dust or fine particles, you could also use a face mask to avoid inhaling fine objects. Wear safety glasses or googles as well. This is especially important if your gutter could contain bird droppings and animal fecal matter.
Do not use loose-fitting clothing since it could get tangled on objects found on the roof. Wear safety shoes or a pair of enclosed shoes with good grip and avoid flip-flops or slip-ons. Shoes with good traction will keep you stable even if the surface you're standing on gets wet or damp.
Check the gutters for any damages
Damages such as cracks, holes and protruding objects can cause an injury. If there's a substantial water clog, drain the water first before scooping up the debris to ensure that there are no sharp objects underneath.
Inspect the environment
For the ultimate in gutter cleaning safety, make sure to check the environment near the roof, particularly where you will be cleaning. Be aware of antennae and gutter cleaning near me power lines that may be present. If you're not careful, you could suffer from electric shock in case you touch a power line.
When cleaning the gutter, make sure you have sufficient lighting so do it during a clear, sunny day when there is light outside. Avoid cleaning the gutter during a cloudy day or if there is a threat of lightning. Rain can also make surfaces slick and slippery. The last thing you need is an unstable foothold, so make sure whatever you step on is sufficiently dry and stable.