In an attempt to lower maintenance costs, some homeowners prefer cleaning their gutters themselves. While it looks easy to gather the buildup of leaves and clean the accumulated dirt from the roof, all homeowners and amateur gutter-cleaners need to understand the dangers of DIY work.
Michael Getter, owner and operator of Curb Appeal Power Clean, one of the best gutter cleaning companies that serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, discusses why local homeowners should avoid cleaning their gutters on their own.
The Risks of Amateur Gutter Cleaning
Health Issues
Gutters filled with bugs, mud, and grime create a thriving environment for bacterial and mold growth, which can lead to common conditions such as nasal congestion, coughing, and throat irritation. For people with existing respiratory problems, it can exacerbate sinus conditions and asthma.
Professional cleaning companies are aware of these issues, which is they use advanced protective equipment as they clean the area thoroughly. They follow safety protocols to protect themselves and their clients. Part of their mission is to ensure that the gutters are clear of any algae, mold, or mildew that may cause health problems.
Risk of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Even if homeowners have the proper protective equipment and tools to clean the gutters and maintain the roof, it only takes one small slip to send a homeowner to the hospital. The medical costs alone, not to mention the pain and suffering, from this type of accident can surpass the amount necessary to hire professionals to do the job.
Professional power washing companies have the experience and knowledge to clean hard-to-reach areas safely and efficiently, avoiding accidents and injuries. They have an established procedure of performing the task and protecting the roof at the same time. These experts can also inspect the gutters for issues and report whether repairs are necessary to avoid further damage.
Risk of Electrocution
Some Los Angeles homeowners have power lines running into their properties from the street. When attempting to do a DIY job, they have accidentally come in contact with the power line and gotten electrocuted. This is a needless and tragic event that is preventable by hiring licensed and insured professionals.
Besides electric lines, other wires such as telephone and cable lines run into family homes, and it is easy to miss seeing them when cleaning. They can cause falling accidents as well as become detached, necessitating a call to your utility company to come out and restore the line.
Professional cleaners are familiar with these hazards and know how to carefully power wash the gutters without damaging the cables.
Damage to the Property
Since most homeowners clean gutters once or twice a year, it is not frequent enough to provide them with loads of experience. Those without expertise risk damaging the home's structures, such as scraping the gutters from the ladder.
Depending on the tools and the gutters’ condition, the homeowners can separate seams and make holes, causing potential damage to the foundation and possible leaks. It is also possible to scratch the exterior or damage the paint with the ladder.
Professional gutter cleaning service providers gain confidence on the ladders and on the roof to become agile and avoid damage to the property.
Avoid the Dangers, and Hire a Professional Gutter-Cleaning Company in Los Angeles, CA
For many homeowners, the risks of DIY gutter cleaning outweigh the rewards. However, it is still essential to keep the gutters clean and free-flowing so that the accumulations of dirt and leaves clog the foundation.
The solution? Instead of attempting DIY jobs, consider hiring a professional team to complete the task safely and efficiently.
At Curb Appeal Power Clean, Michael Getter and his team have the tools, experience, and knowledge to keep gutters neat and functional while keeping your home disaster-free! Call (818)-964-1054 to learn more about the services they offer and get a free estimate.
