Gutter Cleaning

Gutter Cleaning : Essential Maintenance for Your Home

Cleaning your gutters is an important aspect of being a homeowner, particularly in regions where weather may change with the seasons. Obstructed gutters may cause serious property destruction of your house foundation, roof, and even landscaping. Gutter cleaning should be a priority of any homeowner so that your home is not damaged by water, pests, or expensive repairs.

In this article, we are going to talk about the necessity of cleaning your gutters, how to know when your gutters have to be cleaned, when is the best time to clean your gutters, and why it is often the most effective option to hire a professional service to clean your gutters when you live.

Why Gutter Cleaning Is So Important

Gutters play a very important role in channeling the rainwater away. When in good shape, gutters stop water accumulation around the foundation of your house which may lead to serious damages. But with time, your gutters are likely to fill with debris like leaves, twigs and dirt and this will cause blockage and hence the water cannot flow properly. Some of the problems that may be caused by clogged gutters include:

• Water damage to foundation: Clogged gutters are among the major causes of water damage to the foundation of a house. When the water is blocked and it overflows, it may accumulate around the foundation of your house and this may lead to cracking of the foundation, basement leaks or even instability.

• Roof Damage: The water that builds up in the blocked gutters may find its way under the shingles causing leakages and mold development in the roof. Without treatment, this may greatly reduce the life of your roof and cost you more by way of repairs or even a complete replacement of the roof.

• Landscaping Erosion: When water overflows the side of your gutters and drains into your yard, it will wash away your landscaping, plants, flowers, and other features that you take care of.

• Pests: Blocked gutters give a perfect breeding environment to pests such as mosquitoes, birds and rodents. The pests then find their way into your house, which results in even greater possible problems, including health hazards and property destruction.

• Ice Dams In Winter: In winter, the clogged gutters can cause formation of ice dams on your roof. When the water accumulates in the gutter and freezes, it may not drain properly, thus leading to water stagnation and possible leakage of the water into your house.

Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning

You are unsure when it is time to clean your gutters? The following are some of the signs that your gutters require urgent attention:

• Backed-up Gutters: When rainstorms cause the water in your gutters to back up, this is another sign that they are clogged. Clogged gutters may cause damages to your foundation and landscape and therefore you should ensure that the gutters are cleaned.

• Clogged Gutters: Sagging or even pulling away of the gutters can occur when the gutters are filled with clogged debris. This does not only compromise the performance of your gutters but can also lead to damage to the exterior of your house.

• Visible Debris: When you can see leaves, sticks or other debris piling up in your gutter, it is an indication that they are not draining and need to be cleaned.

• Plant Growth: When you see plants or moss in your gutters, then this is a clear indication of neglect. The plants can be grown in the debris and block the water flow further.

• Water Stains or Mold on the Walls: In case water begins to enter your home, both in the outside and inside, particularly around windows or doors that are close to the gutters, it might be because your gutters are blocked and cannot drain the water off the building.

The Best Time to Clean Your Gutters 

Hot and dry summer followed by cooler and wetter winter seasons, means your gutters will have a different set of difficulties to deal with. The best seasons to clean your gutters are the following:

• Spring: It is a good idea to clean your gutters after the winter rains. During winter storms, there is usually a lot of debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt. Spring cleaning of the gutters will make sure that they are prepared to face the rain showers in the summer.

• Fall: Fall is another important time to clean your gutters and it is particularly important to clean your gutters when your house is surrounded by trees. Your gutters can be clogged with leaves and twigs and when the rainy season comes the water will not flow and this can cause damage. Fall cleaning of your gutters ensures that they are not clogged, and your gutters are in good condition.

• Following Major Storms: When you have a really intense rain storm or windstorm, it is a good idea to inspect your gutters after the storm. Debris is usually carried by storms and it can easily block the gutters and cause instant problems.

Homeowners can get away with cleaning their gutters twice a year (in the spring and in the fall). Nevertheless, you might have to clean your gutters more frequently in case your property is heavily wooded or in case you have frequent storms.

DIY Gutter Cleaning vs. Professional Services

Although it is possible that some homeowners will be trying to clean their gutters themselves, gutter cleaning is a dangerous and time consuming job especially when you have a multi-story house or high gutters. It is dangerous to access your gutters using a ladder, particularly when it is windy or raining. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of doing it yourself gutter cleaning and calling a professional service:

Do-it-yourself Gutter Cleaning

• Cost-Effective: Gutter cleaning is cost effective when you do it yourself but this is accompanied by the risk of injury.

• Safety Issues: It is risky to work on a ladder and a fall off a ladder may lead to severe injuries.

• Partial Cleaning: DIY cleaning is not always as comprehensive as professional one. You can also overlook debris or fail to clean the downspouts completely, which causes water blockage.

Professional Gutter Cleaning

Experience: Professional gutter cleaning services have the experience and equipment to get the job done in a complete and efficient manner. They are also able to check your gutters to see whether they have any damage that requires repair.

• Safety: The professionals are trained to work on heights, and understand how to use ladders and roofs without causing accidents.

• Time: When you hire a professional, you save time and energy. Cleaning of gutters may be a tiresome job and a professional service may do it in a short time so that you can concentrate on other activities.

• Long-Term Protection: Professionals will assist you in preventing future problems by maintaining your gutters in a good state and properly working, which saves you money in the future because you will not need to fix them.

How to Choose the Right Gutter Cleaning Service 

In case you want to use the services of a professional gutter cleaning company, you should select a reliable company. The following are some of the things to consider when contracting a gutter cleaning company:

• Experience and Reputation: A company that has a reputation of good gutter cleaning services should be chosen. Review opinions and reviews.

• Insurance: The company should also be insured to cover you in case of accidents or damage in the course of the work.

• Service Guarantee: Select a company that has a satisfaction guarantee, so that they will be willing to attend to any problems that might come up once the job is done.

• Pricing: Get a quote in writing about the cost of the service and make sure that there are no extras. Your price should be determined by the size of your house and the condition of your gutter.

Conclusion

Gutter cleaning is a necessary activity that should be done regularly to keep your house. Failure to maintain your gutters may cause serious water damage, roof damage, infestation of pests, and expensive repairs. You can prevent these problems by cleaning your gutters twice a year and by being observant of signs that your gutters need cleaning so that your home remains in great shape.

Although DIY gutter cleaning is an alternative, it is better to hire the services of professional gutter cleaners. You not only save time by investing in professional services but you also make sure that your gutters are in good shape and prepared to take care of your home and prevent water damage. Do not wait until the next storm comes, call a gutter cleaning now and provide your home with the security it needs.