Tag Archive for: Gutter Cleaning

Gutter Cleaning Service Guidelines

Gutter Cleaning Service Guidelines

Gutter Cleaning Service Guidelines

Regular gutter cleaning should be a part of every homeowner’s routine maintenance, just like lawn care, mulching, and other jobs around the property. Poorly managed gutter systems cause rainwater runoff that can damage your home’s siding, windows, and foundation.

Some homeowners opt to clean their gutters themselves, but many call a professional service. If you decide to call in the pros, here are some guidelines to get the most out of their services.

Include Inspections with Gutter Cleaning

In addition to cleaning your gutter system, have the professionals evaluate it. Dust and dirt upswept from wind can create a layer on the bottom of gutters, adding weight to the pipes. This can contribute to the number of leaks and cracks in the system. Leaves and branches from nearby trees can land in your gutter, causing obstructions. Seeds land in gutters and begin to grow. Weed build-up is a warning your gutters may be obstructed.

In both winter and spring, watch the temperature to avoid problems. Here in the Northeast, schedule gutter cleaning prior to the first freeze. After that, gutter cleaning scheduling becomes more difficult, relying on temperatures warming up. Likewise in the spring, schedule gutter cleaning after things have begun to thaw.

Clean Your Gutters Twice a Year

This important task should occur in the spring and the fall. Debris should not remain in gutters through the winter. Heavy rain hitting this debris in the spring can create nasty clogs. Those blockages can cause damage to gutters, downspouts, and foundation, when water backs up in the system.

Have Your Gutter Cleaning Service Remove All Debris

Your gutter cleaning service should take out all debris from the gutters (leaves, twigs, weeds, etc.), clear all downspouts, assess water flow, and remove everything from your property.

Gutters and downspouts need to remain clear and free-flowing. Hiring a professional gutter cleaning company to evaluate the effectiveness of your gutter system is the best way to ensure its long life.

Gutter Cleaning 101

Gutter Cleaning 101

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Gutter Cleaning 101

Gutter cleaning is one of the most dreaded fall maintenance tasks. Although it’s a tedious job, homeowners would be ill-advised to neglect it.
Most people know their gutters should be cleaned and inspected regularly, but many don’t know how often that should be — or how to do it. Here are three ways to keep your gutters in top shape and free from problems.

Inspect Gutters at Least Once a Year

Gutters should be periodically inspected to catch problems early, and thoroughly inspected each time they’re cleaned. Look for cracks, holes, rust, signs of wear, and possible future problems. Gutters should run in straight lines and slope slightly down toward downspouts, which should be clear of debris.

Consider hiring professionals to inspect your gutters. They’ll know what problems to look for in a gutter system—and early detection can make a big difference with repair costs.

Clean Gutters at Least Twice a Year

Home maintenance experts recommend you clean your gutters two or three times per year. If you live in the Northeast, be sure to schedule a gutter cleaning prior to the first freeze. That’s because if accumulated debris is left inside gutters, it can go through freeze and thaw cycles over the winter, resulting in poor drainage or complete blockages.

Use the Right Equipment to Clean Gutters

To do a good job cleaning gutters requires the right tools. You’ll need a ladder that reaches the gutters at every height on the structure. You’ll need a bucket for debris that can hang on the ladder, so you can use both hands for working. You should also wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp branches and gutter edges.

In all kinds of weather, gutters handle the critical job of draining water away from your home, protecting your siding, windows, doors, and foundation. Regular gutter cleaning will ensure years of good services.