Autumn is here. You can tell because there is a cold bite in the air and the days are growing shorter. You can also see the leaves changing color and falling to the ground in great yellow and orange heaps. But not all of the leaves fall to the ground. Some of them wind up on your roof, or even worse, in your rain gutters. With winter coming, the last thing you want are clogged gutters. That’s why fall gutter cleaning in Utah is so important.
Clogged gutters can become heavy with ice in winter’s chill air. Not only will they cease to channel water safely away from your home, but they become so heavy that they’ll tear away from your roof. Both scenarios are costly to repair and should be avoided.
Look for Trouble
The first step when cleaning your gutters is to conduct a quick inspection. Try to get an idea of how big the need for cleaning is and whether or not you need a pro. Look for leaves and debris peaking over the edges. Use a hose to run some water through the gutter and the downspouts. Take note of any clogs you come across and their locations. You should also keep your eyes peeled for any damage as well as for wasp or beehives. If you see any of the latter, stop what you are doing and call a professional. It is unlikely you have the equipment needed to clear away something as dangerous as that.
The Right Tools For the Job
Before you even think of cleaning out your rain gutters, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. We recommend you do not start until you have the following:
- a reliable ladder
- a wire brush
- protective goggles
- a hose with a spray nozzle
- a long piece of tarp
- a trustworthy assistant
Most of the above-listed tools are self-explanatory, so we will only take the time to explain a few. The wire brush is important for scraping-out leaves, debris, and muck. The long piece of tarp is not necessary but it is a huge time saver. Tossing all of the muck and debris onto the tarp instead of the ground will save you time when cleaning up. Finally, having a friend to help steady the ladder is the safest way to go about things.
Safety First
Cleaning your gutters can be dangerous. This is because you will likely be a story or two off the ground before the job is done. This is not the kind of task you want to blindly rush into. Begin by choosing a dry, sunny day. Also, be sure to work from your ladder. No matter how good your sense of balance is, bending over the edge of a slanted roof is never a good idea. Finally, make sure you have a good set of work gloves and protective eyewear. Rain gutters can develop some sharp edges over time, and you never know what kind of debris might kick up into your eyes while chucking muck onto the ground.
Call a Pro
Right now is the perfect time to get your rain gutters cleaned, installed, or repaired. Our friendly and experienced staff is always here to answer any questions you have about fall gutter cleaning in Utah! Please give us a call at (801) 676-1048 or fill out our secure online contact form and get your free bid today!