Gutter Cleaning

 

10 Problems That Result From Not Cleaning Gutters

 

 

Neglecting to clean your gutters can lead to various problems that can affect your home's integrity and functionality. Here are ten problems that can result from not cleaning your gutters regularly:

  1. Water Damage: Clogged gutters prevent rainwater from properly draining away from your home. This can lead to water seeping into your foundation, basement, or crawl space, causing costly water damage.

  2. Roof Damage: Excess water and debris in your gutters can lead to roof damage, including rotting and shingle deterioration, which can compromise the integrity of your roof.

  3. Gutter Damage: Overloaded gutters can sag, detach from the house, or develop cracks and holes, requiring costly repairs or replacements.

  4. Mold and Mildew: Excess moisture from clogged gutters can create a conducive environment for mold and mildew growth, which can affect your indoor air quality and your health.

  5. Insect Infestations: Standing water in clogged gutters attracts insects like mosquitoes, ants, and termites. These pests can eventually make their way into your home.

  6. Foundation Issues: When water overflows from clogged gutters, it can erode the soil around your foundation, leading to foundation settling, cracks, and structural problems.

  7. Landscaping Damage: Overflowing gutters can flood your flower beds and landscaping, potentially causing erosion and damage to your plants and shrubs.

  8. Ice Dams: In colder climates, debris-filled gutters can lead to the formation of ice dams on your roof, which can cause roof leaks and further damage.

  9. Basement Flooding: Clogged gutters can direct water towards your basement, leading to flooding and expensive water damage repairs.

  10. Siding Damage: When water overflows from gutters, it can splash against your home's siding, causing staining, rot, and deterioration.

To prevent these problems, it's essential to clean your gutters regularly, at least twice a year, and more frequently if you have many trees near your home. Proper maintenance can save you from costly repairs and preserve the structural integrity of your home.



 

Gutter Cleaning with gutter guards installed, there are several things to expect:

 

  • Assessment of the gutter guards: The first step is to assess the condition of the gutter guards. This involves checking for any damage or debris that may have accumulated on the guards.

  • Inspection of the gutters: We will inspect the gutters to determine the level of debris and dirt buildup. Guarded Gutters require a more infrequent cleaning schedule, typically every 3 to 4 years, to thoroughly remove all accumulated sludge and mud. However, it's important to note that this service comes at an additional cost due to the extended time required, often taking at least 2 to 3 times longer than regular cleaning for open gutters.

  • Removal of surface debris: If there is debris like leaves, twigs, or dirt on top of the gutter guards, the service provider will remove it using specialized tools, such as a leaf blower or a rinse hose.

  • Checking and Flushing the gutters if needed near the downspout: To ensure the gutters are working and functioning, we may flush them with water, either using a hose or specialized equipment. 

  • Inspection for clogs: Gutter guards are designed to prevent larger debris from entering the gutter system, but some smaller particles may still pass through. The service provider may inspect for clogs or blockages within the gutter system and remove them as needed.

  • Clean-up: After the gutter cleaning is complete, we will clean up any debris that has fallen on the ground or around the property, leaving the area tidy.

 

It's important to note that the effectiveness of gutter guards can vary depending on the type and quality of the guards installed. While gutter guards help reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning, they may not eliminate the need for periodic maintenance entirely. Customers should still consider regular inspections and occasional cleanings to keep their gutter systems in good condition.