We are heading towards the warmer months after what seems like a long autumn and winter. That means it’s time to start thinking about those jobs you’ve been putting off. First on your list should be cleaning your gutters.
It’s not the most glamorous of jobs, but after months of blustery weather, your gutters will be full of leaves and debris. This can cause roof leaks, blockages, and water damage to your property.
Before you end up paying for an expensive repair, here’s why cleaning gutters is the MUST do job this month.
Gutters do an important job
Gutters control the flow of rainwater and protect your roof, walls, and foundations. If there’s one thing we get a lot of in the UK, it’s rain. Add strong winds into the mix and it means that gutters can get full of debris which causes blockages.
Why is cleaning gutters necessary?
Even though it might not be your favourite job, keeping gutters clean and free from debris helps prevent costly damage. Cleaning your gutters once per year might be enough. However, if you live in an area where there are a lot of trees, we recommend cleaning them every 6 months.
Why is cleaning gutters important this month?
There might already be debris in your gutters and the spring and summer can make things worse.
Spring showers can wash debris from the roof into your gutters. In summer, grass can start growing in them which blocks the flow of rainwater.
What ladder do I need for cleaning gutters?
Just like any job where you’re working at height, you need to choose the right ladder so you can do it safely.
Firstly, you need a ladder with a working height that matches the height of your gutters. This means that you should be able to reach the gutters safely when using the ladder.
Secondly, when choosing a ladder, you need to think about the height of your home.
If you live in a bungalow, you might find that a stepladder is enough for cleaning gutters. On the other hand, for safety, versatility, and efficiency, we would recommend a combination ladder.
These handy ladders can transform from a stepladder to an extension ladder. This means that when you’re done cleaning gutters, you can use them for all the other DIY jobs on your list.
For most homes, you’ll need an extension ladder that reaches at least 6 metres. The average ceiling height of most two-storey properties is about 2.35m. Double this and you’ve got a height of almost 5 metres. The extra metre or so of ladder will prevent you from overreaching and help you do the job safely.
Most extension ladders have slip-resistant rungs and anti-slip rubber feet to give you peace of mind while working at height.
If you’d like more tips and interesting articles on all things ladders, check out the rest of our blog.