Gutter cleaning exercise is not much desirable by the homeowners, rather many dread of this due to the risks and labor involved in the practice but for the strength and safety of the home structure the cleaning must be done at least twice in a year, first at the start of the spring and secondly at the end of autumn, these two seasons bring different types of debris with them including leaves, twigs, shoots and other types during the winter. It is recommended to start the cleaning before the rain spell because it is easier to clean the dry types of debris.

Safety should be kept in mind always before starting the cleaning activity. The tools needed for the exercise are essential and should be arranged in advance. These tools are a ladder, gloves, garbage basket, gutter scoop and a water hose with strong pressure.

To clean the gutters one should have an easy access to the roof area where the gutters are located. The ladder should be used in an expert way, the improper use of ladder has caused many accidents and even death so the ladder being used must be stable enough to hold the climber’s weight. Position it against the wall carefully and the distance of the base of ladder with the side of the structure should be as per standard, as a rule for every 4 feet height the base should be one feet away from the structure. Face the ladder when climbing up or down while holding the ladder with at least one hand.

You should have all the necessary tools in hand before starting the work , this makes the task easier and convenient. Gloves should be worn and the bucket should be placed on the forearm through the handle to make both hands free and then climb the ladder. On reaching the roof place the hook on a step of ladder in front of it, and after it is accessible hang the bucket from the hook.

It is best to find a type of gloves which are thick and if possible water proof. The leather type of gloves is a good choice for gutter cleaning. The reason for the need of gloves during cleaning is to prevent holding any sharp edges from the gutter system. There are also a large possibility of having bacteria and other harmful debris which may come in contact with the skin during the removal of the debris.

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.

Gutters should be checked for their normal and usual activity after the gutters have been cleaned and maintained. For this just insert a garden hose into the gutter system, this will test the pipes for any left over debris or particles. The water should be exiting from the other end swiftly. The gutters should be steep enough not to make a pool of water and let if pass quickly.

When taking the final step it is imperative to take safety precautions. The tools used during the previous steps should be out of the way in order to prevent any tangling up between the hose. Handle the hose with precautions it is best to at least have on hand on the ladder and avoid leaning. Be careful not to have the hose tangle between your feet as you make your way up and down the ladder. Since cleaning the gutters involves the element water there’s always the danger of slipping. With all of these it is evident that gutter cleaning may not be a breeze after all. There are a lot to prepare and be aware of when doing this task. Be sure to keep safety a priority while doing this maintenance.

At Orinda Gutters, we do whatever it takes to ensure that your gutters are clean, flowing and free of all unwanted debris.Debris that can cause a whole lot of problems down the road, which is why we recommend having your gutters cleaned on a regular basis.So protect your home by Gutter Cleaning today.