As a homeowner, it’s essential to keep up with routine maintenance projects as they will save you from more complicated repairs down the road. One of those regular projects is cleaning your roof gutters, which should be done at least twice a year – usually best to do in spring and fall.
Why you should clean your gutters
There are many reasons why you should clean your gutters. Having gutters weighed down with debris can cause the gutters to pull away from your home, which can cause damage to your roof. When gutters are full of debris, they can cause water to leak onto your roof, causing structural issues or even mold. Another reason is that clogged gutters can harbor insects and rodents, which can become a severe health hazard and lead to home damage.
Keeping your gutters clear also helps prevent ice dams, which form in the winter when snow on your home’s roof melts and runs into the gutters. Ice dams prevent proper drainage and cause damage to the roof and shingles and your home’s ceiling and walls.
How to clean gutters safely
Before cleaning your gutters, make sure you are dressed for the occasion. You should wear an old shirt that you don’t mind ruining and preferably one that is long-sleeved so you don’t get cuts or scratches on your arms. You should also wear some type of gloves to protect your hands. Wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris is also a good idea.
There are different ways to clean your gutters but no matter your choice; it’s essential to do so safely. If you choose to clean from a ladder using things like a pressure washer, a dry vacuum, a leaf blower, or a gutter scoop, roofing experts recommend the following tips:
- Make sure the ladder is grounded on a solid, flat surface
- Make sure the ladder is extendable and test its durability before climbing
- Have someone nearby to make sure you don’t fall while cleaning
If you feel safer on the ground, you can clean your gutters a few different ways by using extension attachments for leaf blowers or wet/dry vacuums, attaching a telescopic water pole to the end of your garden hose, or using a pressure washer.
Whatever method you choose, it’s a good idea to spread a plastic tarp below your workspace to collect all the gunk you will collect from the gutters. This will help protect your lawn and landscaping.
Does all this sound overwhelming to you? You can always hire a professional to do the job for you. Make sure whoever you hire is licensed and insured to do the job. As a MAPFRE customer, you could also utilize Sedgwick Repair Solutions to find a contractor to help. Sedgwick has partnered with MAPFRE for many years on claims through the Select Home Restoration ProgramSM and also offers MAPFRE customers concierge home improvement project management services. Sedgwick matches you with one of 2,000 certified local, regional and national contractors, monitors the project for quality and timeliness throughout the process and guarantees the work for 5 years.
For added protection, you might want to consider adding Umbrella Insurance to your MAPFRE homeowner’s policy in the event the person you hire gets hurt on the job. Umbrella Insurance is a type of personal liability insurance that provides protection against catastrophic liability claims.
MAPFRE Insurance is the number one home insurance provider in Massachusetts, and we partner with local independent insurance agents to help you find the right policy wherever you are! If you’re not yet insured with us, you can always get a fast, free quote online today to see how much you could save!
