Life-Saving Gutter Maintenance Tips

All Aluminum Gutters
531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

Cleaning out your gutters can be a dangerous endeavor, especially if your home is more than one story high. As you prepare to check your gutters off your spring cleaning checklist, keep these safety tips in mind to avoid injury.

Tip #1: Choose the right ladder. Select a ladder with a sturdy footing and a strong shelf to hold your debris bucket and other maintenance tools. Generally, a four legged step ladder is best for a one-story home and a metal or fiberglass extension ladder is best for homes that are taller.

Tip #2: Set up safely. Once you’ve chosen your ladder, make sure that it’s set up correctly. All screws and bolts should be firmly in place, and hinges should be fully extended and locked. It’s also a good idea to set up a pulley system for tools or wear a toolbelt so you can climb hands-free.

Tip #3: Stay protected. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and prevent cuts. Opt for suede over rubber or leather, as they’re easier to maneuver in and are less likely to puncture. Remember that your eyes must be protected from stray dirt and debris as well.

Tip #4: Wear the right shoes. Ladders can be slippery, especially when covered in gunk from your gutters. Consider wearing rubber-soled shoes to enhance your grip on each rung.

Tip #5: Look up. It’s easy to zone in while cleaning, but make sure you’re mindful of any power lines up above. You don’t want to disrupt the electricity to your home! While you’re up there, take a look at those power lines and inspect them for any damage or wear and tear. If you’re concerned, give your electrician a call right away for repairs.

While these tips can certainly help keep your safe, the best way to clean and repair your gutters without injury is by leaving it to a trained professional. Luckily, the gutter experts at All Aluminum Gutters are always just a phone call away!

Looking to learn more about the gutter cleaning and gutter repair services we offer to Long Island, Queens, Westchester and the Bronx? Visit our website or give us a call at 631-816-2498.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Gutters

All Aluminum Gutters

531 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, New York 11704

(631) 816-2498

The leaves have already started to fall, but you may not have had a chance to get to your seasonal gutter cleaning duties just yet. But don’t worry, there’s still time to get your gutters in order before the brunt of autumn hits, and here’s how you can do it:

What You’ll Need:

• Sturdy ladder, tall enough to reach gutters on the second story if applicable.
• Strong pair of work gloves, and goggles or protective eyewear.
• Small shovel or spade for digging out debris, and a bucket and S-hook for disposal.
• Garden hose with spray attachment and plumber’s snake for stubborn clogs.

What You’ll Do:

1. Set your tools in place. Stash your cleaning tools in a utility belt or toss them in your disposal bucket to make climbing up the ladder easier. Make sure to place your ladder on firm, level ground to avoid falling and enlist a partner to hold the ladder as you clean if possible. Don’t forget to attached your debris bucket to the top of the ladder with the S-hook.


2. Begin at the downspout. Starting your cleaning project at your downspout and working your way around the rest of the house is your best bet. That way, you’ll avoid pushing more debris into the downspout. Use your shovel or spade to scoop out debris and transfer it to your waste bucket. If you need to use your hands, be very careful to avoid potentially sharp or dangerous debris.


3. Hose it down. Take your garden hose and spray out the remaining debris in the direction of the downspout. Be sure to rinse the entire system, leaving no debris behind.


4. Unclog your downspouts. While you're rinsing your gutters and pushing debris toward the downspout make sure to spray water directly into the downspout when you reach it. This will loosen and hopefully clear any clogs. Should your downspout need some extra attention, try spraying water into the downspout from the opposite direction, and use the plumber’s snake if necessary.


5. Inspect your gutters. Now that they’re sparkling clean, it will be easier to detect and damage that may have incurred over the course of the season. Check for cracks, sagging, dents or holes, and have any damage you find repaired as soon as possible.

Still unsure if you can get to your gutters this weekend? Gutter cleaning is an important part of your home’s fall maintenance plan and it’s imperative that you get those gutters in shape early on this season, which is why we suggest leaving the gutter cleaning and gutter repairs to the professionals at All Aluminum Gutters. Serving Long island, Queens, Westchester and the Bronx for over 30 years, there’s no gutter job we can’t handle!

To learn more about our gutter cleaning and repair services, click here or call 631-816-2498. We even offer free in-home consultations and estimates!