Is it Safe to Clean your Own Gutters?
The most common mistakes people make with DIY gutter cleaning
No one likes to clean their gutters, and this means it’s one of those chores that can sometimes get left to the wayside until it’s become a pretty big problem. Clogged gutters cause so many problems for your home, from water damage to birds nesting and other pest infestations, getting your gutters clean isn’t a particularly fun chore – but it is a necessary one!
Whilst it may seem easy enough, cleaning your gutters can actually be a very precarious task if not done by a professional. These are all the most common mistakes people make when cleaning their own gutters so that you can avoid making a costly (and potentially painful) mistake.
The risks of cleaning your own gutters
It might seem straightforward, but gutter cleaning actually does come with a fair share of risks. Climbing ladders, reaching overhead and working at heights are all dangerous, especially if you don’t have any training or equipment. These are some of the accidents you may be able to avoid when you hire a professional gutter cleaner rather than doing it solo.
Falls: This is the most common accident that can happen when you’re on a ladder. Falling from height is incredibly dangerous and can result in serious injury or even death.
Electrocution: If your gutters happen to be near power lines or electrical fixtures, you may be risking electrocution especially if you come into contact with live wires.
Health hazards: Gutters are breeding grounds for bacteria and mould and if you’re going to clean your own gutters you put yourself at risk of being exposed to those things during the cleaning process.
Falling debris: Your gutters can have a lot hiding in them. From sharp objects to animal nests there is a ton of debris in gutters that can cause cuts, wounds or infections if you’re not super careful.
The Gutter Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to ensuring the safety of yourself and your gutters, there are a few mistakes you should avoid making. These are some of the most common mistakes you should aim to avoid when it comes to gutter cleaning.
Not cleaning gutters frequently
One of the number one biggest mistakes you can make is not cleaning your gutters enough. Over time debris, leaves, sticks and more can accumulate in your gutters and clog your pipes causing water buildup.
You should be aiming to clean your gutters at least twice a year, pencil it into your calendar and ensure you don’t fall behind on regular gutter cleaning and maintenance.
Not wearing the right gear
Protective gear and equipment is a must when it comes to cleaning your gutters. If you’re going to try to do it yourself, invest in gloves, safety glasses and sturdy footwear to ensure you are protected from sharp objects, bacteria and slips while you clean your gutters.
Using the wrong tools
Using the wrong tools is another crucial mistake people make when they clean their own gutters that can lead to injury or damage to your home. Do some research on the types of tools best suited for you, think gutter brushes, pressure hose attachments or plastic scoops so you can clean your gutters without scratching them.
Forgetting to check downspouts
You don’t want to forget your downspouts! Check them and make sure they're not clogged during gutter cleaning. Use a plumber's snake or a hose and clear any potential blockages to reduce the risk of damage.
Why should you hire a gutter cleaning professional?
Given the risks and the mistakes you could make during gutter cleaning, hiring a professional is often the much safer (and much simpler) option. Invest in a gutter cleaning professional like our team at Bendigo Property Maintenance and take the stress out of cleaning your gutters.
Our gutter cleaning professionals can also check your gutters for any potential wear and tear so that you can properly address any problems before they become much bigger! Whilst cleaning your own gutters might seem like a simple enough task, investing in the help of a professional can protect your home and ensure your own safety.
Contact us today to schedule a gutter cleaning appointment so that you can protect your home from any potential damages. Leave your home maintenance and gutter cleaning to the experts and prepare to experience the ultimate peace of mind!
