Summer is the best time to do outdoor maintenance as the weather is at its best – gutter maintenance included. Throughout the long, damp winter, your guttering may get clogged by debris, such as dead leaves or branches. It can also be a breeding ground for insects, which could easily get into your home if you don’t clean out your guttering regularly. However, you must be aware of the correct gutter cleaning safety tips before you begin the job
Use the Proper Gutter Cleaning Equipment
Most importantly, you will need a ladder that’s tall enough for you to reach the guttering safely. The ladder should be stable and not too heavy, as you will need to move it regularly to avoid overstretching.
You should also get some thick gardening gloves to protect your hands. These prevent you from picking up splinters from the debris or getting bitten by any bugs hidden in the leaves.
It’s also a good idea to take a bucket up the ladder with you. This provides somewhere for you to place any rubbish without having to drop it onto the floor below, where you may hit someone walking underneath.
Lastly, you should prepare a hose pipe that is long enough to easily reach the guttering and has a nozzle to wash away any dirt or grime.
Check Your Equipment
Before cleaning gutters safety tips are a must. Have a run-through of all of your equipment to check it’s in good working order. You don’t want to get to the top of the ladder and discover a faulty hose.
Always Use a Spotter
One of the biggest gutter cleaning safety tips is to always have a spotter. While your ladder might be sturdy, there’s always a chance that you might lean too far and topple over. Make sure you have a friend or neighbour watch you and steady the ladder while you’re at the top. This simple change can prevent a serious accident from occurring.
Take Regular Breaks in Hot Weather
Summer is the best time to clean your guttering, as there’s the chance of better weather. However, you should avoid gutter maintenance on the hottest days of the year. You may suffer from heat exhaustion if you try to do it in really hot weather as there is likely to be little shade. It’s a good idea to take regular breaks when you’re cleaning in hot weather.
If your guttering needs some care this summer, reach out to Gutter Maintenance UK. Our expert team can have your gutter looking beautiful and clean in no time, saving you time and hassle. We will also help with gutter repair if it has sustained damage from wind or bad weather throughout the winter.
Contact our Gutter Maintenance team today for gutter maintenance in Bicester, Milton Keynes, Oxford, High Wycombe, Aylesbury and Banbury.