Have A Plan When You're Up On The Roof

Gutter cleaning is a facet of roof cleaning that requires good equipment, the right mindset, and a willingness to devote the time required to do so. Of course, trusting this job to a professional like One Shot Pressure Washing, isn't a bad idea.

But if you insist on D-I-Ying it, make sure you keep safety in the forefront of your mind. It's safe to say that some Asheville homeowners just grab a ladder, a bucket, and a trowel and a couple of times a year, remove leaves, grit, and grime that often builds up and slows roof drainage.

It's no fun, and hardly anyone wants to do it. But if you're going to get up on the roof, nothing is more important than safety. Professionals like the ones at One Shot Pressure Washing will tell you this always is their foremost concern when conducting any pressure washing project.

So here are a few gutter cleaning tips from pressure washing pros:

• Make sure the people around you know you'll be completing this task.
• If you're standing on the roof, wear rubber-soled shoes.
• Make use of protective equipment such as goggles and gloves.
• Unclog the downspouts before you start; pressure washing can accomplish this.

It's also essential to remove leaves and branches from the roof before you start cleaning the gutters.

Always Be Cautious Coming Down Off The Roof

Try not to be that guy -- the one who uses an 8-foot step ladder, climbs to the top rung, and hoists yourself onto the roof to perform routine roof cleaning or pressure washing.

Investing in an extension ladder and making sure someone foots the ladder on your way up and on your way down is imperative. It's also vital that this person is verbally communicating with you during the critical moments when you go from ladder to roof or from roof to ladder.

What's The Best Way To Dispose Of The Sludge? Is It Worth Repurposing?

Since most of the substances that find their way into your gutters are natural and organic -- dirt, leaves, branches, and tree pitch -- you might consider purchasing a mulcher. The substances already have begun to rot, and anyone who's spent any time around mulch knows what it smells like.

By adding a very moist combination from your gutters to a mulching container or even your mulch pile (cover it with grass clippings and/or dead lives to minimize the stench), you'll have healthy potting soil and plant fertilizer in less than a year.

This is way, roof cleaning can pay dividends beyond the original intention of keeping run-off flowing smoothly and ensuring your gutters and downspouts don't clog.

And as always, consulting with a professional like One Shot Pressure Washing is always a good idea. Do-it-yourselfers have good intentions, but more often than not, professionals have better results.