Gutter maintenance is a must if you want to keep your roof in good condition. However, improper gutter maintenance is just as bad as neglecting to clean your gutters.
What are some of the most common gutter cleaning mistakes? Ken Morton & Sons, your local roofing company, list them below:
1. Not Wearing the Appropriate Attire and Using the Wrong Tools
The standard attire for contractors includes safety goggles (to protect the eyes from wind-driven debris and leaves), gloves (to protect your bare hands from mold, fungi, pest droppings, and sharp debris) and shoes with rubber soles (to reduce the risk of slips). Using vacuum attachments, rotary gutter cleaning systems, and gutter sprays can help you clean your gutters faster and more efficiently. Remember: You should always prioritize safety when doing home maintenance tasks.
2. Failing to Secure the Ladder
Before climbing onto the ladder, you need to make sure it’s set firmly on a flat surface or secured by a standoff bracket. If you’re using a straight or extension ladder, it’s important to observe the 4-to-1-rule: The base of the ladder has to be a foot away from the wall for every four feet of its height. As an added safety precaution, someone should hold the ladder while you’re cleaning your gutters.
3. Overreaching
Never try to overreach. Repositioning the ladder every time you move on to another section of your gutter system might be time-consuming, but you should always prioritize safety.
Gutter maintenance is tedious but necessary. But what if you just don’t have the time for home maintenance tasks such as cleaning your gutters? There’s always the option of letting professional roofers handle gutter maintenance. For many homeowners, the convenience is well worth the cost.
Looking for experienced roofers in your area?
Ken Morton & Sons, a company with over three decades of experience, offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including roofing and siding replacement services. To get a free estimate, call us at (856) 363-0566 or fill out this form. Talk to us today! We serve homeowners in Pitman, NJ, as well as the surrounding communities.