Are you looking for a gutter cleaning company near you or perhaps just some gutter cleaning tips? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered because you need clean gutters!
Responsible for diverting water from your roof and away from your home, gutters alongside your roof are the first line of defense for protecting your home’s exterior. It is simple to understand:
- Your roof protects your home and is peppered with rain during storms
- The aforementioned rain runs down your roof and is collected by your gutters.
Gutters tend not to be at the front of our minds when caring for our home, but if forgotten about, broken gutters and clogged gutters can cause tons of issues! Today, we will cover the following:
- Where to get professional gutter cleaning services
- How to clean your gutters safely
- Issues caused by unclean or clogged gutters
- Other options besides regular cleaning (gutter guards)
First, what are clogged gutters?
Clogged gutters will overflow and damage your home. Regular gutter cleaning will help prevent the chances of clogged gutters, leaks, and other gutter issues. Items that regularly cause gutter clogging include:
- Leaves
- Pine needles
- Sticks
- Birds nests
- Other debris, kids’ balls, etc.
Over time, without the help of a professional gutter cleaning service or clean gutters, your home’s clogged gutters can cause your fascia boards to rot. Water-damaged fascia boards can lead to an entire slew of issues, from leaks inside of your home to roof damage.
Key point: Be sure to perform regular gutter cleaning annually to prevent clogged gutters!
Professional Gutter Cleaning Services Near You!
If you are unsure how to clean your gutters, finding a gutter cleaning company near you is the best option. From getting out the ladder to needing a leaf blower, sometimes cleaning your gutters the DIY way isn’t very time-efficient or as simple as you might think.
We always recommend hiring a professional gutter cleaning service provider to help you, and here is why:
- They will ensure your gutters are in working order and don’t have any issues
- Gutter cleaning companies in NOVA will be sure to remove all clogs and thoroughly clean your gutters on your home, garage, and wherever else you have them!
- You don’t have to worry about ladder safety or any other safety concerns when cleaning your gutters
To find a local gutter cleaning company near you, look online for companies by searching “Gutter Cleaning Company Near Me.” You can also ask friends or neighbors who have cleaned their gutters. Here at Top Dog Home Pro, our gutter services include inspections and we regularly help homeowners in cities around Northern Virginia such as Woodbridge, Dumfries, Lorton, Springfield, Montclair, Fairfax, and so on
How to Clean Your Gutters:
While cleaning home’s gutters seems straightforward, many people don’t have the proper equipment, expertise, or time to commit to gutter maintenance.
In most cases, it is best to leave it to the professionals to ensure your gutters get the best maintenance and preventative care, especially if your home is over 2+ stories. Safety is vital when cleaning your gutters, and there are also options to avoid cleaning your gutters altogether when you use the Raindrop Gutter Guard system.
Ladder safety is vital for proper cleaning and your personal health, if you are the DIY type, always make sure you use proper ladder safety protocol and have someone helping you!
Steps to Clean Gutters Yourself!
- Get your equipment – gloves, ladder, bucket, and hose
- Arrange your ladder and use safety first ladder tips
- Use your gloved hand and grab debris in the gutter and place in the bucket
- Do not lean too far. Move your ladder every few feet
- Check downspouts with a flashlight
- When all gutters are clean, use a hose to clean out gutters and test downspouts.
How often should you clean your gutters?
At least 1x per year if you do not have self-cleaning gutter guards! If you live by a pine tree or heavily wooded areas, you must clean your gutters at least two times, meaning the spring and fall!
Of course, you can always install gutter guards! The biggest issue with clogged gutters that have not been cleaned is that they cannot do their job.
Gutters that can not channel water and dispose of it in the proper places (downspouts) will lead to issues. Here are a few of those issues before we talk about how to clean your gutters.
Common Issues From Clogged Gutters:
1. Foundational Issues:
Because a gutter’s primary role is to channel water away from your home, if there’s a blockage in that system, the water has to go somewhere else – over the edges of the gutter.
Overflowing gutters can cause water to pool around your home’s foundation, creating an environment conducive to mold. Even worse, should the water freeze, it could cause cracks in the foundation, threatening a potential collapse if left unnoticed or untreated.
2. Damage to Your Siding:
Overflowing water, undoubtedly the most significant concern with unkempt gutters, can trickle down your siding before pooling by the foundation, causing wood damage and a significant risk of ice dams in the wintertime.
However, your siding is designed to retract water when it rains but not let waterfall-like water run down it. Small weep holes are in the bottom of your siding, and too much running water can penetrate these holes.
This can lead to water leaks if gutters are not cleaned/corrected.
3. Landscaping Sabotage:
If you have any flower beds lining the side of your home, gutter blockages can lead to over-watering and erosion, ultimately diminishing your home’s curb appeal.
4. Unwanted Pests:
If a blockage causes standing water in your gutters, mosquitos and other insects can be attracted to the site. Even if your gutters do not have a blockage, a nice bed of leaves built up in your gutters looks awfully inviting for small, unwanted pests.
5. Wearing Down Your Gutters
When gutters are blocked, your foundation isn’t the only thing that can suffer from water damage. Water overflow can affect the components that make up the gutter itself. The fascia – the board that runs behind your gutter – can weaken.
Even if they are draining properly, gutters left uncleaned can hold excess debris, increasing the weight of the gutter and causing strain on the brackets.
Benefits of Gutter Guards (Clean Gutters Forever)
If cleaning out your gutters regularly sounds overwhelming, you can easily reduce the amount of maintenance by installing gutter guards as a preventative measure against debris buildup and blockage.
Keep in mind not all gutter guards are created equal!
Gutter guards protect your gutters and your home by keeping your gutters free of leaves and sticks. However, some are and some are not low-maintenance!
Not all gutter guards are created equal. Look for guards that can withstand heavy storms but that are also “Self Cleaning.” Here at Top Dog Home Pro, the Raindrop® Gutter Guard is the only product we use because we can offer a LIFETIME NO-CLOG warranty when installed by us!
This is worth it as installing gutter guards can pay for itself within 3-4 years of annual gutter cleaning! You can get a price instantly here (you just need your gutter lengths).
Cleaning Your Gutters is Worth It!
While it’s not the first thing on your mind as a homeowner, it’s clear that gutters are essential.
Keep water, pests, and worry away by simply cleaning your gutters. As we have stated, it is vital to maintain your gutters regularly. Invest in quality installation and maintenance or consider a gutter guard, which can help prevent future problems.
Be sure always to have your gutters cleaned each fall right before the winter hits to prevent clogged gutters!
Frequently Asked Gutter Cleaning Questions
1: Why is gutter cleaning important?
Gutters play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from your home. When they are clogged with debris, water can overflow, causing damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. Regular gutter cleaning helps prevent these issues and extends the lifespan of your home.
2: How often should I clean my gutters?
It depends on your location and the surrounding environment. In general, it’s recommended to clean gutters at least twice a year – in the spring and fall. However, if you have a lot of trees around your home, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
3: Can I clean my gutters myself, or should I hire a professional?
How much time do you have on the weekends? DIY gutter cleaning is possible, but it can be a risky and time-consuming task. Hiring a professional ensures a thorough and safe cleaning, especially for multi-story homes. Professionals also have the right tools and experience to handle the job efficiently.
4: What happens if I neglect gutter cleaning?
Neglecting gutter cleaning can lead to various problems, including water damage, foundation issues, and even pest infestations. Clogged gutters can also contribute to the growth of mold and mildew, impacting the air quality inside your home. We don’t recommend testing it to find out!
5: Are there signs that indicate my gutters need cleaning?
Yes, common signs that your gutters are clogged and need cleaning include water overflowing from the gutters during rain, gutters that are sagging or pulling away from the house, and the presence of plants growing in the gutters. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a gutter cleaning.
6. How much does gutter cleaning cost?
Gutter cleaning isn’t very costly and can typically range from $150-$450 on average. The size of your home and how many floors it has can sometimes increase the price.
7. How do gutter cleaning services work?
The best way to clean your gutter system is to hire someone who offers gutter cleaning services. Most roofing and exterior companies offer several gutter cleaning services you can pick from (seasonal, 2x a year, etc). Professional gutter cleaning services can also help with dryer vent cleaning and certified roofers can also inspect the roof around your gutters. If you need gutter repairs or new gutter installation, a gutter company can help you with this
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