Safety Is The Foremost Activity

The cleaning of gutters doesn't seem to be an exciting venture for homeowners because

of the risks and hazards involved in the activity but despite of everything they should be cleaned at least twice a year. The cleaning should be done at beginning of the spring to clean the debris brought by summer and at the end of autumn due to all the tree waste debris brought during the season. This activity should be performed before the start of rains to prevent the blockage due to debris. The dry debris is easy to be removed than the damp or wet.

Safety should be a priority when it comes to cleaning gutters. Proper tools should be prepared before doing the task. Basically the tools needed for cleaning are a ladder, sturdy gloves, a bucket, gutter scoop and a high pressured water hose.

It is obvious that the first thing an owner attempting to clean the gutters would be first having to access the roof area where the gutter is located. Be mindful of the use of the ladder. There are many injuries and even death which is associated with improper use of the ladder. Purchase a ladder which is strong enough to hold up the user's weight. When positioning the ladder make sure to place it in a stable surface. Sometimes gutters themselves can be unstable so make sure not to lean ladders against gutters. Make sure to have a stable ladder against the ground a good rule of thumb is that for every four feet high that the ladder is extended, the base should be one foot away from the side of the structure. When climbing up or down the ladder, make sure to face it and have at least one hand holding the ladder.

Tools are very necessary so always arrange all the tools in hand before doing the cleaning work. It will make your task easier and efficient. After wearing the gloves place the bucket on your forearm through the handle of bucket to make both hands free to hold the ladder. Once you are on the roof place the hook on a ladder step in front of you, this will make bucket acceissible and then hang the bucket from the hook.

The gloves to wear should be heavy duty and water proof if possible. Leather gloves will do good enough for gutter cleaning. The gloves are needed for the safety of hands from touching any pointed or sharp type of objects or edges of gutters and also there is a chance of bacteria or other harmful debris to get in contact with your hands.

One of the important tools is the gutter scoop. This is useful for faster removal of the debris and increased quantities. But in the process of cleaning the ladder moves on frequently. At times is necessary to pick the debris like leaves, twigs, shoots etc. by hand that is why gloves are considered a primary tool for the cleaning.

After the gutters have been cleaned well, you should test them for their routine activity. For this purpose use a garden hose and let the water run through the downspout to the other end of the pipe. Check that no debris should be left in the pipes and water should be running smoothly till the other end. The gutters should be in a good slope to let the water pass through them without stopping.

While finalizing the cleaning activity always be careful to avoid any accident. Take away all the tools used in the process of cleaning. Hold the hose in one hand and hold the ladder with other one. Don't let the hose tangle with anything including your feet as you move up or down the ladder. Do not make any abrupt move. The surfaces of everything can get slippery due to presence of water so please avoid slipping. Always observe safety before doing every step of the cleaning.

by:James C Cullen

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