6 Potential Risks of Cleaning Your Gutter by Yourself

December 27, 2022

It might seem simple, but gutter cleaning demands a lot of discipline. It also takes a skill set that's not developed overnight. The best way to get the best results in your cleaning routine without missing any part of your guttering system is by having the best Rain Gutter Cleaning Service take over the task. An experienced contractor will do a thorough job in less time and you'll minimize the risks of accidents or property damage.

What Are the Risks of Cleaning Your Own Gutters?

Many homeowners choose to clean their gutters by themselves, either to sidestep a scheduling conflict or to save the expenses of a professional cleaning service. This is understandable but it's far from the most effective approach if you care about long-term results. More importantly, cleaning your gutters by yourself adds multiple dangers, so homeowners need to divide their attention between all these risk factors and the work at hand. If you do a sloppy job, parts of your gutters will continue collecting dirt, but it might be harder to prevent an accident if you put all your focus on gutter cleaning without minding your surroundings.

Here are the main risks you face each time you clean your gutters on your own:

1. Faulty ladder placement: First of all, you should use an extension ladder with the appropriate levelers if you're set on cleaning your gutters yourself. You won't get the desired stability if you use a stepstool or a straight ladder, and reaching the gutters will demand greater effort. This is an alarmingly common cause of accidents among homeowners since it's natural for these types of ladders to move from their initial position as you try to keep balance atop their highest steps.
   
   
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   Accidents can also happen when the ladder is placed on uneven ground. Even if you own a multipurpose ladder with all the extensions needed to reach the necessary distance, we recommend having another person on the ground to hold the ladder while you work on cleaning your gutters.


2. Exhaustion or strained muscles: A contractor's work seems effortless because they have full control of their own bodies to do a lot of heavy-duty work. They also count on years of experience to make gutter cleaner come as second nature to them. Cleaning a gutter, from the fascia to the downspout, can take a lot of hours of physical effort, especially if you let the gutters collect dirt for too long.
   
   Vertigo and dizziness can become your worst enemies. Homeowners are more likely to lose balance while struggling to cover all parts of a guttering system, and they can become overwhelmed by the physical effort when they're already trying to stay steady below the roof. Doing extensive work is more daunting when you're dozens of meters above ground level.


3. Electrical hazards: You need to be extra careful if there are any electrical circuits left exposed along your home's façade. Many homes have power lines and cabling running along the roofline or on the sides. These wires can also be misplaced when it rains, and they can potentially produce an electric shock after coming in contact with your gutters. Water can conduct electricity and the risk is enhanced if you own a metal gutter. Leaving gutter cleaning in expert hands can save you from a very unpleasant accident.


4. Roof damage: Your work could be hindered by debris growing loose from the roof shingles. Ideally, gutter cleaning should also extend to the dirt and sediment that dwells on the roof, so you may find yourself in trouble if you don't count on the necessary equipment to work through all these elements without making a bigger mess.


5. Animals and pests: Rain gutters are the perfect hiding spot for insects, reptiles, and even larger rodents. If you don't have the training and protection to deal with an active pest, you're vulnerable to catching countless diseases. You could even lose balance while trying to get a live animal out of your gutters.


6. Infections and other medical problems: Similar to pests, the mold, and mildew that usually appears inside a gutter can spread multiple diseases. Dead animals, animal droppings, and rotten vegetation also represent major health hazards. You could get sick or expose other household members to germs and bacteria. Exposure can lead to allergic symptoms like coughing, a runny nose, fatigue, itchiness, and rashes, along with respiratory illnesses and major infections like Tetanus.

Protect your safety and your household's well-being. The specialists at Miami Gutter Cleaning are here to simplify things for you. We provide the most thorough cleaning and maintenance services to keep your gutters at their best all year long. You can also come to us if you worry about larger issues like leaks, corrosion, bumps, clogs, etc. So feel free to Contact Us calling at (786) 676-8259 or fill out our website's form to schedule an appointment. You can also contact us if you want the best tips to help you take care of your gutters. We give your gutters the care they deserve so that they can stay in perfect condition for decades.