Every year, thousands of homeowners struggle with the decision to clean their own gutter system or hire a licensed professional to do it for them. Cleaning out your gutters can be easy, saving money and time, but there are many safety risks involved with the process.
Safety risks with gutter maintenance
- Risk of falling off the ladder
Cleaning your gutter system on your own poses the risk of falling off the ladder in the process. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries every year, resulting in 300 incidents proven to be fatal. The American Ladder Institute promotes safe use of ladders in the home and on the job. If you choose to use a ladder at home, learn more about ladder safety and proper usage of the equipment.
2. Electric hazards
Avoid cleaning your gutters if electrical power lines are near. These could cause electric shock and leave you with an even bigger mess to clean up.
3. Exposure to bacteria
Cleaning your gutters can expose you to bacteria growing in the system leading to infections that could be life-threatening. For example, Legionella bacteria (a severe type of pneumonia) and Staphylococcus (staph infections) both thrive in stagnant water and are regularly found in gutters. Both bacteria can thrive in debris like decomposing sticks, leaves and dirt. Instead of exposing yourself to these harmful bacteria, hire a professional to take care of your gutters.
4. Lightheadedness and dizziness
For some people, heights can cause lightheadedness and dizziness, which isn’t a great feeling when standing on a ladder at the height of your home. This puts you at an even higher risk of falling off the ladder and experiencing a deadly fall.
5. Pests
Imagine climbing up to clean your gutters just to find a bird, wasp or some other nest. Trying to remove these on your own can anger the pests and cause them to even attack you. In this case, it’s probably a better idea to contact pest control.
Conclusion: Should you hire a professional?
In all honesty, it’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with so many potential hazards. There are many gutter professionals that offer gutter cleaning along with other services like gutter guards, limiting the frequency of cleaning. All American Gutter Protection offers professional cleaning by hand to ensure no debris or pest is left behind. Our professionals follow safety procedures and use proper gear to avoid these hazards. Contact us now for a free gutter guard estimate learn more about how installing gutter guards can make your gutter system clog-free!
