Many people wonder if they should clean their eavestroughs themselves. After all, it doesn't seem that difficult. The money saved could be used for a good time! But is it reasonable to do it yourself? There is no single right answer to this question. There are many factors to consider in order to make an informed choice based on your situation. If you come to the conclusion that it would be wiser to hire professionals for this work, we will be there to serve you. No matter what decision you make, the important thing is to be well informed so that you can protect the investment that is your home.
Equipment
If you plan to wash your eavestroughs yourself, make sure you have all the equipment you need to do the job safely, or that you are willing to pay for what you don't have. You will need to wear the proper clothing: a long-sleeved top, long pants and rubber gloves covering half of your arms. Since debris may fly towards your face during the clean-up, you may also want to have a mask. You'll also need a stretchy ladder in perfect condition. It should be reliable, sturdy and held in place by stabilizers. This will ensure your safety and prevent potential damage to your eavestroughs.
You will need equipment to remove and collect dirt. You will probably choose to do some of the cleaning with your gloved hands. However, you will also need to use a child's shovel or a small plastic shovel purchased at the hardware store. A plastic tarp placed under the eavestroughs will catch leaves, thorns and other debris. You may prefer to use a bucket or garbage bags. Have a garden hose handy so you can wash your eavestroughs after emptying them. This is also a good time to check that the water flow is good, that there are no leaks and that the downspout is not clogged.
Security
If you choose to wash your gutters by hand and use a ladder, make sure you can do so safely. Many renovation accidents happen because people don't know how to use a ladder properly. First of all, only use a four-legged ladder, not a three-legged one. Inspect the ladder to see that it is in good condition and that all screws are tightened properly. Check that the ladder is able to accommodate a bucket if necessary. As mentioned above, use a stabilizing foot to prevent falls and make sure the ground on which the ladder is placed is stable. Consider purchasing an eavestrough ladder hanger to prevent the ladder from tipping backwards. Before you start the task, let a family member or neighbor know what you are about to do. It is important to ask someone else for help if your ladder does not have stabilizers. Be careful, and always take your time going up and down. Be aware that if you work at a height of more than 6 metres, you must wear a safety harness, which you will anchor with hooks in the wall of your house or at the bottom of the roof.
Physical condition
Before starting the cleaning and inspection of your gutters, be honest with yourself about your current physical condition. If, for example, you suffer from chronic pain, could performing this task completely aggravate it? Do you have a tendency to feel dizzy or have balance problems? If so, is it a good idea to run the risk of getting dizzy or losing your balance once you are active at the top of the ladder? Don't put your physical well-being at risk just to save a few dollars. When in doubt, contact a professional to do the work for you and use this free time to take care of yourself! Do business with a expert