Twenty things you must know before gutter cleaning: The basics, tips, and hacks by experts
Most modern houses have a rain gutter system. In simple words, it serves to direct water (rain, melted snow & hail) away from your home, otherwise, the water will damage the structure and foundation of your house. We’ve been cleaning gutters, eavestroughs, and downspouts for the last 15 years. In our guide from the pros, we will get into details about the gutters’ purpose, materials, safety, and gutter cleaning tips. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-timer we’ve got some hacks for you.
Knowing how to care for your rain gutters is standard knowledge for every homeowner, right? Unfortunately, no. While there are plenty of short articles on the internet, finding answers to a specific question can be challenging. To take most of the legwork out, we’ve spent hours putting this comprehensive guide together.
Hopefully, these industry insights will help you to understand your eavestroughs on a totally different level. You most likely don’t spend your days thinking about your gutters. In fact, if you’re like most people, you don’t think about them at all. Unless, of course, something goes wrong. Oops… So why are the gutters so important, and why should you pay attention to them? Let’s get started.
The ultimate guide to gutter cleaning
Updated: April 2024
Table of contents:
- Rain GUTTERS in general
1.1. How your roof gutters work and why they matter
1.2. What are the different types of eavestroughs
- Gutter CLEANING 101
2.1. 9 top benefits of gutter cleaning
2.2. When should they be cleaned
2.3. How often shall your eavestroughs be serviced
2.4. What is included in the thorough cleaning
2.5. Best tools and equipment
2.6. Gutter guards or NO guards
- SAFETY
3.1. Working on roofs
3.2. Working with ladders
3.3. Weather permitting
3.4. Damaged eavestroughs
3.5. Danger and hazards inside gutters
3.6. Personal protective equipment
- DIY and FAQ
4.1. How to clean gutters
4.2. Spring cleaning tips
4.3. Fall cleaning tips
4.4. 7 mistakes
4.5. The 90% advantage of professional cleaning services
4.6. Three FAQ about gutter cleaning
Rain Gutters in General
1.1. How your roof gutters work and why they matter
A rain gutter (or eavestrough) is a component of a water discharge system for a building. It is necessary to prevent water from dripping or flowing off roofs in an uncontrolled manner for several reasons: to prevent it from damaging the walls, drenching persons standing below or entering the building, and to direct the water to a suitable disposal site where it will not damage the foundations of the building (c) Wikipedia
As homeowners, we often fail to acknowledge that roof gutters are an essential part of our house and a rain draining system that saves your building from water damage, mold, and rot. Day after day they protect your home. Rain gutters act as channels that collect water around the perimeter of your roof, controllably discharging it to downspouts. This works to take rainwater and snow thaw runoff from your roof down to a drainage system to help you avoid damage to your roof, walls, and foundation.
Too complicated? Well, here it is in plain language. Let’s picture when rain pounds your roof and torrents of water spill over the eaves. You can’t walk out the front door without passing under a waterfall. And the basement? Where does all the water go? Better fire up the sump pump. Get the purpose of the eavestroughs now?
1.2. What are the different types of eavestroughs, and their parts
Home Depot states that rain gutters come in six materials and are two common shapes in North America. Here are the basic gutter parts and how they work together:
- Gutters catch the rainwater.
- Downspouts bring the water down and away from the house.
- Elbows change a downspout’s direction.
- Brackets secure the gutter system to the house or building.
Two common shapes are the k-style gutter and the half-round gutter.
- K-style gutters don’t really look like a “k”. The front of the gutter is usually curved and resembles crown molding. K-style gutters are the most common option and provide optimum drainage for the majority of homes in most of the US and Canada. They come in 5-inch to 6-inch widths. Most times these style gutters are installed with rectangular downspouts. A k-style gutter of the same inch width can handle twice as much water as a half-round gutter.
- Half-round gutters feature a semicircular trough with a curved lip. They fit well and look best on traditional, older brick homes. Half-round gutters catch water efficiently but need help draining water away from your home. They work best with round downspouts. Gutter sizes for a half-round gutter are 5 to 6 inches in width.
Material types:
- Aluminum is the most popular choice for homeowners. It is rustproof, lightweight, and comes in a wide selection of colors.
- Seamless aluminum gutters are custom, made on site. Installers create these types of gutters using very few seams. These gutters require a higher upfront investment than seamed gutters. Fewer seams can mean fewer or no leaks.
- Vinyl is attractive, fits most budgets, and comes in select colors.
- Copper won’t mold, mildew or rust. It requires welding. Copper’s highly attractive color is ideal for historic restorations and luxury dwellings.
- Zinc is rustproof, durable, and can last longer than aluminum. It requires welding. Zinc’s weathered matte gray color is ideal for historic restorations and luxury dwellings.
- Steel is available in rust-resistant galvanized steel, stainless steel, or a specialty product called Galvalume. Steel is strong, long-lasting, and comes in many colors. It is heavy, difficult to install, and requires quick maintenance to prevent rust.
Gutter Cleaning 101
2.1. 9 top benefits of quality gutter cleaning to avoid major repairs
Below we put together the most important advantages of regular gutter services.
Preventing water damage to your home: One of the top reasons to keep your gutters clean is because it prevents water damage to the structure and foundation of your property. Clogged gutters can flood your foundation which subsequently can cause interior water damage and basement flooding.
Extending your roof’s lifespan: Want to add years to your roof’s life? Gutter cleaning is an important part of maintaining your roof and the entire home. Clogged gutters trap moisture, ice, and debris, becoming heavy and saggy. This puts additional weight and stress on your roof as water can’t be routed away effectively. Furthermore, when water isn’t draining properly, it can freeze and cause costly roof leaks and water damage.
Shielding your home against basement damage (moisture and mold): Gutter cleaning goes a long way in minimizing basement flooding and even moisture build-up, which lead to hidden mold problems and exposed damage to basement walls etc. A clean gutter will help funnel rainwater from the roof down to the main drainage and away from the building.
Eliminating the nesting place of pests that can damage your building. Your eavestroughs are a perfect nesting and resting spot for pests, like birds, rodents, and bugs. Many of them carry germs and diseases.
Increasing the safety and comfort of your house: Gutter cleaning enhances the safety, health, and comfort of your family by eliminating bacteria, contaminants, and pests that carry diseases. Cleaning your gutters prevents contamination of groundwater and the growth of mildew and mold which is harmful to your health.
Preventing the destruction of landscaping: Clogged gutters can create unmanaged water flow that is devastating to your maintained and cherished landscape. The landscape of your home is a key component of your property’s curb appeal and overall value.
Protecting your home against roof leakage: The major use of gutters is to help channel water from the roof down to the main drainage point. However, if gutters are not properly cleaned, water won’t be drained and water will eventually find its way back to your roof causing a roof leak.
Enhancing the beauty and value of your house: Professionally cleaning your gutters increases the value of your home, enhances its curb appeal, and improves property aesthetics. Neglected gutters are an eyesore and decrease the value of your home; depending on their condition, they may break free from your eaves or cause fascia boards to stain.
Increasing the lifespan of your gutters. Routinely cleaning your gutters can increase their lifespan because clogged gutters accumulate debris and add unnecessary weight. The heft and sagging can cause your gutter segments to detach and cause property damage. The organic matter left in clogged troughs may cause rust and corrosion, which shortens the lifespan of your gutter system.
2.2. WHEN should gutters be cleaned in Calgary
You can follow proactive eavestrough maintenance or reactive one. The first is the best practice and means to set a schedule and follow it no matter what. That could be a semiannual, annual, or every other year cleaning. We strongly recommend against any longer period of time. You would think that you know your gutters better than us, but if you have no way of checking them from above (tall enough ladder or drone), how would you know that a tennis ball blocked one of your downspouts or a birds nest fell into a gutter and clogged it. We have seen both of those situations more than once, as well as badminton shuttlecocks, pieces of roof shingles, and an old wasps’ nest blocking downspouts and gutters.
The other type of maintenance is reactive, that’s when you start seeing signs that your eavestroughs need cleaning. In this situation, just like when you see the “check engine” light ON and you need to get to your car mechanic ASAP. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s too late to fix the problem with cleaning and you will need repairs.
6 signs that call for gutter cleaning:
- Rainwater is overflowing from the roof.
- Your eavestroughs (gutters) are sagging.
- Your siding has stain marks.
- Plants are growing in the gutters (eavestroughs).
- You can’t remember when they were cleaned the last time.
- Water drips through gutter (eavestrough) joints or downspout joints.
2.3. HOW OFTEN (frequently) shall your eavestroughs be serviced
The recommended gutter cleaning schedule is twice a year (spring and fall) if your budget allows you to do so.
If you can only afford to do it once a year, do it after leaves fall, but before water starts to freeze and breaks eavestroughs and/or downspouts. That’s where it gets tricky sometimes. A rapid fall season messes up all the plans usually. Occasionally, the air temperature drops below zero and it starts to snow before leaves fall. So you call gutter cleaners to clean your gutters, but they can’t because they are full of ice and snow.
Another thing to keep in mind is the surrounding of your house. Quickly answer the next questions:
-Are there trees close to your house?
-Do you or your neighbors’ yards have a pine, ash, maple, or a birch tree?
-Is there construction nearby?
-Is your roof really old?
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you may have to clean your gutters more frequently than twice a year. Remember that it’s cheaper to maintain your eavestroughs than to repair them
2.4. What is included in thorough gutter cleaning
Any professional gutter cleaning should include:
- gutter (eavestrough) cleaning,
- all downspouts are checked for flow,
- the clean-up after the job is finished.
Extra services can include:
- rinsing or pressure washing of the gutters on the inside,
- wiping gutters on the inside or outside,
- treating gutters with chemicals.
Inside cleaning.
When you get your gutters cleaned by professionals, they are most often just blowing or scooping out all of the large debris from the trough. However, you can also get someone to wash out the inside of the gutters. Washing the inside will get rid of mildew and shingle grit. Shingle grit is sometimes left in the gutter after cleanings because it doesn’t necessarily stop or block water flow. The grit reduces water capacity when it is allowed to build up after many years. Well-pitched gutters may see almost no shingle grit build-up at all. The inside of the spouts need to be checked and maintained as well but are often overlooked. Spouts are prone to clogging near the S section at the top of the gutter or right above the lower elbow at the bottom of the spout.
Outside cleaning.
The outside of the gutters are usually maintained during a house washing or painting and are not traditionally done by gutter cleaning companies. Some gutter companies will wash the outside by request but this is usually on a case-by-case basis.
2.5. Best tools and equipment for eavestrough cleaning
Ok, son, there is more than one way to skin a cat (Disclaimer: no animals were harmed in the making of this guide). In other words, there are multiple ways to clean your gutters. They differ in different aspects like price, efficiency, safety, complexity, and availability.
Manual scooping (from roof or ground), using a gutter scoop, scooping spoon, gutter picker /claw /grabber.
If you’re comfortable on a ladder, you may appreciate a gutter cleaning scoop. These inexpensive options look like large candy scoopers and allow you to reach down into your gutter and scoop the debris accumulated at the bottom. Gutter cleaning scoops are extremely effective, but they require moving the ladder every 4 or 5 feet.
Using a blower (from roof or ground).
Many leaf blowers come with a nozzle attachment designed to release a powerful air stream, perfect for blasting leaves and twigs out of the gutter. Position your ladder so that you can work from one end of the channel to the other, blowing out obstructions as you go. Block the downspout first with a rag or old towel to keep from blowing leaves into it. As a final step, flush out any lingering leaves or twigs with a hose.
Pressure washing (from the roof or ground).
These long, hooked attachments snap onto your pressure washer’s handle, allowing the user to position a nozzle directly into the gutter and remove leaves, debris, and the gutter gunk that builds up throughout the year. Some models even have dual-sided attachments that spray in both directions simultaneously.
Gutter vacuum.
These kits attach to your wet/dry shop vac and work by vacuuming or blowing the contents out of your gutter. Most kits are universal and feature several lengths of rigid vacuum pipe and a hooked nozzle for reaching into the gutter. You do need a stout vacuum to get the job done, however. It’s also challenging to blow wet leaves, so this job is best to tackle after a few sunny days.
2.6. Gutter guards or NO gutter guards
Tired of clogged eavestroughs? Are gutter guards a solution to your problem?
The first thing to remember: there is almost nothing maintenance-free. Please don’t fall for those marketing tricks about the guards. There is no “set it and forget it” type, it doesn’t matter how expensive it is. The only way it works is if your property doesn’t need gutter guards anyways. Funny, eh? So if there is anything besides water that gets into your gutters, you would have to keep cleaning your guards and, most likely, the gutters too.
Things to research when you are thinking about gutter guards:
-What trees are clogging up your rain gutter system? Pines are so much different from maples.
-What is the problem? Is it leaves and twigs OR pine cones and needles? Maybe it’s very fine birch seeds or annoying ash tree seeds.
-Will this guard stop your trees from getting into your eavestroughs and downspouts?
-Will water from the roof still get into your eavestroughs? Because remember: the main function of the rain gutter system is to ‘direct the water to a suitable disposal site where it will not damage the structure and foundation of the building’.
Adding the guards will cost you, probably even more than you think. However, If you call us to clean your eavestroughs and they have guards, we’ll charge more, because it’s more work. Sometimes a lot more. What do we suggest instead of gutter guards?
a) Trim the trees, that are close to your roof. Trim them as much as possible.
b) Clean your gutters regularly.
Pretty simple, right? No, we are not trying to trick you to call us more for cleaning. We make money on installing and cleaning gutter guards too, so you will call us anyways. However, our houses have no gutter guards, think about it.
Safety and Gutter Cleaning
3.1. Working on roofs: 7 safety checkpoints
Important: if you work on a roof alone, let someone know about it, it can save your life.
- Never walk on a wet, frosty, icy, or snowy roof. If it’s a frosty morning, wait a few hours for the sun to defrost the shingles.
- Are you far enough from electrical wires or powerlines?
- Don’t try to walk on a steep roof (more than 4:12 pitch). Move your ladders around the house and reach (but never overreach) to scoop the debris into a bucket instead.
- Do not attempt to do any work if strong winds or storms are expected.
- On the roof, never lean down towards the gutter. Never bend over to put your hand in the gutter. This causes your body weight to shift towards the edge of the roof and you can lose your balance.
- Do not use a water hose to flush roof gutters. A wet roof is extremely dangerous. After the debris is removed from the gutter and there is no obstruction for the flow, your job is done. The first good rain will finish with the cosmetic details for you.
- Always use heavy-duty gloves and never put bare hands in the groove. First, there can be anything that you don’t want to touch. Also, you are likely to cut your hand on sharp edges or screws inside the gutter (especially around the downspout).
3.2. Working with ladders: 6 safety checkpoints
Important: if you work on a ladder alone, let someone know, it can save your life.
- Before you start, you must know how to properly position a ladder. In a perfect world, the feet of the ladder should be one foot from the house for every 4 feet of vertical height (measured from the ground to where the top of the ladder touches the house). Make sure it stands firm and leveled. Keep in mind, that a ladder leveling device can save your life. Most new ladders have a horizontal / vertical line pattern on the side to help with alignment. Inquire at your local hardware store about it.
- Always look up before installing your ladder. Many homes still have power lines leading to the house from a pole on the street. Use non-conductive fiberglass ladders in that case. Remember: utility companies use only fiberglass ladders for a reason.
- When climbing a ladder to your roof, make sure the top of the ladder protrudes 3 steps above the point of contact with the edge of the roof. Most falls occur when going from a ladder to the roof or vice versa.
- Always maintain at least 3 points of contact when climbing a ladder. This usually means that both feet and at least one hand must touch the ladder at the same time. Of course, two hands and two legs are preferred, but never achievable at all times.
- Never overreach while standing on a ladder. Make sure that most of your weight never goes beyond the side rails of the stairs. A good rule of thumb is to always keep your belt buckle between the left and right ladder rails.
- Even we, the professional gutter- and window cleaners, give up on some jobs. Always make a full physical appraisal of your property before proceeding with the gutter cleaning. There is no shame in giving up and calling the pros, if the work can’t be done safely. The reasons for refusing such DIY gutter cleaning chores can be: proximity to electrical wires, uneven ground to safely place the ladder, unsafe heights, steep roof slopes, or unusual roofline characteristics. This is obviously a call for judgment on your part. However, be realistic about your ability to get the job done in a safe manner. Never compromise your safety for a house choir.
3.3. Weather permitting
You have to keep in mind safety concerns that involve weather. Your first priority is to perform any task safely, but not “just getting it done”. If weather conditions don’t favor your task, it’s better to reschedule. Rain, fog, snow, strong wind, and freezing temperatures can bring your work to an unsafe state, please avoid that at any cost.
Are you using power tools (gutter vacuum, blower)?
Make sure that precipitations don’t interfere with the electricity that runs your equipment.
Are you walking on a roof?
Make sure it’s not wet, frosty, icy, or snowy. Make sure the wind is not strong enough to cause any problems either.
Are you working at heights from a ladder?
Make sure your ladder is not wet and slippery. Make sure it’s placed in a designated spot in a stable manner. Is it too windy to be on a ladder today?
3.4. Damaged eavestroughs
A damaged eavestrough might seem like a minor problem. However, it can be a sign of a bigger issue, so if you decide to do any work in that area, you have to use extra caution.
Potential safety issues around damaged gutter:
- Rotten roof wood underneath shingles or tiles. Hazard: You step on it and fall through, or you place your ladder on that spot and it falls through.
- Loosened gutter fasteners, nails, and sagging gutters. Hazard: You rest your ladder on the gutter and, at some point, it can pull the gutter away from the roof, or the ladder gets unstable and it will slide off the gutter.
- Rotten structure underneath vinyl siding or another wall material. Hazard: You use the wall as a support, but it gives in to the pressure and you (or your ladder) lose your balance.
- Ground destruction. Another consequence you might not even realize is that a damaged gutter or a clogged downspout can lead to the destruction of your driveway and yard. When there’s poor drainage, the excess water can pool up. Hazard: in cold temperatures, that water could freeze and turn into ice that leads to a dangerous ladder placement.
3.5. Danger and hazards inside gutters
We’ve got a big list of what we have found in gutters from really funny to scary. You would be very surprised what we see there sometimes. However, right now our focus is on dangerous encounters that might happen.
Alive and dangerous.
Anything alive in your gutters or downspouts can potentially bite or sting you. That includes, but is not limited to rodents, wasps, hornets, bugs, birds, and snakes. The next level is the things that are alive but not seen. Those are pathogen bacteria, fungus, and toxic mold. They are tiny but can cause big harm, keep that in mind.
Hazard objects in gutters.
Anything sharp: nails, needles, razor blades, broken glass, and sharp edges of the gutter itself.
In order to handle hazards and danger properly, while cleaning your gutters, you need to have proper personal protective equipment, which brings us to the next chapter.
3.6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for gutter cleaning
Your safety depends on how safely you work plus your personal protective gear.
Gloves: They have to be thick and water prove. They have to fit, as you will hold on to the ladder while climbing, and scooping debris from the gutters. Don’t forget your long-sleeved shirt.
Footwear: Use shoes with rubber non-slip soles that are firmly secure to your feet with straps or ties. This will help you maintain a secure grip on the ladder and roof.
Eye protection: If debris or dust gets into the eyes, it could scratch the cornea or cause other injuries. Additionally, eye protection helps prevent falls by preserving vision. Select protective eyewear that securely grips around the ears or has a secure strap that slips around the head.
Fall arrest system: in our area, you have to wear a fall arrest system if working 3+ meters above the ground with no handrails installed.
DIY & FAQ
4.1. HOW to clean rain gutters, or DIY eavestrough cleaning: 4 easy checkpoints
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve decided to forgo the help of professionals and do your own gutter cleaning. Great job!
Follow these checkpoints:
A) Pick the right equipment: Ladder, thick rubber gloves, bucket.
B) Pick the right time.
C) Pick the right weather.
D) The cleaning.
A) Pick the right equipment.
Your local home hardware store will have everything you need. Make sure your ladder is the correct size. A 1-story house only needs about 16 ft ladder, just make sure not to set it too steep and level it properly. A 2-story house is a more serious job, and you will most likely need a 28 ft ladder, so make sure you know how to handle it before you start. It’s much easier if you have a helper for this one? A 2-story house with a walk-out? You will need a 40 ft ladder, that is a big job even for the professionals, we usually use 2 technicians to do that.
Get thick rubber gloves, as eavestroughs and your roof have a lot of sharp edges and nails.
A plain bucket will make your job so much easier. Collect dirt and debris from the eavestroughs into the bucket and dump it into a garbage bag after.
B) Pick the right time.
Right time of the year: fall season is the best, as soon as leaves dropped down. An appropriate time of the day is any time in the daylight, make sure you finish all ladder work before the sun sets down.
C) Pick the right weather.
Never work in windy weather, and make sure there are no precipitations.
D) The cleaning.
– Check and clean the eavestroughs around the house.
– Make sure all downspouts flow freely and unclog them if needed.
– Clean up after yourself.
These are A-B-C-D of gutter cleaning by yourself.
4.2. Spring gutter cleaning tips for Calgary
Spring: flowers are starting to bloom, birds are chirping, and everything looks so pretty outside, but this season comes with a lot of home maintenance chores. It’s easy to forget rain gutter cleaning. However, it’s crucial that you don’t ignore this important spring task. Let’s say you delay cleaning your eavestroughs and checking them for damage. Later you could be in for roofing, siding, and even foundation issues.
There is a saying “Prevention is the best medicine”. Please remember that it’s cheaper to maintain your rain gutter system than to repair it. When it comes to eavestroughs, everything can seem fine from the ground until it’s not. When you dismiss caring for your gutter, suddenly, the years add up, and you realize you have a big problem on your hands. Depending on the damage, it may be too late, and you’ll have to replace the gutter altogether.
Best spring gutter cleaning time varies by the amount of tree coverage in your neighborhood, the types of trees, and the height of the trees. In some areas, the trees will drop everything (blooms, seeds, dirt, last year’s leaves, twigs, needles, and pinecones) by the beginning of May. In others, you may have to wait until the end of June. We suggest waiting until at least mid-June if you can. This way you are certain that all the “spring debris” has dropped.
4.3. Fall gutter cleaning tips for Calgary
Your eavestroughs help to protect your house from serious water damage. It should be on your fall to-do list for sure. If the gutters are not cleared out when leaves and twigs build up in the fall, they’re more likely to damage your home than preserve it. You may even have to deal with serious maintenance issues come spring if you don’t perform an autumn gutter cleaning. Why? Well, water doesn’t drain properly and will freeze and expand in below 0 temperature, most likely, deforming and breaking your gutters. The heavier the gutters get with the weight of the frozen leaves, the more they will sag. Sagging gutters can cause the hardware that secures the gutter to your home to come loose and pull away. This could result in your gutters falling off of your home.
We want to emphasize that if you only perform a quality gutter cleaning once a year, it should be done in the fall. Every fall.
Leaves fall down, that is how autumn works in Canada. Dry leaves in your eavestroughs won’t cause much of a problem. The problems start once the first heavy rainstorm hits. It causes your gutters to become clogged with soggy leaves, making the rain unable to drain properly. If water cannot drain, your gutters will overflow and moisture will cause damage to the sides of your home, soffits, fascia, basements, and foundation.
4.4. 7 key gutter cleaning mistakes that can lead to a disaster
Your eavestroughs are a very important part of your home that protects it from pooling water. Gutters direct rain and melting snow away from your home’s foundation to shield it from damage. One way or another, the eavestroughs need to be cleared out regularly due to the debris and dirt that accumulates over time. You need to do this job carefully and safely. Here are the 7 key mistakes to avoid.
-You don’t follow ladder and roof safety precautions.
-You don’t wear proper protective gear.
-You damage your gutters or eavestroughs while clearing them.
-You don’t use the appropriate tools.
-You skip semi-annual eavestrough cleaning.
-You are going the DIY route when it’s not safe.
-You clean your gutters at the wrong time.
4.5. The 90% advantage of professional gutter cleaning services in Calgary
If you are capable of cleaning your eavestroughs and you have everything you need for the job, you can do it as your Saturday DIY project. However, in some situations, you should still consider hiring professional technicians for that.
6 reasons WHY you should hire professionals to clean your eavestroughs:
– You are not comfortable with heights.
– You don’t have a tall enough ladder: a 2-story house usually needs a 28 ft ladder to reach the gutters safely.
– Your time is more expensive than ours: with the preparation, it’ll probably take you 5 – 6 hrs to do your eavestroughs. How much does your hour cost?
– Who likes to clean his own gutters? Ask if our gutters are always clean
– WE CAN DO IT SAFELY: we work with ladders and at heights every day; we have special training, safe technics, and gutter cleaning tools.
– We are WCB insured, so if we get hurt, we’ll be getting paid while recovering. Will you? How expensive can that be?
6 questions to ask before you hire a local eavestrough service company:
- What are their customers saying?
- What are their credentials?
- Do they provide any additional services besides gutter cleaning?
- Who is responsible for clean-up? You or the gutter cleaners?
- How much will gutter cleaning cost? Is it a fixed price?
- Do they guarantee and warranty their gutter cleaning services?
4.6. 3 most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about eavestrough cleaning
Q: Do I actually need to clean my rain gutters?
A: Just like any maintenance service you can choose to skip it until it’s too late. If your gutters stop working properly, it will lead to:
-Flooding in your basement.
-Foundation damage.
-Damage to your landscaping.
-Pest infestations.
-Damage to your roof.
-Damage to your home exterior or interior.
-Growth of algae, mold, or moss.
-Ice dams.
-Sagging, twisted, or broken gutters.
Q: How often should I clean my eavestroughs?
A: At least twice a year: once in the spring and once more in the late fall. Your early annual cleaning removes all gutter debris accumulated over the winter to prepare for the heavy spring rains. If left unattended, filled gutters will clog with water and the integrity of your home’s foundation or walls could suffer. We recommend another annual stop in the late fall season to remove any material from the gutters as well. This cleaning is especially important because of the potential ice and snow that could trap material and also ruin your home’s framework.
Q: What to keep in mind while choosing a gutter cleaning company?
A: 1) Are they insured? 2) How experienced are they? 3) What type of guarantee do they offer?
Brief questions/ answers about gutters & downspouts
- Why is gutter cleaning necessary? Gutter cleaning is necessary to prevent clogs and blockages that can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and other structural problems in your home. It ensures rainwater is directed away from your property, protecting it from potential harm.
- How often should gutters be cleaned? Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. However, the frequency may vary depending on the amount of debris in your area.
- What are the signs that gutters need cleaning? Signs include overflowing gutters, water spilling over the sides during rain, sagging gutters, and visible debris or vegetation in the gutters.
- Can clogged gutters cause damage to my home? Yes, clogged gutters can lead to water damage, roof leaks, foundation issues, mold growth, and even damage to your siding and landscaping.
- How do I clean my gutters safely? Use a sturdy ladder, wear safety gear, and work methodically. Scoop out debris by hand or use a gutter scoop, and flush the gutters with a hose to ensure proper water flow.
- What tools and equipment do I need for gutter cleaning? You’ll need a ladder, gloves, a bucket or bag for debris, a gutter scoop or trowel, a hose, and potentially a brush or scrubber for stubborn buildup.
- Should I hire a professional gutter cleaning service? Hiring a professional is advisable if you’re uncomfortable with heights, lack the necessary tools, or have extensive gutter systems. Professionals can also identify and address gutter issues you might miss.
- How much does professional gutter cleaning cost? Costs vary depending on location and the size of your home. On average, expect to pay between $100 and $300 for professional gutter cleaning.
- Do gutters need to be cleaned differently based on the material (e.g., aluminum, vinyl, copper)? The cleaning process is similar for all materials, but you should take care not to damage the gutter surface, especially with more delicate materials like copper.
- Are there any gutter maintenance tips to prevent clogs? Installing gutter guards or screens can help prevent debris buildup. Regularly trim nearby trees and bushes to minimize the source of debris.
- What are the potential risks associated with DIY gutter cleaning? Risks include falls from ladders, injuries from handling sharp debris, and the potential for unseen gutter damage.
- Can gutter guards or screens help prevent debris buildup? Yes, gutter guards or screens can reduce the amount of debris that enters your gutters, making them easier to clean and reducing the frequency of cleaning.
- Do I need to clean downspouts as well, and how do I do that? Yes, clean downspouts by removing the bottom elbow and flushing them with a hose to clear any blockages.
- Can gutter cleaning be combined with other home maintenance tasks? Yes, it’s a good opportunity to inspect your roof, siding, and other exterior components for damage or needed repairs.
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when cleaning gutters? Avoid overreaching on your ladder, using excessive force that can damage gutters, and neglecting safety precautions.
- Are there any specific safety precautions I should take when cleaning gutters? Use a stable ladder, wear non-slip shoes, use safety goggles, and have someone else present if possible. Avoid reaching too far and overextending your reach.
- Should I check for any gutter damage while cleaning them? Yes, inspect gutters for cracks, rust, loose fasteners, and sagging sections. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
- How can I dispose of the debris and leaves removed from the gutters? Place the debris in a compost pile or yard waste bag for disposal according to your local regulations.
- What can I do to minimize the environmental impact of gutter cleaning? Minimize water use when flushing gutters, dispose of debris responsibly, and consider eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Are there any warning signs of structural problems related to my gutters and roof that I should look out for during cleaning? Look for signs of rot, rust, or damage to the fascia, soffits, or shingles. These can indicate structural issues that need addressing.
Why choose ‘Gutter Cleaning on a Budget’ for your eavestrough and other exterior cleaning needs?
A small but dedicated family business. We are in the TOP THREE gutter cleaning companies in our beautiful city, and #1 by volume of eavestrough cleaning jobs in Calgary. Thank you, YYC. We’ve been working hard to achieve and sustain this status. Our spotless reputation is backed up by the CLOG-FREE & NO STREAKS guarantee. Your satisfaction is our priority. We guarantee that your gutters, eavestroughs, and downspouts will have no clogs after our appointment. We guarantee that your windows will have no streaks.
Wonder if you can trust us?
Over the years, we helped CEOs, doctors, lawyers, politicians, engineers, IT-specialists, tradesmen, and even some local celebrities. We helped single moms, retirees, landlords, tenants, new homeowners, and a lot of other people who are not comfortable with heights or don’t have enough knowledge of the rain gutter system. That means you won’t be among the first thousand customers who trusted us, but we are very happy to work for you anyway 🙂