Climbing up a ladder may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but this essential home maintenance task helps keep the roof, siding and foundations of your house healthy. Gutter cleaning also can prevent pests and mould.
If you prefer to stay on the ground, gutter claw attachments for garden hoses, pressure washer wands and wet/dry shop vacs work well. Consider a model that extends to the length of your gutters. Discover more at gutter cleaning recommendations.
Use the Right Ladder
Gutter cleaning can be a dirty and dangerous job, so it’s important to use the right ladder for the task. Ideally, you should use an extension ladder that has a working height that matches the height of your gutters from the ground.
A step ladder may be suitable if you’re working on a single-storey building, but it’s more likely that you will need to use a double extension ladder or combination ladder to reach your gutters. Remember to always keep three points of contact when using a ladder (one foot grounded, one hand gripping the ladder, and the other holding a tool or bucket of water), and take regular breaks.
Ladder stabilizers and standoff brackets create a secure resting point against the wall or roofline without touching your gutters, increasing ladder stability and making it easier to work. A ladder stand off tethers your ladder to the wall with a wider span than your ladder, normally about 1m or more, which also increases ladder stability and allows you to easily span over downpipes and other obstructions on the outside of your home.
Wear Rubber-Soled Shoes
Gutter cleaning is a messy, unpleasant job that often involves walking on wet surfaces that are slick. Wearing rubber-soled shoes helps prevent slipping while you’re cleaning.
Falling from a ladder is one of the most common home-related injuries, so ladder safety is a must when completing gutter cleaning. Make sure your feet are on a stable surface and not on landscaping rocks or mulch, as these can shift under you. Additionally, be sure to use a ladder stabilizer when working on two-story structures.
Gloves and protective eye wear are also important for gutter cleaning. Gloves will protect your hands from dirty, rotting leaf debris that can contain bird, squirrel and pigeon droppings contaminated with bacteria. Additionally, the gloves will shield your skin from torn metal shards found in old gutters. A gutter scoop is another helpful tool for removing debris. You can find these at most hardware stores. They have a thin front scooping edge that forms to the bottom of the gutter trough.
Wear the Right Gear
Gutter cleaning is messy work, and you’ll want to wear heavy-duty work gloves to keep your hands clean. Protective eyewear is also a good idea to ward off debris, mold or mildew that may be floating in the air. If you’re prone to vertigo or fear of heights, consider wearing a face mask to shield your face from debris and the fumes of chemicals.
You’ll also want to have a bucket and gutter scoop on hand, along with a garden hose with a high-pressure spray attachment for removing large clogs. And a pair of ladder stabilizers can help ensure the safety of your feet and knees as you work. And don’t forget to let someone know you’re climbing a ladder, so they can check in on you. Lastly, make sure to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated while you’re working.
Make a Plan
Gutter cleaning is an easy DIY job if you have the right tools. A ladder, something to scoop the debris into (a bucket or garbage bag will do), and a hose should be all you need, but it’s a good idea to have a friend or neighbor on hand to hold your ladder and/or spot you for safety.
A clogged gutter can cause roof damage, flooding basements, and encourage the growth of mold and mildew in your home. It can also be a habitat for rodents and other pests who can enter your home through the attic or through window cracks.
Gutter cleaning should be done regularly throughout the year to keep your home protected from rainwater and the debris that can flow into it. It’s especially important to clean your gutters in the spring and fall to prepare for rainy summer weather and snowy winter weather. Also, cleaning your gutters helps to prevent ice dams in the winter that can break your gutters or your roof shingles.