Routine gutter cleaning is an important aspect of property maintenance. When the fixtures are caked with mud, leaves, and debris from pests, rain runoff can’t drain from the property. Instead, water will settle on the roof and break down the materials or cascade over the gutters and damage siding or the foundation. Although you might be tempted to clear the channels yourself, there’s always the possibility of getting hurt or causing additional problems. By hiring a professional, you’ll avoid the following situations.   

3 Reasons to Avoid DIY Gutter Cleaning

1. You Could Fall Off the Ladder

You’ll need to climb on a ladder to access the gutters. If someone isn’t at the bottom to hold the ladder in place, it could wobble, and you could fall. To regain your balance before the tumble, you might grab on to the fixtures and rip them away from the roof, causing tears, dents, and additional damage that only a professional can fix. Professionals undergo safety training and wear slip-proof shoes to prevent accidents. 

2. You Could Encounter Pests That Sting & Bite

Your house gutters might have become an ideal home for all sorts of pests. Mosquitoes, for example, might breed in the standing water, while termites and carpenter ants are also attracted to moisture. Bees, birds, hornets, and wasps also like to make nests in the fixtures, while rodents can use them as walkways to gain access to the roof. You could unknowingly startle a pest and get stung or bitten. A professional is familiar with the behaviors of gutter pests and will take precautions to prevent injuries while cleaning the channels. They’ll also take steps to make the fixtures less ideal for rodent and insect activity. 

3. You Could Get Shocked by Nearby Wires

When gutter cleaning, you could come dangerously close to electrical, telephone, and cable wires on or near the roof. The installations could be hidden by branches and fallen leaves, which means you could accidentally brush against them and get mildly shocked or critically injured. Professionals will find out where these potential dangers are located, so they’ll know how to safely navigate the area before work is underway.

If you need to remove layers of grime clogging the gutters on your home in Franklin or Anderson counties in Kentucky, contact the professionals at Gardner Services. With over 60 years of experience, this fully insured and licensed company will outfit your building with new, state-of-the-art, seamless gutters and GutterRx^™ leaf guards and avoid installation errors. To schedule gutter cleaning, installation, repairs, or special inspection services in Frankfort or the surrounding areas, call (502) 682-3373. Visit the company online to see how they will improve gutter system performance.