The Most Common Gutter Cleaning Mistakes You Should Avoid
When was the last time you cleaned your gutters? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Many homeowners turn a blind eye to their gutter system until something happens. Clogged or damaged gutters are often the culprits of water damage, wood rot, and structural issues.
If you’re left wringing your hands about your gutter cleaning routine, don’t worry. We’re going to set the record straight about the importance of clean gutters and how you can avoid the most common gutter-cleaning mistakes.
Why Regular Gutter Cleaning Is Important
If you don’t clean your bathroom, problems are bound to happen. The same goes for your gutter system. Leaves, debris, sludge, and other junk will build up in your gutters, causing blockages and overflows. Not only does this cause mold problems, but it can completely wreck your home’s foundation.
Get rid of debris, and keep your gutters flowing in the right direction all year long when you make an appointment with Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island.
The Gutter Cleaning Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid
As a homeowner, you have a never-ending task list on your plate. Yard work, laundry, dishes, and yes, gutter cleaning. Check out the most common gutter cleaning mistakes you should avoid to prevent issues like water damage and structural problems.
Skipping Gutter Cleanings
Most homeowners are guilty of this one. We recommend you clean your gutters six times a year. Sometimes homeowners fail to clean their gutters twice a year. Skipping cleanings will lead to debris build-up and blockages.
Cleaning Gutters at the Wrong Times
Striking while the iron’s hot pays off. Planning to clean your gutters ahead of time ensures your gutters are ready to tackle all sorts of weather conditions without the risk of damage or clogs. Contact us to schedule a gutter cleaning appointment.
Not Having a Gutter Maintenance Schedule
Failing to adhere to a gutter cleaning schedule only hurts your gutters in the long run. Plus, if too much moisture builds up in your gutters, problems like mold growth and insect infestations will likely crop up. The best solution? Scheduling regular cleanings with Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island.
Not Wearing Safety Gear
If you’re doing some DIY gutter cleaning, you should always wear the proper safety gear. Not wearing protective gear like gloves and eyewear leaves your hands and eyes susceptible to injuries, pest bites, and more.
Using Incorrect Tools
Using the wrong tools can damage your gutters and cause you to injure yourself. For example, standing on the wrong-sized ladder can lead to dangerous falls, landing you in the ER. It’s also important to note that equipment like leaf blowers should not be used when cleaning gutters.
Forgetting Downspouts
You’ve checked your gutters, but what about your downspouts? Downspouts are responsible for draining water off your property. If your downspouts are misplaced, your property is at risk of accumulating excessive amounts of water.
Doing Work Alone
Working on your gutters alone is dangerous. Always have an extra person handy, should something go wrong.
The Dangers of DIY Gutter Cleaning & Gutter Cleaning Safety
You know what not to do. Now let’s take a look at the dangers of DIY gutter cleaning.
Injuries
The team at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island urges every homeowner to avoid DIY gutter cleaning for this reason. Injuries are all too common when it comes to DIY gutter cleans. Many homeowners find themselves seriously injured due to dizziness or cuts from sharp objects.
Cleaning During Inclement Weather
Watching your gutters overflow during a storm is annoying, but you should avoid cleaning them during bad weather. Everything becomes slippery during storms, which increases your chances of falling and severely hurting yourself. Play it safe and wait for a sunny day.
Power Lines
If you have power lines hovering above your home, you need to let a professional handle your gutters. Bumping into low-hanging power lines can result in electrocution or fires. Pass on the gutter cleaning, and contact Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island instead.
Animals
Animals love dirty gutters. Mice, birds, and other small animals may call your gutters home without you even knowing. Be extra cautious when cleaning your gutters, keeping an eye out for nesting birds, squirrels, mice, and insects.
Germs
Gutter muck boasts a ton of bacteria. If you’re not wearing gloves, you could end up with a disease due to bacteria coming in contact with your skin. Burrowing animals will also likely make your gutters their bathroom. Any amount of animal feces can carry diseases, so prevent the risks and wear proper gear.
Damaging Gutters
If you’re not an experienced DIY gutter cleaner, the risk of damaging your gutters increases. Inexperienced homeowners can puncture their gutters, causing them to leak and crack over time.
Insufficient Cleaning
Your version of “clean” might not be what your gutters need. Gutters should be free from debris in order for water to flow properly. Missing areas of debris will eventually lead to blockages and malfunctions.
Not Inspecting Gutters
Gutters should always be inspected to ensure everything is working correctly. Failing to inspect your gutters could lead to some serious consequences, like damaged fascia.
Why Leaving Gutter Cleaning to the Professionals Is Important
Despite your best efforts and knowing what gutter cleaning mistakes to avoid, it’s best to leave gutter cleaning to the professionals. Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island utilizes the latest technology and proven techniques to clean your gutters safely. Wipe out any chance of water damage or mold growth, and contact us for gutter cleaning in your area.
Why Choose Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island
Homeowners love Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island. That’s because we take the burden of gutter cleaning off your back. Get professional gutter cleaning at an affordable price and benefit from:
- Elimination of mold and mildew
- Reduced risk of overflowing gutters
- A safer, cleaner home
Contact Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island
Since 1965, Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island has been helping homeowners across Nassau and Suffolk County. Whether you need a gutter cleaning, gutter installation, or gutter repair, our team will get the job done right the first time. Get expert gutter cleaning today!
