Top 8 Common Dangers Of DIY Gutter Cleaning

Key Takeaways –

• Cleaning the gutter regularly is necessary to ensure your roof withstands water’s presence.
• The gutters direct standing water away from the roof, ensuring the foundation is not hurt by any chance.
• Most people take these gutters for granted and often don’t pay much attention to cleaning and maintaining them.
• This is why they climb a ladder to clean the gutters, considering it light work.
• However, there are many pitfalls and dangers of DIY gutter cleaning.
• In the end, only professional roofing services are well suited to taking care of the gutters.

Gutter cleaning at home can be a dangerous task. You never know what you might find lurking in those dirty gutters- critters, insects, and other assorted nasties. But the most significant danger may be what you CAN see- like sharp edges, slippery surfaces, and deadly falls. Here are common roof cleaning dangers that can cause significant damage when you decide to climb up that wretched ladder. 

1. Unstable Ladder

Perhaps the most obvious danger of gutter cleaning is the risk of injury from falling off a ladder. According to research, more than 164,000 emergency room treatments each year are caused by ladders. Each year, around 300 people lose their lives due to a fateful fall from the ladder. And guess what? The vast majority of those accidents occur at home.

So, how does one avoid becoming a statistic? First, ensure that your ladder is in good condition and is the proper type and size for the job. Second, always set up your ladder on level ground and ensure it is securely anchored before climbing. And last but not least, take your time and be careful!

2. The Ladder Is Not Maintained

Another danger of gutter cleaning is using a poorly maintained ladder. This can be just as dangerous as using an unstable ladder because it increases the chances of collapsing while you’re on it. Inspect your ladder before use to ensure that all parts are securely connected and that there are no cracks that could weaken the structure. If you’re unsure about the condition of your ladder, it’s better to err on the side of caution and purchase a new one rather than risk injury.

3. Watch Out for Unkempt Electrical Wires

Suppose your home has electrical wires running along the roofline. In that case, you’ll need to exercise caution while cleaning the gutter so you don’t accidentally knock them down. Downed power lines can pose a severe electrocution hazard, so caring while working near them is essential. If possible, have someone hold the ladder for you while you clean so they can stabilize it if it starts to wobble. And always keep one hand on the ladder while working so you can steady yourself if necessary.

4. Problems with Vertigo or Dizziness

Another potential danger when gutter cleaning is vertigo or dizziness from looking down from a height. This is especially common if you’re not used to working at heights or if you have a fear of heights. If this concerns you, it’s best to wait until someone else can do the job or hire a professional gutter cleaning service. 

5. Water Damage

Cleaning a roof gutter that suffers from extensive water damage can be dangerous. The water damage weakens the structure of the gutter, which means it’s more likely to collapse while you’re cleaning it. If you notice signs of water damage, such as cracks, leaks, or sagging, don’t attempt to clean the gutter yourself. Instead, hire a professional roofing contractor to repair or replace.

6. Broken Gutters

Gutters can become weak and brittle over time. If they’re not adequately supported, they can easily break when you’re trying to clean them. To avoid this, ensure your gutters are correctly secured before cleaning. And if you do happen to break a gutter, be sure to call a professional to fix it as soon as possible.

7. No Warranty Protection  

Another danger of gutter cleaning is that most warranties don’t cover damages caused by improper cleaning. So, if you damage your gutters while trying to clean them, you’ll be stuck paying for the repairs out of pocket. To avoid this, read your warranty carefully before starting any work. And if you’re unsure whether your warranty covers gutter cleaning, call the manufacturer and ask.

8. No Expert Guidance

Finally, one of the biggest dangers of gutter cleaning is that it’s very easy to make a mistake that could cause severe damage to your home. For example, if you don’t know how to secure your ladder correctly, you could fall and injure yourself (or worse). Or, if you try to clean your gutters without wearing gloves, you could end up with cuts and scrapes all over your hands. To avoid these dangers, it’s best to leave gutter cleaning to the professionals who know what they’re doing.

Also, Read – Your Spring Roof Cleaning Checklist

How Can Professional Roofing Services Help with Gutter Cleaning?

Most of us don’t think about our gutters until there is a problem. Then we are faced with the dilemma of fixing it ourselves or hiring a professional. Hiring a professional roofing company to clean your gutters might sound like a waste of money, but it has many benefits.

Gutters play a significant role in protecting your house from water damage. They collect the water on your roof and channel it away from your foundation. This prevents water from seeping into your basement or crawl space and causing mold or mildew problems. Gutters also prevent water from eroding the soil around your foundation and damaging your landscaping.

When gutters are clogged, they cannot do their job correctly. Water can back up and overflow, causing all kinds of problems. In addition, the weight of the wet leaves and debris can cause gutters to pull away from your roof or even collapse. This can lead to expensive repairs.

Cleaning your gutters is not a pleasant task, but it is necessary to keep them functioning correctly. Many people put it off because it is dirty and dangerous work. That’s where professional roofing services come in. They have the experience & equipment to safely and efficiently clean your gutters.

Most roofing companies offer gutter cleaning as part of their regular maintenance services. This is a great way to keep on top of the chore and avoid letting it get too out of control. Having your gutters cleaned once or twice a year is generally sufficient, but if you have a lot of trees around your home, you might need to have them cleaned more often.

If you don’t want to take unnecessary risks this winter, call the professionals at ABP Construction in Watauga. We’re experienced in roof cleaning and maintenance, so you can rest assured that your gutters will be clean and clog-free. Plus, our inspection is free of charge.

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today!

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