Gutters II: Revenge of The Nor'easter

Gutters: Winter Repair and Maintenance

During and right after the Nor'easter we just had (December 2014) we got a huge number of calls from people who said that their gutters were clogged and they had water overflowing their gutters.

Here are a few tips for those who think they may need repair and/or cleaning:

1.  Did you have overflowing gutters? 

If yes, you probably need a gutter cleaning. There's a clog in at least one of your downspouts (called leaders in gutter-speak) and probably a lot of dirt or leaves in the gutters themselves.

Healthy, younger homeowners may attempt the cleaning themselves, provided that they have a sturdy ladder that will reach at least 3 feet above the gutter. 

Plant your ladder on firm, flat ground, and have someone watch the ladder as you climb it. This is called "spotting", just like the spotter that you needed in gym class when you used gymnastic equipment. If your ladder begins to slide while you're on it, your spotter can help steady it. 

Once you're at or slightly above the level of the gutter, remove sticks, leaves, baby trees, and any plant material that you find. You can put it in a bag that you attach to the ladder, or just drop it and rake it up later. Use rubber dish-gloves or rubber coated work gloves (readily available at any home-improvement store). Some folks use a bucket that they attach to the ladder. Just be sure it's not in your way. 

Never reach out to grab leaves that are far away from you. If you do so, you may cause the ladder to slide and fall. Always get down and re-position your ladder. 

If you are elderly, have a heart condition, have a fear of heights, or any debilitating disease, please don't try to clean your gutters. It can mean life and death for you. Just call a local roofer or gutter installer. They'd be happy to do it for you, and unless you have a house the size of the Taj Mahal, it will cost under $200. 

 See these poor folks? This is exactly what I'm talking about. 

A. His ladder is too short

B. He's reaching, and balancing on one foot

C. He's not using gloves

D. He shouldn't be doing this at his age

E. His spotter won't be able to catch him or the ladder

F. Never hold onto the gutter for support, it may give out. 

Now let's try a TEST! What's wrong with the picture below? 

Are you ready for the answers? 

Well, why don't we choose from a list: 

A. She's too short

B. Her gloves are too big

C. She's leaning on the gutter

D. Her ladder is too small

E. She should cover her arms

Here are the answers: 

If you picked B, C, D, and E, you were right. 

Now for the good news. Yes, you can save yourself up to $50 by doing gutters that you can reach - such as first-level gutters on a ranch. Even if you fall, at least it will only be a few feet, and chances are you won't damage yourself for life. Butttttt.......????

Check out this fellow: 

Now tell me, do you really want to do that? 

Okay then. Just call me anytime, or if you're not on Long Island, call a brother roofer or gutter repair guy, and keep safe and sound with a minimum of out-of-picket expense. It's cheaper than you think!

Cheers, 

Nick of Best Quality Roofing and Chimney (We do gutters!) 

855-626-9100 / 631-281-9100