Simple Gutter Cleaning Advice
Gutters play an important role in redirecting rainwater from the roof to the drainage system. This helps to minimise unnecessary weight on the roof that can affect the roof’s integrity and longevity. The gutter system also prevents water puddles from accumulating on the roof, which may lead to rust, corrosion, warping, rot and more. Like other parts of the roof, the gutter needs proper maintenance. This is the only way it will deliver good service and last for a long time. The following tips will come handy when cleaning the gutter.
Ladder Safety:
Before attempting to clean the gutter, you should ensure you have a proper ladder. It should be firm and will not wobble during use. Additionally, it should comfortably handle your weight. The length of the ladder is influenced by the property design. A storeyed building requires a longer ladder in comparison to a single story property. It is advised to have someone holding it while you work as this improves the unit’s stability. The best ladders will have a slot for holding a bucket, brush and other things. This will save you from having to come down and go up too often.
Garden Scoop:
Ensure you use a good scoop that will not scratch the gutter. Doing so may create scratches, which may later develop into crevices, and cracks that allow water to penetrate through. It may also chip the protective layer on metal gutters and this encourages rust and corrosion. The scoop should fit nicely inside the gutter and have a curved design for maximum performance. You should also make certain it feels right in the hand and is also ergonomic for better comfort.
Garden Hose:
You also require a gardens hose to get rid of dust and other debris. Pick one that has the proper length for easy reach. It should also handle the water pressure but still give you easy control. The best options come with a spray nozzle that delivers high pressure while consuming little amount of water. It also features a piston-grip hand trigger for releasing and stopping the water flow.
Protective Eye Wear:
You shouldn’t clean the gutter without wearing goggles or eye glasses. They stop dirt, dust, insects, fluids and other things from getting into your eyes. Did you also know that gutters could harbor wasps, bees, rats and other creatures? The last imaginable thing is the insects getting into your eyes.
Wear Gloves:
The gutter and the roofing can have harmful substances. Bird droppings, animal excrement, tree sap, acid rain, rotting levees, bacteria, rust; chemicals are just but a few of the toxic compounds. It also may have rough or sharp edges that may injure your fingers. Wearing quality gloves is recommended. They help prevent cuts, scratches, and bruises and also make your hands comfy especially in the cold or hot days.
Avoid Power lines:
You should be extra careful when cleaning gutters that are near power lines. In fact, you are better off letting the professionals handle the task if the lines are too near your home. Wearing protective clothing, gloves, and safety boots will help in case you accidentally come into contact with the power lines.
Proper Shoes:
It’s paramount you wear proper shoes during the exercise. The goal is it has a firm footing to prevent slippage, and to stay comfortable in any weather. Rubber shoes are known for the nice grip they provide. They are less likely to slip whereas canvas type is lightweight and also feel comfortable.
Unclog Downspouts: You should not forget to clean the downspouts during the cleaning exercise. Yes, you may have a clean gutter. However, a clogged downspout will hinder the flow of rainwater. Pouring water through the pipe lets you know whether there is a clog or not.
Final Thoughts
The above tips will not only prevent blockage or poor flow of rainwater but also extend the lifespan of the accessory. It also prevents damage since water or snow will leave the roof fast. While it may look easy, failure to follow the correct cleaning procedure may lead to damaging the gutter. It is also likely that you may slip and fall off the ladder leading to injuries.
A better and safer approach is letting the professionals handle the cleaning exercise. Birmingham Roofers prides on being a leader when it comes to roofing. The firm undertakes new installation, repairs as well as maintenance. By depending on skilled and devoted employees, the licensed roofer will eliminate all the dirt, dust, gunk and other debris that may be blocking the gutter. You can get more information about the firm and the gutter cleaning service by calling them at 01214 050961. You can also visit their website at https://bmroofers.co.uk/ where you also get a free quote on the service.
