Fall Maintenance Tips for Mankato / Owatonna Homes

9/20/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mankato / Owatonna Fall Maintenance Tips for Mankato / Owatonna Homes

Autumn is just around the corner. As hard as it may be to accept "at first" we Northerners know it's coming. No matter how much we'd like to pretend winter will take its time getting here, we must start preparing now. 

There is important maintenance work to be done before that first snowflake appears out your window. It’s these tasks we don’t always look forward to but a must.

While the weather starts to change, now is the perfect time to get started on cleaning those gutters.  Avoiding this task can ultimately lead to damage to your home including but not limited to:

• Damage to the gutters itself. Your gutters can become heavy when full of debris and fall causing a hazard to you, your family or visitors to your home. Not to mention you’ll need to repair or replace them adding costs that can be prevented.
• Fire hazards due to dry leaves left behind. No one wants to think a fire could happen but if a spark from even a neighbor welding “who may be using all safety precautions” can cause a spark to fly into your gutters resulting in a fire.
• Water can become backed up in those gutters and can eventually cause water damage to your roof, garage and even the walls and ceilings of your home. This happens more frequently than we believe it does.

Take the time in the coming weeks to clean your gutters and while your at it use these safety tips to ensure your safety during these cleaning projects:

• Do check for critters first. Sometimes animal wildlife and or pests can be taking up home in your gutters. Gently shaking the gutter first might help alert small animals to find another home.
• Choose a good and sturdy ladder. If you don’t have a safe ladder it might be a good idea to buy a new one or borrow a ladder that ensures your safety.
• Make sure to inspect this ladder before using it for any damage. Inspecting this ladder for sturdiness on each step and ensure that all screws are secure. The ladder should be safe for use before you make that first step. Check your owners manual for any specifications when using specific ladders.
• It’s always a good idea to let someone know you will be performing this task in case of accidental injuries or falls.
• Remember both of your feet and one hand should always be in contact with the ladder you’ve chosen to use. This is called a 3 point contact and should always be considered when on a ladder.
• Using protective eye wear will keep your eyes safe from any debris inside your gutters.
• Wear gloves. A cleaner hand is always favored but wearing gloves may also be the one thing that may protect you from a bite or sting from an insect.

Best of luck to you all in getting those gutters cleaned.

Stay safe and stay tuned for more useful tips and practical advice from SERVPRO of Mankato / Owatonna to ready your home or business for the Winter months.