Regular gutter cleaning, homeowner inspections, and making timely repairs can help you avoid costly damage to your home’s exterior. Most accidents associated with home maintenance are preventable. Use these safety guidelines for cleaning the gutters this spring to keep you safe and out of danger.
When to Hire a Contractor
Many homeowners feel that they should be able to handle a simple home maintenance task like cleaning the gutters. However, it might not be that “simple.” Hire a professional gutter cleaning service if:
- You don’t feel comfortable with heights, working from a ladder, or experience mobility/health issues
- The house is more than two storeys
- The roof is steep
- Roof configuration is complex
- Roof has multiple rooflines
- The gutter run is longer than 12.2 metres (40 feet)
- Parts of the gutter system are not easily accessible
Setting Up the Ladder
The first line of defense in preventing an accident while cleaning the gutters is setting up the ladder. Ensure it’s the right height for the job – it should rise a minimum of three feet above the roofline.
Inspect the ladder before using it – no loose rungs, missing hardware, warped (wood) or rusting (metal) parts.
Set up the ladder on a flat surface. The ground should be stable, not gravel, sand, etc. If the ground where you will be setting up the ladder is typically uneven or slopes, use or purchase one with ladder levelers.
To determine the maximum number of feet a straight ladder should be placed away from an exterior wall, divide the height of the ladder by four.
If you are cleaning aluminum gutters, use a ladder stabilizer to prevent dents when leaning the ladder against the gutter system.
Use Ladder Safety Protocols
Don’t work alone. Have a helper to keep the ladder stationery and hand you cleaning supplies, reducing the number of trips up and down the ladder.
Practice the “three points of contact” rule – two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands on the ladder at any time.
When climbing the ladder, place the middle of the foot on the rung. While standing on the rungs, feet should be flat and slightly apart for added balance.
Never over-reach. Move the ladder – be safe rather than sorry.
Only one person on the ladder at a time.
Skip the Power Washer
After removing gunk from the gutter channels, power washing away any remaining debris might seem the quickest way to finish the job. However, power washers add weight to the ladder (making it less sturdy), and can dent older aluminum gutters.
Instead, use a garden hose with a pistol grip nozzle. This will allow you to hang the hose from the ladder when not in use, and when you do need it, lets you control the pressure and flow of the spray.
Wear Protective Gear
When on the ladder, wear non-slip shoes or boots.
A long-sleeve shirt and sturdy work gloves can help keep your arms and hands safe from sharp objects and coming into contact with harmful bacteria.
Use safety goggles to protect your eyes from splashes and attacking bits of debris.
If you will be handling dry or mouldy debris, use a dust mask.
Additional Tips to Keep You Safe
Don’t walk on the roof unless you have to. Make sure the roof is dry and it’s not windy.
As part of your pre-prep gutter cleaning routine, remove any tripping hazards from the areas where you will be working (children’s toys, bicycles, lawn equipment).
When moving the ladder, be aware of the proximity to powerlines and other obstacles.
