As long as they are not completely clogged, you can successfully clean the gutters with a garden hose, provided the hose is equipped with the proper fitting (a rigid tube with a curved end). To clean a section of gutter while standing on a ladder, work at chest level with your body facing the house. You'll want to use a gutter post and a handy gutter shovel to pull debris toward you. Collect debris in piles, reaching only as far as you feel comfortable.
You don't want to lean too far from the ladder; never place your left shoulder beyond the right column of the ladder rung (or your right shoulder beyond the left column). If you don't have the option of using a pole or if there is too much debris in the gutter, don't hesitate to wear gloves. It will take longer, but nothing is more important than your safety. Leaving it to dry for a few days before cleaning the gutters will allow the debris to dry out, which will make the task much easier.
Decaying leaf matter also contains mold spores, and if you choose to clean gutters on your own, you could expose yourself to their damaging effects. Rain gutters become clogged with leaves and other debris over time, so it's best to clean them regularly to avoid tougher jobs later on. In autumn (any time between October and January, depending on when the leaves bend), clean the gutters again to remove residues from deciduous trees. If it is raining and there is a problem with the electrical cable, do not attempt to clean the gutters until the cables are fixed; water is a dangerous conductor of electricity.
If you are cleaning gutters in damp conditions (rain or pools of standing water on the roof), remove most of the debris by hand before cleaning the rest with a packed cloth. Whether it's raining or not, it would be a good idea to repair the electrical wiring before cleaning the gutters. Taking the time to clean the gutters several times a year will save you a lot of stress and frustration in the future. In addition to falling and injuring yourself, there are many reasons why you should leave gutter cleaning to professional hands.
Choosing the safe and effective option for a professional to clean your gutters can be the easiest part you still have in finding a reliable and reliable service that you know will do the job right. However, there are some circumstances where you can expect to pay more than the average cost to clean gutters. Whether you're paying someone or doing it yourself, you need to clean your gutters at least every spring and fall, possibly more often if you have a lot of trees nearby. Whether you're cleaning gutters on the floor or on a staircase, there are a few things you should check once you're done.
If you think you're not up to the task of cleaning the gutters or don't have the equipment, hiring a professional may be your best option. You can try to take into account the various hazards and plan against them, use strategies, or watch professionals clean gutters to make the process safer.
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