Perhaps you have noticed that your gutters are needing some cleaning out, either due to leakage, visible debris, or it’s time for some spring cleaning. However, before getting your ladder set up and cleaning your own gutters, you may want to consider hiring a professional.
Not only do professional services have the right equipment and experience, but it can also be dangerous for you to do it by yourself. To avoid potential hazards, it’s best left to the professionals. Here are 7 reasons why you should opt for scheduling gutter services.
1. Risk of Falling
Because cleaning your own gutters requires you to either get on a ladder or your roof, you are at a higher risk for falling. Especially if you use a ladder infrequently, you may be inexperienced in navigating proper cleaning while balancing.
In colder winter months, too, there is also an increased risk of falling – ice and water on the roof may make surfaces more slippery, turning a simple chore into something dangerous.
2. Improper Tools
If you don’t have the right equipment for cleaning your own gutters, this can lead to damaged gutters and be harmful to you. Some people may try to use metal tools, but this can scratch the inside of the gutter and weaken it. Ladders that are too short can also increase chances of falling.
Many people try to use leaf blowers to clear their gutters. However, this is not always the most effective and can actually be damaging to your gutters. A professional gutter cleaning service will definitely be equipped with the proper tools so the job can be done correctly without any potential harm.
3. Injury From Tools or Debris
Cleaning your own gutters can also put you at risk for hurting yourself from the tools or debris. Sharp tools or debris – like branches or thorns – can scratch or cut you. This will likely happen if you don’t wear gloves while cleaning. Even if you wear gloves, there is still a potential risk of being injured, as not all gloves are made of thick enough material to fully protect you.
4. Unexpected Pests
Not often considered are the pests that can create a home in your clogged gutters. Dirty gutters are known to attract creatures like wasps, bees, or rodents. If you are cleaning your own gutters without knowledge of them, not only could you get bit or stung, but the surprise of finding them could lead to imbalance on your ladder or roof.
5. Potential Electrocution
Depending on where your house is located in relation to nearby powerlines, you may have wires that are close to your gutters. If you are cleaning your own gutters when wires are close, this puts more at risk of getting electrocuted. It’s not worth risking your safety and even your life for the sake of clean gutters. You should instead hire a professional that will have the experience and knowledge of how to safely navigate around wires.
6. Roof Damage
If you need to get up on your roof while cleaning your own gutters, the wrong footing, too much pressure, or improper shoes could lead to the shingles of your roof getting damaged. In the process of trying to improve your gutters, you could instead cause expensive and hazardous roof problems.
7. Unhealthy Mold Exposure
In instances where your gutters have not been cleaned in awhile, mold and mildew could have grown in the wet debris. Neither can be easily detectable, but if they are releasing pores in the air, this will likely lead to a health hazard if breathed in or touched. You don’t want to put yourself at risk for health problems just as a result of cleaning your own gutters.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
Not only do professional gutter cleaners have the right tools and supplies to be able to safely and efficiently clear and clean your gutters, but they also have the experience of how to navigate potentially dangerous situations. Likely they have dealt with hazardous circumstances – like wasps, ice, or powerlines – and will know what to do to maintain safety.
Next Steps
We at Gutter On have been serving the Knoxville area for years, providing quality gutter installation, repair, and cleaning services. We have the expertise to handle any gutter situation and ensure that you stay safe, and your gutters get cleaned. Contact us today to get professional cleaning at a price you can’t beat.
