4 Safety Tips for Cleaning the Gutters This Fall
By Brandi Swieter
Many people remember to rake their leaves each fall, heading out perhaps several times a week to get the job done. What many fail to accomplish is removing the fallen leaves from the gutters. Too many clogging them and it could result in a water damage to the roof. When cleaning the gutters out this fall, there are several safety tips homeowners should follow to handle the job safely and efficiently. After all, we want you to stay healthy.
Wear Supportive Shoes
It may not seem like shoe choice matters, but it most definitely does. No one wants to slip as they climb up the ladder attempting to get to the gutters. Non-slip tennis shoes are the best option. Never attempt to climb a ladder in sandals that could slip from the feet and cause an imbalance, or at least a distraction as they fall to the ground.
Use a Ladder With a Shelf
Many ladders allow people to get to the top, but they do not have any sort of shelf or unit available for holding items once they are up there. A ladder with even a small shelf is ideal because it can hold a bucket that can be utilized for holding the debris pulled from the gutters. Those who do not have a bucket may resort to tossing the leaves to the ground, which could make them lose their balance as they become unsteady.
Wear Goggles and a Dust Mask
Removing leaves little by little by hand is not the easiest task. Because of this, many people choose to use a leaf blower to get the debris out of the area as quickly as possible. If this method gets used, people must wear goggles and a dust mask so no leaves, dust, or dirt (or mold) get into the mouth or eyes. It could cause a fall, or at the very least a distraction, if the face is not protected.
Wear Heavy Work Gloves
No one knows what debris gets inside their gutters aside from leaves. There may be harmful particles, sharp edges, and other components that should not get touched directly by the hand. Instead, anyone attempting to remove leaves and other gunk from their gutters should wear heavy work gloves to keep their hands safe and unharmed.
Cleaning the gutters is a necessary part of home ownership. Any homeowner attempting to handle the job themselves should always do so in a safe manner, following a few tips to make the job easier to accomplish. Following safety protocols is the best way to ensure a person’s overall health and wellness.
Although chiropractic care can help you be in optimal health before climbing the ladder, all the stretching and whatnot are a good reason to take advantage of The Joint Chiropractic's extended hours to ensure you can enjoy your time once the household tasks are put to rest.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Evans, Ga.