Why You Should Clean Your Gutters
Over time, gutters become clogged with debris from your roof and nearby trees. Materials such as pine needles, leaves, shingle grit, and seed pods accumulate and prevent water from flowing into your downspouts. The water saturates your fascia, walls, foundation, and soil as it spills over.
Typically, you should clean your gutters twice yearly—once in the spring and again in the fall—to prevent clogs and water damage. Fortunately, you can take steps to make this cleaning easier and less frequent. For example, you can make do with an annual cleaning if you install a set of gutter guards.
How To Choose a Gutter Cleaning Company
Consider the following factors before hiring a gutter cleaning company.
- Cost: We recommend requesting and comparing quotes from multiple companies before choosing a provider. This helps ensure you find a company that fits your budget and offers the cleaning services you need.
- Equipment and methods: A reputable gutter cleaning company has the proper cleaning and safety equipment to get the job done right. Ask questions to ensure the professionals know the best cleaning methods for your gutter system and property. For example, they may need to use a crane or lift if your home is on steeply pitched terrain.
- Experience and training: Gutter work is a dangerous and difficult job. Check that the company has the necessary training and expertise by examining its business history and project gallery online.
- Licensing, permits, and insurance: A reputable gutter cleaning company has verifiable licenses, permits, and insurance. You can ask for an insurance or a bond number to verify a company’s insurance status. Your state may offer a search tool to look up contracting licenses.
- Reputation and reviews: Assess a company’s reliability by reading its customer reviews, business history, and complaints on websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Yelp.
- Warranties: Reliable gutter cleaning companies typically offer a workmanship warranty or a “no-clog” guarantee.
How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost?
Gutter cleaning is relatively inexpensive compared to other home service jobs. Expect to pay between $120 and $225 for 200 linear feet of gutter cleaning. The cost of gutter cleaning will depend on numerous factors, including the following:
- Gutter condition
- Gutter type
- Home height
- Labor rates
- Roof slope
- Surrounding landscape
- Total length of guttering
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FAQ's About Gutter Cleaners Near Me
How often should you clean your gutters?
You should clean your gutters or have them professionally cleaned twice yearly. Installing gutter guards can reduce this frequency to once yearly.
What is the best time to clean gutters?
The best time to clean your gutters is at the end of the fall and spring. These seasons produce the most plant matter. Cleaning your gutters toward the end of each season reduces the need for repeat cleanings.
How do I know when to clean my gutters?
Frequent overflows, clogs, pest infestations, sagging, and freezing all indicate that your gutters need to be cleaned.
Is gutter cleaning worth it?
Yes, gutter cleaning is worth it. The longer you let your gutters go unattended, the more difficult and expensive it will be to clean them. Clogged gutters can lead to more costly problems, such as wall and foundation damage.
What happens if you don’t clean your gutters?
Numerous problems can arise if you don’t clean your gutters. Frequent spillovers and clogs can lead to water saturating your walls, fascia, and surrounding soil. You may experience resulting water damage, foundation erosion, mold, pest infestations, and other expensive issues.
How long does it take to clean gutters?
Most gutter cleaning jobs can be completed in one afternoon. Homes with complex or severely clogged systems may take longer to clean.
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