Advice for cleaning and maintaining your guttering
24/06/2022
It’s that time of year again. The warmer weather is slowly taking hold, so it’s time to get out and get working on those outdoor jobs that you’ve been saving for the summer. Things like mowing the lawn, trimming the verge and cleaning the gutters are summertime staples that will need sorting sooner or later!
Here at Browns Ladders, we know how important it is that you’re performing these tasks with equipment that you can trust. That’s where we can help – with over 70 years of experience in supplying a range of lightweight, sturdy extension ladders, garden ladders and so on, you can count on us to help you find the right ladders to get your summer jobs done.
So, with that in mind, let’s get into our advice for cleaning and maintaining your guttering.
How does guttering get blocked?
Over time, debris like leaves, moss and twigs can gather in your guttering. If left too long, the leaves can become wet, and stick to the inner walls and floors. As a result, the rainwater can get trapped, blocking the natural flow of water, plugging the downpipe, and causing rainwater build-up and overflow. Plus, if leaves are left for a long enough period of time, they can decompose and provide the ideal breeding ground for seeds, moss, and weeds. When all of these factors come together, they can significantly block your your guttering.
Selecting the right ladder
In order to complete the task as safely and efficiently as possible, you’ll need to have the best equipment for the job. Our range of extension ladders feature a variety of products from trusted brands that are absolutely perfect for this particular job. For guttering, we’d recommend you opt for an extension ladder with an extended height of 3.95m or more, if you’re guttering a single-story house. Ladders like the Hymer Black Line Single Extension Ladder or the Lyte Double Section Trade Professional Extension Ladder are perfect examples.
Keep these measurements in mind while you’re searching for the right ladder:
- A single-story house’s gutter height is approximately 3.3 metres.
- A two-story house’s gutter height is approximately 5.7 metres.
Make sure you’re purchasing the right size for the job!
How to clean and maintain your guttering
Here’s our step-by-step guide:
- To start, set up your extension ladder at the proper angle – most modern ladders have a safety mark on the side that shows the best angle to use
- Ask a partner to hold the ladder in place whilst you’re performing the task. We strongly recommend against attempting this on your own without someone to support your ladder.
- Begin clearing the debris from your gutter with either gloved hands or a pressure washer. Keep in mind though that if you’re untrained in using a pressure washer, you risk blasting yourself off the roof from the force
- Reposition the ladder as required when moving along the guttering, and take regular breaks if you need.
As an added safety precaution, always keep in mind to not overreach when attempting to clear out your gutter, as this is the easiest way to off-balance your ladder and send you hurtling to the ground.
The importance of cleaning your guttering
Essentially, the whole point of your guttering is to catch and direct rainwater off your roof, down into the drain, and away from your house. Clogged or damaged gutters that require replacing can cost a lot of money, but not nearly as much as it could cost you if you forget to get them fixed.
Rainwater can cause significant structural damage to the walls, windows, ceilings, insulation, and even the foundations of your home, so it’s absolutely vital that you stay on top of your gutters!
That’s the basics more or less covered! We’ve got the perfect outdoor work ladders waiting for you to explore, right here at Browns. Feel free to browse them at your leisure, or if you’re looking for anything more specific, get in touch with us by giving us a call on 01282 615517. We’re always happy to help!