Cleaning your gutters is a simple job, but small errors can cause big problems. A quick afternoon task can turn into a costly repair. To keep your home safe and your gutters working well, it helps to know the common pitfalls.

Here are a few simple mistakes you can easily avoid during gutter cleaning Nanaimo.

Ignoring safety

This is the most important point. Never underestimate the risk of working on a ladder. Do not lean too far to the side; always keep your hips between the ladder rails. Place your ladder on solid, level ground. Have a friend spot you or hold the base. Wearing strong gloves and safety glasses will protect your hands and eyes from sharp debris.

Using the wrong tools

A garden trowel or stick might seem like a good idea, but it can damage your gutters. These tools can scratch the protective coating or even crack the seams. A plastic gutter scoop is a better choice. It is made for the job and will not harm the material. A good hose with a spray nozzle is also key for flushing out the downpipes.

Forgetting the downspout

Cleaning the gutter channel is only half the job. The downspout is what carries the water away. If it is clogged, your gutters will still overflow. After scooping out the leaves, run water from your hose down the spout. If the water does not flow freely, you have a blockage that should be cleared.

Rushing the job

Going too fast means you might miss a section. Clogs often form in the corners, so pay extra attention there. Take your time to remove all the mud and leaves. A thorough clean now means you will not have to do it all over again next month.

Cleaning at the wrong time

Timing matters. If you clean your gutters just before the big leaf drop in autumn, they will quickly fill up again. The best time is after most of the leaves have fallen from the trees. Also, check them in the spring after the pollen and seed season has passed.

Damaging the gutters

Be gentle. Do not press down too hard when you are scooping out debris. Never try to pull a stuck gutter away from the house; you could loosen the fasteners. When you are on the ladder, be careful not to let it bump into or scrape against the gutters.