Over time, gutter systems can become clogged with sticks, leaves, dirt, and other debris, restricting the flow of water. Gutter cleaning isn’t overly difficult, but there are some mistakes you’ll want to avoid making this fall.
Here are the eight most common gutter cleaning mistakes you can easily avoid this fall and beyond.
Not Following Safety Precautions
One of the most common mistakes in cleaning gutters is cutting corners when it comes to safety. You should wear appropriate safety gear, including long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, closed-toe shoes, gardening gloves, and safety glasses while you work to avoid scratches, pest bites, and more.
Additionally, take proper safety precautions when setting up and using a ladder. Make sure the ladder is resting on a firm, level surface and that it’s positioned at a 75 degree angle. Have a second person hold the ladder from the bottom while you climb and clean the gutters to prevent the ladder from slipping or tilting while you work.
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Getting On the Roof
It may seem easier to climb up on the roof once, rather than climbing up and down a ladder as you move around the gutters. However, when you work from the roof, you must face toward the edge at a downward angle to reach the gutters, which increases your risk of falling. Instead, it’s safer and more efficient to work from the ground or a ladder with a partner nearby to steady the ladder from its base.
Using the Wrong Tools
Any job you take on around the home or the workplace will be easier and safest when using the right equipment, and gutter cleaning is no exception. Before starting this project it’s important to ensure you have an appropriate ladder to safely access the gutter system, gloves, a bucket, and gutter cleaning tools. Also, check to make sure the ladder and your tools are in good condition before you begin.
Ignoring the Weather
Climbing up a slippery ladder while it’s raining or snowing is a bad idea; the rain or meltwater can make it more difficult to stand and increase the risk of falling. Additionally, working in the rain can obscure your vision, while the excess water in the gutters makes the debris heavier and harder to remove. Instead, plan to clean out clogged gutters on a day when the temperature outside is above freezing and the sun is shining.
Working Alone
Cleaning the gutters alone is possible, but not recommended. Not only does working alone increase your risk of injury, it’s also more tiring. If possible, you should have a second person to steady the ladder and help clean up the debris from the gutters. For those that don’t have a helper, it’s suggested to let another person–like a neighbor–know that you will be using a ladder just in case an accident occurs.
Missing the Downspouts
Removing debris from the gutter trough that runs along the perimeter of the roof is the most time-consuming part of gutter cleaning, so it often receives the most attention. However, clogs can develop if you neglect the downspouts during regular cleaning, so it’s equally important to keep the downspouts clean and clear of debris.
Overreaching On the Ladder
Overreaching is a common mistake DIYers make when they want a job to go faster; they climb up the ladder and reach as far to one side as possible so they don’t need to reposition the ladder as often. However, if you overreach, your weight could cause the ladder to tip over, sending you crashing to the ground. While repositioning the ladder over and over again can become tiresome, it’s a necessary part of gutter cleaning to ensure you are not putting yourself at risk of injury.
Skipping Gutter Cleanings
Leaving the gutters to collect debris year after year only leads to issues, like clogs, ice dams, leaks, or overflowing gutters. Depending on how long the gutters have been left without cleaning, the collected debris may even be enough to pull the gutter system off the house. To avoid problems with your gutters, it’s recommended to clean the gutters at least two times a year, in the spring and fall.
FAQ
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The most common problem with gutters is clogging. Sticks, leaves, dirt, and other debris can get trapped in the gutters and only continues to build up if the gutters are not regularly cleaned. As the pile of debris grows, it restricts the flow of the gutter system, leading to clogs.
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It’s generally not okay or a good idea to walk on the roof to clean gutters unless absolutely necessary. Cleaning the gutters from the roof causes you to be working and facing downhill to reach the gutters, which can increase the risk of falling. It’s typically best to access the gutters using an extension ladder for both safety and efficiency.
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On average, it will cost about $80 to $400 to have gutters professionally cleaned, depending on the length of the gutter system. Expect to pay about $0.95 to $1.25 per linear foot for professional gutter cleaning.