• Heavy-duty gloves (gutter edges can be sharp)
• Lawn and garden bag for debris
• Garden hose
• Rag
• Plumber’s snake (to clear more serious clogs in downspouts)
Ladder safety
To stay safe up on a ladder, “keep your hips aligned over the
ladder. Keep your waist below the top of a stepladder. If using an
extension ladder, position it so your arms can grasp the rung in
front of you when standing straight up with your feet at the base of
the ladder. Move the ladder frequently to reposition. Stretching too
far on a ladder is a common cause of falls and injury,” Lipford said.
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
SOLAR
GENERATORS
Wet vs. dry
“Gutters are easier to clean when dry but, if clogged and in need
of cleaning, will most likely be wet,” Lipford said.
To test the gutters and downspouts and ensure water will flow
through properly, flush with a garden hose, Lipford said.
Inspect, then repair
“It’s important to ensure all of the joints are sealed and water-
tight — repair with silicone caulk if necessary. Make sure all
hangers are securely fastened, and use a carpenter’s level to check
that the gutters have the proper slope and are not holding water.
They should slant down toward the downspouts about ¼ inch every
10 feet,” Lipford said.
❇❇
CARPET
WAREHOUSE
Monday-Friday 9-6; Saturday 9-5
164 U.S. Route 4 East
Rutland, VT
(802) 747-3314
2017 Fall Vermont Home, Garden & Car • 11