How To Clean Gutters Safely, Advice From A Portland Roof Contractor

By Author: Kitty Wright
Total Articles: 1
Comment this article

Leaking and overflowing gutters can lead to roof leaks near the external wall of the structure. Water in a full gutter will start to wick back up under the roofing material and eventually, particularly if there is a short eave, leaks down at the exterior wall or even further inside.

Some of the worst damage cause by neglected gutters happens down at ground level. The purpose of eaves and gutters is to keep excess water away from a structure's foundation. Excessive water at the foundation can eventually leak into the crawlspace. Moisture in crawlspaces can lead to pest infestations and cause mold and mildew to take hold and start to work its way throughout the entire house.

Additionally, excess water at the foundation can cause settling and cracks to the foundation. Worse, erosion from the water spillage can undermine the foundation or cause landslides risking the entire structure.

Now that you have hopefully been convinced of the importance of gutter cleaning, here are some tips on how to do the job safely.

First, determine whether the gutters will be cleaned by ladder or from rooftop. Both have their ...
... own advantage and risks.

Cleaning gutter by ladder first requires the proper size ladder. The ladder must be tall enough to allow for safe set up of it and yet not be so bulky that it inhibits easy movement of it. A ladder should be properly set at an angle that allows one foot of horizontal distance for every four feet of vertical distance. Less than one foot of horizontal distance will be too steep of a ladder set, risking it falling over backwards when the climber's weight hangs out over it. More than one foot of horizontal distance per four of vertical can risk the ladder sliding out at the footing. Both have nasty consequences.

Next, a solid footing must be found for the ladder. Never stack loose items such as boards underneath one of the ladders feet. Rather, either dig out some ground to allow for a level setting or use a ladder with an adjustable leg to accommodate for uneven ground. Once the ladder is set, ensure that at least three rungs are past the gutter line. It is also best to tie off the latter to a gutter spike to reduce the chance of movement.

Finally, keeping your center of gravity close to the ladder is critical. Always keep both feet securely on the ladder once done climbing to the height you desire. Never lean too far beyond your reach. Similarly, do not lean far out backwards from the ladder - keep your body close to the ladder.

Cleaning can be done by hand or scoop. Decide in advance if you want to drop the debris on the ground and spend some time cleaning up afterwards or to avoid the mess and immediately put the debris in a bucket. If a bucket method is chosen, secure a hook on the bucket handle so it can be hung from either the ladder or gutter and not have to be held by a free hand.

An extension pole with a scoop or scraper attached is a great way to safely extend your reach. You can avoid unsafely moving your body away from the center of gravity by using a lightweight pole to drag the debris close the your reach.

Lastly, away flush a gutter with a hose once all of the debris has been removed. This helps get the finer grit and sludge flushed out of the gutter and helps avoid rusting.

If rooftop cleaning is chosen, many of the same methods of cleaning are used. However, safety procedures change. Getting to the roof, the same ladder safety procedures should be used. The advantage of rooftop cleaning is the avoidance of continually moving the ladder. However, the danger increases significantly.
fr
Once working rooftop, a familiarity with OSHA fall protection is needed. In a nutshell, not to be considered complete, you must harness yourself to a suitable anchor that can withstand at least 5000lbs of force. Ropes, connections and the harness itself all need to be properly used and set up in order to be safe. Refer to OSHA fall protection to find all the information needed for fall protection safety - do not go rooftop without being knowledgeable and competent with this information!

Rooftop cleaning allows for either cleaning by backpack blower or by hand. Cleaning by blower will require more subsequent ground cleanup but in very fast.

If cleaning by hand and bucket, having a garbage can on the ground immediately below you keeps you from having to go up and down the ladder. Once a bucket full of debris has been accumulated, simply aim and pour.

In a certain sense, gutter cleaning is an example of picking your poison. You either face the danger associated with ladder work or of being rooftop. You either deal with the tediousness of hand cleaning or of cleaning up the mess left on the ground. Yet as mentioned at the beginning of this article, failing to address this critical issue will expose your home to some serious consequences. Choose wisely!

About author: All Surface Roofing and Construction is an award winning, Portland Oregon family owned business. We are one of two closely interrelated divisions. All Surface Cleaning Company works primarily on roof cleaning, restoring roofs, decks, gutters, and All Surface Roofing and Construction is involved in slightly larger projects, such as roof installation and replacement. Call Portland Roofing at 503-598-7404 for a reliable Portland Roof Contractor