Gutter Cleaning: A Few Best Practices to Follow - Gutter Cleaning Monmouth

Gutter Cleaning: A Few Best Practices to Follow

In the interest of safety, efficiency, curb appeal and prevention of property damage, gutter cleaning is an essential task for every homeowner. You should do this every spring and fall, so rain water can flow through properly and divert off your property. Of course, safety should come first when taking on this job, so check out some best practices to follow this season.

• Unclog all downspouts: Clean away debris from your downspouts to ensure they are properly positioned – to point away from your foundation and prevent pooling. Use the garden hose at full speed at the top of the gutter and see what comes out. If it’s a trickle, a clog still exists somewhere.
• Use the right gutter scoop: You’re best off picking up a tool designated for scooping out large amounts of debris. Go with plastic over metal, as metal can cause scraping and thus rusting.
• Get on a safety ladder: Don’t use a flimsy wooden ladder. Instead, opt for a sturdy fiberglass ladder with stabilizers, preferably with four legs. Call a friend to spot you and dump out your full buckets for you. If that’s not possible, make sure the ladder is sturdy enough to hold a bucket while you scoop out the debris.
• Use a garden hose with trigger spray nozzle: Now, you can adjust the pressure using just one hand. In addition, this makes it easy to hook over the edge of the gutter as you work.
• Wear proper eye protection: Debris can fly out of the gutters when cleaning, so protect your eyes in any event. Also, you may disturb wasps, frogs and rats in the process, so this will help you avoid scratches to the eyes from critters that are just trying to defend themselves.
• Don gloves: Standard gardening gloves are OK if that’s all you have. But you’re best off with thick, suede gloves so you don’t get cut or scratched. Plus, you want to keep your hands as clean as possible. Not only can gutter debris contain dirt and leaves, it can also contain bacteria from bird, pigeon and squirrel droppings. Forgo the cotton, rubber or leather gloves and go with suede.
• Wear rubber shoes: Rubber sole shoes will prevent nasty slips and falls.
• Schedule regular gutter cleanings: If a DIY gutter cleaning job is not possible, schedule regular gutter cleanings by a professional who does this day in and day out. Then you won’t have to worry about missing a cleaning.

Get in Touch with Clearview Washing

To schedule your regular gutter cleaning, call Clearview Washing at 732-462-1187. We are proud to be New Jersey’s premier exterior washing and gutter cleaning company backed by licensed and insured professionals.

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