Frequently Asked Questions About Gutter Cleaning
Why should I clean my gutters?Cleaning your gutters is a part of the maintenance that will need to be performed on your gutter system. It is a crucial step in making sure that your system always in good standing. Gutter systems that are not cleaned get clogged with various items; sticks, leaves, and debris. Not cleaning the system regularly can lead to issues with your roof leaking along with water damage to both the interior and exterior of the home. Ensuring that your gutter system can also prevent larger issues like mold, pests, and even infestations from bees. Always make sure to have the gutter system cleaned on a regular schedule
How often should I clean my gutters?Cleaning a gutter system is a dirty job, but it has to be done. The system has to be kept clean and allow the rainwater to freely flow at all times. Depending on where you live and the amount of debris and foliage that you are getting into your system you need to make a point to have your gutter system cleaned at least twice a year. There are a few factors in the number of times that the service is completed depending on what type of foliage you have around the home. Pine trees and other types of trees that “drop” more than leaves can cause you to need to have the system cleaned more often. The suggestion on a system with that type of debris is about every three months.
What is the average cost to clean out gutters?On average it will cost a homeowner between $70 to $225 to have their gutter system cleaned. There are a few factors that make the price vary. Single story and two story homes have different costs due to the nature of the job and naturally, a three plus story home would be expected to be higher. Gutter cleaning service for a single story home should cost between $70 to $200 where for a two story home the cost would be expected to run between $90 and $225. For each additional story that you have on the home, you should expect to pay around $75.00 more.
Do I Need To Be Home For Gutter Cleaning Services?As a homeowner, you do not always have to be home for a gutter cleaning service. Plus the gutter system is all outside so it usually is not an issue if the homeowner is not home at the time. It is always best to have a conversation about not being present when the service is being performed. This makes paying for the service and also preparing for their arrival easier for both parties.
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What Should I Prepare So The Work Crew Can Complete Their Job When They Arrive?
Preparing for a gutter cleaning service is a pretty simple job. Most services not only appreciate you preparing for their arrival, but it also speeds up the process. Before a gutter cleaning service arrives at your home you should clean up the yard around your home. When working to clean up always think about what would make it easier for them to get around the edges of the roof. Cleaning up should consist of removing all lawn furniture from the path along with yard toys. If there are any rocks or large debris also work to remove what is possible. The easier it is for the service team to get to the gutters the easier and faster the service can be completed
Will There Be Lots Of Clean Up For Me To Do After The Cleaning?
Each company will vary on what type of clean up service that they provide after they have cleaned the gutter system. After the service has been completed the we always remove all debris that has come from the gutters. We will always make sure to leave the property free and clear of gutter debris after the service has been completed.
What does Gutter Cleaning Involve?
Gutter cleaning involves removing all the debris that has collected on the inside of your gutters. When this service is completed the goal is to remove all the large debris along with the sludge that accumulates at the bottom of the system. This substance has to be removed because it is built up of decomposed organic matter and this typically is more of a cause for gutter clothes than the actual debris itself. Removing this is very important and should always be performed by your gutter cleaning service each time.
Is it Possible to Avoid the Need for Gutter Cleaning Entirely?
When homeowners avoid cleaning their gutters entirely they are always running the chance of damaging their home. Gutters that are not cleaned not only can cause water damage inside and outside the home it can also cause damage to the foundation of the home. The overflow that comes out and over the gutter system will flow to the foundation of the home. Depending on the amount of overflow the water could seep into the crawlspace or basement of your home along with damaging the foundation. The water seeping in can also put the home at risk for mold. Either of these issues can cost a homeowner upwards of $10,000 to repair.
Are Chemical Gutter Cleaners Helpful?
Typically when a gutter cleaning service is performed no cleaners are used. Most gutter cleaning services use nothing more than water to perform the service. The use of chemicals during a gutter cleaning service is not necessary.
How Will I Know If My Gutters Need Cleaning?
You will know it is time to clean your gutters when the water is flowing over your gutters and not down through them. Also if your gutters and sagging, plants are growing from them, or you noticed animals are making their home in there. Making sure to get them cleaned as soon as possible if you notice any of the above is very important to avoid any damage to your home. Having your gutters cleaned on a scheduled cleaning plan is the best way to prevent most gutter issues.
Is it Worth Hiring Professional Gutter Cleaners?
Hiring a professional gutter cleaner is in most cases always worth the investment. When hiring a professional to complete a service at your home you are removing the risks of the job and also ensuring that you are getting a quality service completed correctly. Professionals have all the right tools and know exactly how to perform the task.
Are Clogged Gutters Really Such a Bad Thing?
Any gutter system that is clogged is a bad thing. If a gutter system is clogged then it is not able to do what it is meant to do. Clogged gutters cause more damage than most homeowners understand. It can cause the fascia boards to rot, cause water to enter the inside of the home and outside leading to damage everywhere that the water is directed to because it is not able to flow freely through the gutter system.
How Long Does Professional Gutter Cleaning Take?
The amount of time that it will take a professional gutter cleaning service to clean your gutters will vary depending on a couple of factors. The size of the home, the height of the gutters, and the amount of time since the last service will play the largest part in the amount of time it will take. On average, it will take a professional service somewhere between 30 and 90 minutes to complete the task.
What does gutter cleaning include?
A gutter cleaning service should include the cleaning of your entire gutter system. It should include removing all the leaves, debris, and flushing the system. Once the system has been cleaned all the debris should be cleaned up and removed from your property.
When Is the best time for gutter cleaning?
The best time to have your gutter system cleaned varies from home to home and the location of the trees along with what type of trees are around the home. The typical home without pine trees around should be cleaned twice a year, once in the fall and then again in the spring. Homes with pine trees and other types of trees that “drop” large debris may cause a need for the gutter system to be clean more often.
Signs You Need Your Gutters Professionally Cleaned
The following are signs that you need to have your gutters professional cleaned
Mold & Mildew Buildup In Gutters - If you are noticing mold, mildew, streaks, or stains on your home’s siding that is a sign that your gutters need cleans. When the leaves and debris clog the system it causes water to not be able to flow freely through the system resulting in water that flows over onto the siding of the homes resulting in mold, mildew, streaks, or stains on the siding of your home.
Gutter Plant Growth - Are you noticing your gutters are starting to look more like a garden than a water catching system? Then it is overtime to have your gutters cleans. The plant growth in the gutter system is caused by the excess amount of dirt collected in the system and when the wind carries seeds the system becomes an ideal place for seeds to sprout. The moisture level along with the shape of the gutter makes it a perfect place for sprouting plants.
Gutter Damage - If you are noticing that your gutters are damaged or sagging it is time to have a gutter cleaning service performed on your system. Clogs, sags, and damage that is visible to the system is an issue. The damage is most often caused when debris and leaves accumulate putting additional stress and the weight inside the system. Over time this causes many issues as the systems are not meant to hold this extra weight.
Mold & Mildew Buildup In Gutters - If you are noticing mold, mildew, streaks, or stains on your home’s siding that is a sign that your gutters need cleans. When the leaves and debris clog the system it causes water to not be able to flow freely through the system resulting in water that flows over onto the siding of the homes resulting in mold, mildew, streaks, or stains on the siding of your home.
Gutter Plant Growth - Are you noticing your gutters are starting to look more like a garden than a water catching system? Then it is overtime to have your gutters cleans. The plant growth in the gutter system is caused by the excess amount of dirt collected in the system and when the wind carries seeds the system becomes an ideal place for seeds to sprout. The moisture level along with the shape of the gutter makes it a perfect place for sprouting plants.
Gutter Damage - If you are noticing that your gutters are damaged or sagging it is time to have a gutter cleaning service performed on your system. Clogs, sags, and damage that is visible to the system is an issue. The damage is most often caused when debris and leaves accumulate putting additional stress and the weight inside the system. Over time this causes many issues as the systems are not meant to hold this extra weight.