Home » Posts tagged 'gutter cleaning'
Tag Archives: gutter cleaning
Shingles Information
Erie Shingles are caused when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, wakes up in your body. The virus travels along nerve fibers to the skin, where a painful rash forms.
Shingles pain can last months or years. Antiviral medicines can help make the attack shorter and less severe.
The varicella zoster virus causes shingles — the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox has this virus, which lives in the nervous system in a dormant state. Sometimes, the virus reactivates and travels along nerve pathways to the skin. People who have conditions that weaken the immune system — such as cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, HIV infection, or a history of weakened immunity from certain medications (such as steroids) or organ transplantation — are at higher risk for developing shingles. Age also increases the risk. Getting a vaccine can reduce the chance of getting shingles and the severity of the rash.
The first symptom of shingles is pain or tingling in a specific area of the body. Then a rash appears, usually on one side of the body in a swath that wraps around a specific skin nerve (called a dermatome). The rash starts as groups of small bumps that quickly change into fluid-filled blisters that scab over within about 2 weeks. The scabs then heal into a crusty surface that eventually falls off.
Pain from shingles can last for months or years in the area of the rash. This long-term nerve pain is called postherpetic neuralgia and can be very severe. It occurs when damaged nerve fibers send confused and exaggerated messages of pain from the skin to the brain. It affects up to 20 percent of those who get shingles.
Typically, a person gets shingles only once. However, the weakened immune system can make it happen again, and it’s more likely to occur in older adults. Women who are in perimenopause are particularly prone to it, because of hormonal changes that can affect the immune system.
Having the chickenpox vaccine significantly decreases your risk for getting shingles and can reduce the severity of the rash. It’s recommended for everyone over the age of 50. Getting a vaccination before you have shingles can protect against serious complications that can occur with the condition, including vision loss and hearing loss. It can also reduce the likelihood of having long-term nerve pain in the areas where shingles occurred, called postherpetic neuralgia.
Symptoms
The shingles rash is very painful. It usually affects a band of skin on the torso, chest, or face but can also appear on the arms or head. The rash starts as a red, itchy spot and then forms groups of oozing fluid-filled blisters. The blisters then dry up and form scabs that clear after about 10 days. The pain can last for months or even years. Some people may have long-term nerve pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), in the area where they had shingles.
The first symptom of shingles is pain, tingling or itchy skin. The virus infects a nerve that runs along the spinal cord. That’s why the rash often appears in a band of skin that corresponds to where the nerve transmits signals. Shingles is more likely to develop in a band on one side of the body because the virus travels in that pathway.
About 48 hours before the rash appears, you may have flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue and a general feeling of unwellness. You’re contagious during this period, and you should avoid contact with babies, pregnant women, or anyone with a weak immune system who hasn’t had chickenpox or the vaccine.
If you have a severe case of shingles, a doctor can give you medicine to help relieve the pain. The drug works best if you start taking it within 3 days of the rash first appearing. It’s available from your GP, a pharmacy or via 111.
It’s also possible to get a shingles vaccine. The CDC recommends two doses of the vaccine called Shingrix for adults 50 or older to help prevent shingles and reduce the risk of complications. It’s especially important for adults who have had chickenpox, as well as those with weakened immune systems caused by illness or by certain medications such as steroids or treatments for HIV infection.
If you have had shingles before, you cannot get them again. However, it is possible that the virus can reactivate in later life and cause the disease again. Getting the vaccine will prevent it from happening.
Diagnosis
Shingles is a painful rash that develops fluid-filled blisters. It is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, which remains in nerve cells after you have had chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, but the risk is higher for people over age 60 and those with weakened immune systems.
A healthcare provider or dermatologist can usually diagnose shingles by examining your symptoms and history. They may also order a PCR test or an antibody blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
The rash of shingles appears as red spots or small fluid-filled vesicles on your skin, and it typically scabs after 7 to 10 days. It typically occurs in a stripe around the body or face, and it can be particularly painful when it happens inside the mouth or eyes (especially in older adults). Often, pain, itching or tingling starts several days before the rash appears, especially in people who have a weak immune system.
During the time your rash is visible, you can protect yourself from spreading the herpes virus by keeping the area covered and not touching the rash or any of the blisters. Applying calamine lotion or an oatmeal bath can help relieve itching and ease the pain. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medicines to speed up healing and limit your discomfort.
If you have a severe case of shingles, your healthcare provider may put you in a contact isolation room so that others do not contract the herpes from your blisters or open wounds. This is especially important if you are in close contact with someone who has not had chickenpox or the shingles vaccine.
The CDC recommends that healthy adults over 50, regardless of whether they have had chickenpox, receive the shingles vaccine (Shringrix). It is available in pill or shot form and is very effective against shingles and complications from it. The vaccine is not yet available for children. However, doctors are testing a new vaccine that can be given to infants to prevent them from getting the disease. If the test is successful, it will be available soon for everyone.
Treatment
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can help with the pain and itching of shingles. If this does not work, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications. Antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir (Zovirax) or valacyclovir (Valtrex), can be taken to speed up healing. They are most effective when started within three days of the appearance of the rash.
The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is highly recommended for adults 50 or older to prevent a painful shingles outbreak and possible complications. It is also recommended for people 19 and older with weakened immune systems due to illness or certain conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or a chronic disease like leukemia or lymphoma.
Symptoms of shingles, including pain and itching, usually appear about a week after the virus enters the body. Most people get better within a few weeks after the sores erupt and heal. It is important to avoid contact with anyone who has a blistered rash or open sores. You are contagious until all the sores have crusted over.
Some people have long-lasting nerve pain in the area of the rash, called postherpetic neuralgia, which can last for months or even years after the rash has gone away. A pain specialist can treat this type of pain, using therapies such as a Nerve Block or Epidural injection.
Other symptoms of shingles include inflammation of the ear (herpes zoster oticus), weakness on the affected side of the face, and headaches. In about 2 percent of cases, a shingles rash can spread to the eye, which can cause permanent damage. A health care provider can treat this complication with antiviral medications and steroids.
Home remedies, such as wearing loose clothing, taking warm baths or showers, using cool compresses, eating a nutritious diet, and getting plenty of rest, can also help manage shingles. Some patients find relief from proteolytic enzymes, which are derived from papaya and pineapple, when used in conjunction with antiviral medication. These supplements can have side effects, so it is important to talk with your doctor before starting them.
Gutter Cleaning – A Necessary Maintenance Task
Gutter Cleaning is a proactive measure to ward off the cascade of problems that stem from clogged gutters. Prompt service helps ensure that water flows freely from the roof and away from the foundation, avoiding costly repairs.
Professionals use a combination of high-powered blowers and ladder safety protocols to thoroughly clean each section of the gutters. They work methodically, starting at one corner and moving carefully along the entire length of the gutter. Visit https://www.stlouisguttercleaningservices.com/ to learn more.
Gutter cleaning involves removing leaves, twigs, and debris that accumulates in the gutters. This prevents clogs and maintains an unobstructed water flow into downpipes, ensuring that wastewater is properly managed. Regular debris removal also helps to prevent stains on the exterior of your home and foundation damage.
Gutter debris primarily consists of organic materials like leaves, twigs, and sediment or small particles from roof shingles that build up over time. These waste materials can cause serious environmental issues if they are not managed effectively. They can clog drainage systems and contribute to landfill bulk, but they can be used for composting or repurposed as mulch that enriches soil and enhances garden health.
A thorough gutter cleaning process involves a combination of manual and power removal techniques. This includes hand scraping, vacuuming, and high-pressure rinsing. Manual removal is most effective on small, isolated sections of the gutters that are difficult to reach with a power tool. It requires an extension ladder, gloves, a scooping tool, and a hose with a gutter cleaning nozzle (a special attachment that increases water pressure).
Ideally, this type of removal is done on a clear day on a stable ladder at a safe location away from your house. Make sure to inspect the ladder for wear and stability before climbing it, and have a spotter on the ground to support your weight in case you should fall.
When the clogs are removed, a good rinse will help to flush them and prepare the gutter for the next rain. This can be accomplished with a wet/dry vacuum or garden hose with an extended nozzle. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the gutter, including downspouts, and check that all the twigs and debris have been removed from the gutter and downspout.
As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true when it comes to your home’s gutter system. Routine maintenance and proactive debris removal is essential to protect your home from expensive gutter-related damages. When the system is fully functional and free of obstructions, water will flow freely through downpipes and sloping away from your foundation and home’s exterior.
Inspection
Gutter cleaning is a necessary maintenance task that can help protect your home from the damage caused by clogged gutters. A regular gutter cleaning schedule can also prevent the need for costly repairs down the road. The first step in the gutter cleaning process is to remove any large debris that may be lingering from a previous storm. This can be done by hand or with a power washer. After all major debris is removed, the next step in the gutter cleaning process is to inspect the gutters for damage and to verify that they are functioning properly.
Gutter inspections can be done from the ground or with a ladder, but it is recommended that you start at the ground level to check the slope and consistency of the gutters. It is important to look for any areas that are not in alignment with adjacent sections and note the presence of rotting fascia boards, rafter tails or roof sheathing. You should also inspect the gutters for pools of water that appear in specific areas, as these can indicate a problem with the gutter system such as improper installation or wear and tear.
Once you are able to get access to the gutters, it is important that you use caution as you climb the ladder. It is advisable to have someone stand on the ground to hold the ladder and help you to maintain balance as you work. You should also use non-slip footwear, a harness and eye protection to ensure your safety while working on the ladder.
Using a hose and gutter cleaning nozzle, it is important to carefully move the nozzle along the length of the gutter, dislodging and washing away leaves, twigs and other debris. You should also direct the nozzle into the downspouts to clear out any blockages that may be present.
Finally, you should do a thorough final inspection of the cleaned area to ensure that all debris has been removed and that the gutters are free of any holes or loose sections. Once the gutters are inspected and cleaned, you can rest assured knowing that your gutters are ready to do their job of protecting your home from the risks associated with poor drainage such as landscape erosion, foundation issues and water leakage.
Safety
Climbing ladders to reach the roof and gutters can be dangerous, especially for people with limited physical capabilities or older adults. Gutter cleaning also requires specialized equipment like a ladder with adjustable length and safety harnesses, which can be difficult to operate and require expert training. Ultimately, it’s best to leave this type of work to the professionals to avoid injury and property damage.
Ladders must be positioned correctly to minimize the risk of falls during gutter cleaning. Ideally, the base of the ladder should be placed on a flat and stable surface away from hazards such as soft ground or debris. Using ladder levelers and stabilizers can help adjust for uneven surfaces and prevent wobbling. It’s also a good idea to have a spotter on hand to support the ladder and assist with moving it when necessary.
Gloves should be worn to protect the hands from dirty gutter debris and rotting leaves, which often contain bird, pigeon and squirrel droppings that are contaminated with harmful bacteria. Old, ragged gutters can also contain sharp metal shards and rusty nails that can scratch and cut the skin. Protective gloves can protect the hands from these hazards and also reduce risks associated with contact with electrical hazards, such as overhead power lines.
Eye protection is also a must during gutter cleaning to prevent getting debris in the eyes. Gutters are home to bees and other stinging insects, as well as wasps and hornets that may attack in defense of their nests. Additionally, twigs, leaves and other debris can fall off of the gutter and hit the worker at high speeds.
In addition to wearing protective gear, workers should also wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles and wear a hard hat to protect the head from falling debris. It’s also a good idea for employees to work in pairs, which not only makes the job faster and more efficient but reduces the chances of accidents. Additionally, it’s important to check the weather forecast and avoid working in rain or strong winds to mitigate risks. Prioritizing safety measures enhances the efficacy of gutter cleaning and improves its outcome.
Efficiency
Gutter cleaning involves the elimination of dirt, leaves, twigs, and other debris from the guttering system. This prevents blockages and clogging that may lead to overflow and water damage to your roof, fascia boards, siding, foundation, and the interior of your home. It also minimizes the risk of pest infestation and reduces your need for costly insect or rodent control services.
Professional gutter cleaners have the right tools and expertise to clean even the most stubborn clogs with ease and speed, saving you valuable time and money. In addition, they understand how to work safely on ladders and roofs, using specialized equipment to handle hazards. They also test downspouts to ensure that they are unblocked and functioning properly. This helps to ensure that water is channeled away from the house and not into basements, where it can promote the growth of mildew, mold, and other harmful microbes.
When cleaning the inside of a gutter, special screens and brushes are used to prevent the loss of important building materials like mortar or brick pieces. It is also important to clean the guttering system thoroughly, removing all traces of dirt and debris and rinsing the entire guttering canal with a hose or water pressure washer.
The final step is to perform a post-cleaning inspection and remove any remaining debris. It is also important to check for any areas that need repairs or additional work, such as loose or missing guttering components or signs of rust or wear. This ensures that the guttering system is in good condition for future use and helps to prevent additional problems down the road.
Gutters serve a critical function in the overall health of your home, preventing water damage and reducing maintenance costs. Regular gutter cleaning is an essential service that should be performed at least twice a year. Spring and fall are ideal times to perform this important task, as they are typically when the most debris accumulates.