3 Reasons You Should Stay Off Your Roof This November

The ladder is in the garage. The leaves are in the gutter. It seems like a simple Saturday morning chore.

But as a Supply Chain major, I look at risk vs. reward. And when it comes to DIY gutter cleaning in Happy Valley, the math simply doesn't add up.

Every November, thousands of homeowners in the Portland area climb onto slippery roofs to save a few dollars, and thousands end up in urgent care. I started Western Window Cleaning to build a future, but I also started it so my neighbors would stop risking theirs.

Here are the three data-driven reasons why you should keep your feet on the ground this season.

1. The Physics of a Fall

Oregon roofs are not like roofs in Arizona. By November, your roof is covered in a microscopic layer of algae and damp moss. It is effectively an ice rink.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, ladder falls are one of the leading causes of home-based injuries, with over 500,000 people treated annually.

I use professional ladder stabilizers (stand-offs) that lock onto the roofline, and I wear specialized non-slip courier boots. I am insured to be up there. You are likely balancing on a shaky aluminum extension ladder wearing Nikes. The risk of a life-changing fall is real, and gravity doesn't care how handy you are.

2. It’s Not Just Leaves—It’s "Gutter Sludge"

From the ground, it looks like a few dry maple leaves. Up close, it’s a different story. In the Pacific Northwest, the rain turns debris into a heavy, decomposing mulch we call "gutter sludge." It smells terrible, it’s heavy, and it is full of:

• Rotting pine needles

• Spider nests

• Mosquito larvae

• Bird waste

When I clean your gutters, I don't just blow this mess onto your driveway. I hand-scoop the sludge into buckets and bag it immediately. I deal with the mess so you don't have to touch it.

3. The Finance Major’s Perspective (The ROI)

Let’s look at the "Return on Investment."

• The Cost of Western: A standard gutter clean is roughly $199–$299.

• The Cost of a Mistake: The average deductible for an ER visit is often $1,500+. A broken arm or leg can mean weeks of lost wages.

Even if you don't fall, you are spending 4 hours of your precious weekend doing dangerous, dirty labor. If you value your free time at even $50/hour, you are "spending" $200 of your time to do a job I can do faster, safer, and better.

The financial logic is clear: The risk isn't worth the reward.

The Western Way

When you hire me, you aren't just paying for clean gutters. You are paying for safety and peace of mind.

• Proof of Flow: I take photos of your clean gutters and the flushed downspouts so you can see the results without climbing a single step.

• No Mess: We haul the debris away.

• Foundation Safety: We ensure water is moving away from your home, protecting your biggest asset.

Stay warm. Stay dry. Stay on the ground.