DANGERS OF CLEANING GUTTERS
Why Gutter Cleaning Can Be Dangerous
Many homeowners think that gutter
cleaning is an easy task and will do it themselves, however they do not
consider the risks. The dangers of gutter cleaning become greater with
increasing age. Even though a person may feel they are in good shape and
healthy, a developing condition may show at the wrong time. Also, if someone is
not familiar with working on ladders they are at higher risk for accidents,
especially falling. Below are factors that should be considered before you grab
that ladder.
Ladder safety: The biggest reason to avoid gutter cleaning is the lack of safety when climbing up on a ladder. U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission says there are approximately 165,000 Americans that are injured from ladder-related accidents, 90,000 of them needing emergency room treatment. Being on a ladder to clean your gutters puts you at risk for a fall, especially if the ladder is on uneven ground where it could come out from under you.
Going Solo: Another mistake a homeowner makes is not having a helper. You might not need two people to clean the gutters but the most important reason is to have your helper keep the ladder steady at all times even a step ladder. They can also assist by handing you tools and other items you might need while you are cleaning the gutters.
Insect/mold spores:
You
never know what could be hanging out in your gutters. There are many
critters who like dark and damp places like a gutter (birds, rodents, bees
etc.). Decaying leaves can also contain mold spores or other bacteria
that could put your health at risk if inhaled.
Power lines: Most homes have powerlines running from the street into the house. The placement of ladders is important as you do not want to come in contact with a power line, because there’s a real risk of electrocution. Also, there can be other wires running into your home, such as cable and telephone that could be damaged.
House damage: Since homeowners typically do gutter cleaning twice a year, it’s not a common task like changing a lightbulb. If you don’t have experience, you risk denting the gutters from the ladder position, disrupting the edging on the roof as well as the roofing. Also, certain tools can affect the condition of the gutters. Such damage may include gouging a hole in a gutter or causing a gap between the gutter and house which will cause the gutter to leak, risking potential damage to your foundation.
Now are you ready to hire a professional? For over 25 years Deegan Brothers has offered our expertise to customers seeking 100% customer satisfaction. If you need gutter cleaning or any other roofing or gutter service, contact us today!
