Gutter Company Gutter Maintenance and Cleaning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the best approach for removing a wasp or hornet nest found inside a gutter?
- Remove it with bare hands during daylight
- Treat with an appropriate insecticide at night when insects are inactive, then remove the nest (Correct answer)
- Leave it and work around it
- Pressure-wash it out immediately
Correct answer: Treat with an appropriate insecticide at night when insects are inactive, then remove the nest
Treating nests at night when insects are dormant with a labeled insecticide is the safest method before physically removing the nest.
Question 2: What product is commonly applied to clean and restore oxidized or chalky aluminum gutter exteriors?
- Muriatic acid
- White vinegar diluted with water or gutter brightener (oxalic acid-based cleaner) (Correct answer)
- Bleach solution
- WD-40
Correct answer: White vinegar diluted with water or gutter brightener (oxalic acid-based cleaner)
Gutter brighteners containing oxalic acid or diluted white vinegar dissolve the oxidized aluminum oxide layer to restore the original finish.
Question 3: Dark vertical streaks on the outside of white gutters are caused by what phenomenon?
- Paint failure in the gutter
- Electrolytic reaction between hanger and gutter
- Tiger-striping: a combination of electrostatic charge attracting pollutants and roof runoff staining (Correct answer)
- Water leaking from inside seams
Correct answer: Tiger-striping: a combination of electrostatic charge attracting pollutants and roof runoff staining
Tiger stripes are caused by a combination of electrostatic attraction and runoff carrying organic and mineral compounds from the roof surface down the gutter face.
Question 4: What is the first step before beginning any gutter cleaning or maintenance work on a ladder?
- Put on gloves
- Inspect the ladder for defects and confirm it is rated for your weight plus tools (Correct answer)
- Notify the homeowner
- Clear debris from the roof
Correct answer: Inspect the ladder for defects and confirm it is rated for your weight plus tools
OSHA guidelines require inspecting the ladder for cracks, loose rungs, and ensuring the load rating (duty rating) exceeds your combined weight with equipment before use.
Question 5: What is the purpose of flushing downspout elbows with a hose before removing them?
- To lubricate the joints for easier removal
- To dislodge compacted debris before disassembling so it doesn't fall on you (Correct answer)
- To check for cracks in the elbows
- To cool the metal before handling
Correct answer: To dislodge compacted debris before disassembling so it doesn't fall on you
Pre-flushing loosens compacted debris in elbows so it doesn't create a mess or fall on the technician when the elbow is removed.
Question 6: How frequently should gutter hangers and screws be inspected and tightened as part of a maintenance routine?
- Only when gutters visibly sag
- Annually, as part of a standard cleaning visit (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Only after severe storms
Correct answer: Annually, as part of a standard cleaning visit
Annual inspection of fasteners during cleaning visits catches loose hangers before they cause sagging, water pooling, or gutter separation from the fascia.
Gutter Company Gutter Maintenance and Cleaning 2
What is the best approach for removing a wasp or hornet nest found inside a gutter?