I just wanted to mention a few things that could prevent an on-the-job headache…or worse.
Check for overhead power supply/lines coming to the house. Hit that with your ladder and you are in trouble. A guy I knew died from that…he was a painter.
During winter gutter cleanings, check the water supply first…to make sure it is on…before you start cleaning. You can ask the homeowner to make sure the water is on, but someone will forget. So check before starting the job.
Slate roof…avoid walking these if possible. My two near death experiences occurred on slate…slippery when wet…especially when its GREEN!! LOL
Its a bad feeling to be on your butt sliding toward the edge with your feet out and your hands spread out behind you…and stopping just a foot short of the gutter. If I was to go over the edge, that gutter was gonna go down with me. Scary. I prefer the security of the ladder now. Oh well.
Welcome. I never walk a slate roof it’s just too risky. If there were no way to do the job w/out walking the roof I would turn it down.
I really enjoy the gutter spoon - http://shop.windowcleaner.com/product.sc?productId=247&categoryId=82
Have you done any gutter whitening?
Protect your hands and use the Gutter Cleaner. I almost cut my hand off in a rush by using my hands with no protection like gloves or the Gutter Cleaner. Okay not almost off but it hurt like hell! http://shop.windowcleaner.com/category.sc?categoryId=82
Water and sponges.
Get the yellow ‘peanut’ sponge and a Gilmour knozzel Metal
these guys are bomb-proof and guaranteed.
1-Man
Scoop debris into bucket, rinse with water, use sponge to stop water from getting behind you.
2-Man
1st guy scoops and then uses water to ‘send’ debris to 2nd guy who scoops then sponges. (rain gear for the second guy is a must, he gets soaked)
Gutters are spotless every time.
I know there are a million ways to clean em’ but this works for me.
Water ensures that the downspouts are clear and if necessary you take it apart are flush it out.
I don’t know what others are doing, but we always clean the valleys too. Just hit them with a quick broom or blower. Also - always take the debris with you, unless customer wants for their compost pile or whatnot. I say this because I have seen guys cleaning gutters who just throw the stuff on the ground - this makes no sense to me.
We use the spoons and extention poles too. Stihl blowers for the valleys and roof. We also use a small drain cleaner (kind of like a small fish tape). this little tool has unclogged some serious elbows that were jammed up tight. Also use a sweeper nozzel with a shut off valve. Works very well.
I’m doing a job tomorrow for a townhome complex - over 1200’ worth. I decided to bring along my digital camera, to do some before and after shots to show the head honcho. We’ll see what type of response I get, but I think it will add another touch of quality on the jobsite.
Do you guys ever seal gutter cracks? What would you recommend? I’ve been getting a lot of people asking if I do any repair. Does anyone have suggestions on learning repair work?
I would look into the legalities and insurance requirements if you are going to do repairs. In my state you have to have a contractors license to do repairs, and repairs also have different insurance requirements.
