High level Gutter cleaning for the most part is a straightforward process. However, it requires specially trained technicians to access these areas. There are many factors to consider when choosing to clean gutter at this height. This article will help you understand how undertaking high level gutter cleaning can be done correctly.
Specialist Access Technicians have extensive experience in undertaking high level gutter cleaning services on behalf of our clients.
Have a look at some of our recently completed gutter cleaning projects.
So how do you undertake high level gutter cleaning?
High level gutter cleaning should be undertaken by highly trained professionals. For gutter cleaning without a ladder, more specialist methods will be required. There is
I will touch on these later on in this article, but here are examples of specialist methods for accessing high level gutters:
Rope Access
Scaffolding
Cherry Pickers
Each of these access methods have their own merits, and each should be undertaken by trained and competent personnel only.
It is important to remember, that even working 1ft off a ladder is dangerous as there is the potential to fall and cause injury. However, high level gutter cleaning works often exceed 20ft and this poses significant risks to individuals, the public and environment.
Extreme caution and attitude must be adopted when undertaking gutter cleaning works at these heights.
4 Factors To Consider
Here are four factors to consider when thinking of undertaking high level gutter cleaning.
Weather Conditions
Additional Safety Precautions
Stagnant Water
Qualifications
Weather Conditions
Before work at height commences, risk assessments are conducted, and the current weather conditions are assessed. Should the weather conditions be acceptable for high level gutter cleaning, only then will the tasks be undertaken.
However, it is crucial to constantly monitor changes in weather and adopt safe approaches accordingly.
Different times of the year also play a crucial part in how effective high level gutter cleaning can be undertaken. For instance, winter times, the surface areas of the roof slates/tiles and gutters may be icy.
This has the potential to cause problems for the gutter cleaner, as the risk of not being able to grip onto surfaces becomes drastically reduced.
Weather Conditions
High level gutter cleaning requires specialist technicians to undertake the work. This in turn requires specific training and safety management. This type of training allows technicians to perform the work in a safe and controlled manner.
It is important to have the right training and knowledge in high level gutter cleaning, as the risk of injury and death are significantly higher than lower-level gutter cleaning.
Stagnant Water
When it comes to blocked gutters, the water has nowhere to drain. Therefore, it remains still and becomes stagnant. This stagnant water is a breeding ground for viruses and harmful bacteria. It is essential that technicians are trained in dealing with such scenarios. Thus, minimizing the risk of infection and illness to the technicians and the public.
Working At Height
Working at height requires training and competency. To safely execute work at height operations, technicians must be highly trained and assessed on an ongoing basis. This is fundamental to effective gutter cleaning work scopes being completed on site.
The safety of the technicians and public are paramount. Therefore, utilizing industry recognized work at height specialists is crucial to a safe operation being conducted. Don’t risk short cuts. It is not worth it!
High Level Gutter Cleaning Methods
Below you will find some information on the three types of access methods typically used for undertaking high level gutter cleaning. The description is not exhaustive, but merely an understanding of how each one of them impact the task.
Using Rope Access
Rope Access is a cost-effective solution to work at height requirements. The ground footprint is minimal if any, and the setup time is significantly lower than scaffolding or cherry pickers.
One of the primary benefits of utilizing Rope Access as a means of access is that access is done from the top down. This reduces the requirement for a ground footprint or permit requirements.
Find out more about how you can benefit from Rope Access as a service.
Scaffolding For Access
Scaffolding has been utilized as a means of access for decades, and still proves an effective method today. However, scaffolding does come with drawbacks, such as.
- Large ground footprint
- Permit requirements
- Long setup time
Scaffolding is not a preferred option for high level gutter cleaning, as it is very restrictive in movement. It would have to be built to span the entire gutter run. This is not feasible for a gutter clean but may be a viable option for gutter replacement.
Cherry Picker Access
Cherry pickers are also an option when it comes to high level gutter cleaning. Their setup time is quicker than scaffolding, however they do require a ground footprint as well.
They are also an effective means of gutter cleaning at varying heights, as they can move both up and down and laterally easily enough. However, they too are limited to their reach. Cherry pickers with a longer reach will typically cost more. These will also be larger, thus requiring a larger ground footprint.
It is also important to note, that cherry pickers also have a high environmental impact. This is due to noise and diesel fumes.
All technicians at SAT are highly trained and IRATA Rope Access certified. Our technicians have years of extensive experience in all aspects of gutter cleaning and repairs.
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SAT are the leading Building Maintenance and Inspection company in Edinburgh. We offer our clients cost effective solutions to their work at height requirements. Our ability to complete demanding projects on time and within budget, is something we are proud of. It is our mission to support our clients in all aspects of their building maintenance, servicing and inspection requirements. 
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