Gutter cleaning is a necessary evil in home maintenance. Many people opt to do this task themselves. But before you do so there are a few safety tips you should follow.
1. Make sure the ladder you use is sturdy. Set it squarely on the level ground. Move away any straw, mulch, or anything that will hinder the ladder from setting firmly on the ground.
2. If you are using an extension ladder and have to lean it against the gutters, cut a small 2×4 at least as wide as the ladder and place it inside the gutter. This will give you a firm area to lean the ladder against and reduce the risk of damaging the gutter.
3. Once you’ve climbed the ladder, keep your hips square over the ladder to maintain your balance. You should never lean away on either side of the ladder.
4. When climbing the ladder you should not stand on the top 2 steps of the ladder. It is easy to lose your balance when standing on these two steps.
5. While standing on the roof, stand to the side of the gutter rather then leaning out over the gutter. Also, purchase or borrow a safety harness to use during the job.
6. Don’t try to clean your gutters from the roof during wet, icy, or windy conditions.
7. You should wear shoes with non-slip soles like sneakers or work boots while working on a ladder or working from the roof.
8. It is also a good idea to wear work gloves to prevent your hands from being cut on sharp metal corners and screws inside the gutters.
9. Safety glasses are a good way to keep trash and roof granules from getting in your eyes while cleaning the gutters. This will help protect your eyes from getting scratched or irritated.
10. Always stay clear of electrical lines.
By following these safety tips when cleaning your gutters you’ll do it safely. Safety is the most important thing you can do when preparing to do work to your home.
Leave a comment