How to Safely Clean Your Gutters - And Why

After autumn and winter has scattered leaves all over your yard – including into your gutters – it is time to clean those clogged gutters out. It is a necessary annual task. Before you rush out to rent a ladder, power tools and equipment, follow these guidelines which are key to a successful and safe gutter-cleaning experience:

• As cavalier as you may be about protection when it comes to the risk of falling from roof height, safety must come first.
• You never know what may emerge from your spouts when you clean them. There have been reports of rats, wasps and bees flying out when people have started to remove a clog. Wear eye protection goggles.
• Protect your hands (and health) from rotting leaf debris containing pigeon and rat droppings. The best gloves are suede: cotton can absorb the wet grime; rubber gloves tear easily and leather gloves are too rigid.
• Rubber-soled shoes will help to avoid a slip-and-fall incident if you need to walk on your roof to clean the gutters.
• Bearing in mind that 43% of fatal falls in the last decade have involved a ladder, always tell someone that you will be using a ladder. Make sure that your ladder is sturdy, with a shelf strong enough to hold a 20-litre container for the gutter debris. Examine the ladder for faults, depressions or unfastened parts before using it.
• If you are cleaning gutters near a power line that goes from the power pole to your roof, check that the protective insulation is still intact and has not rubbed off over years of wear-and-tear.

By scheduling a gutter cleaning at least twice a year, you not only avoid the risk of water damage from runoff caused by a clogged gutter and rust corrosion, the task becomes less tough.

Talisman Hire

If you are looking for ladders for hire and other gardening equipment for rent, please contact the Talisman Hire branch closest to you.

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