Gutter Cleaning is an essential home maintenance task that protects the integrity of your roof and foundation. It also eliminates pest infestation and allows water, ice, and snow to flow away from your home properly.

Gutter cleaning professionals typically use ladders to access the gutter system, remove leaves, twigs, and debris, and flush the gutters with water.

Gutters serve the important function of directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation and basement, protecting it from serious water damage. However, when they are clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, rainwater overflows and accumulates around your house, which can cause serious problems such as cracked foundations, rotting wood, mold growth, and interior flooding. Regular gutter cleaning prevents these issues by ensuring that rainwater is channeled properly away from your house, keeping it safe and dry.

Clogged gutters can also lead to leaky roofs. Water that overflows from clogged gutters can seep into the shingles or tiles of your roof, and over time, can cause them to crack or disintegrate. This can be a major problem, especially if it happens during the winter when snow builds up on top of the leaked water.

Overflowing gutters can also deposit water on sidewalks or driveways, creating a slipping hazard. Additionally, water that overflows from clogged gutters in the winter can freeze, leading to ice dams and other structural issues. Gutter cleaning services remove all accumulated material from your gutters, restoring proper water flow and helping you avoid these problems.

Stagnant water and rotting leaves trapped in clogged gutters provide the perfect environment for pests, including mosquitoes. These insects breed in stagnant water and can cause health problems for your family. Additionally, they can cause further damage to your property by swarming around areas of your home where water is most likely to gather. Regular gutter cleaning prevents these conditions from developing, allowing you to enjoy your property without worrying about infestations by pests.

Gutter cleaning services involve a meticulous process that restores optimal gutter flow and protects your property from water damage. After assessing the condition of your gutters, professionals mount ladders to reach them and begin the process of clearing out accumulated debris. They may use handheld blowers or backpack-mounted units that release a controlled burst of air, which dislodges leaves, twigs, and other material and propels it away from the gutters. Gutter cleaning services also include flushing the gutters and examining them for signs of damage or rust.

Structural Damage

Gutter cleaning may seem like a minor component of home maintenance, but it plays a vital protective role that shields the house from water damage. Specifically, clean gutters and downspouts efficiently channel rainwater away from the roof and foundation, preventing issues such as basement flooding and structural damage. Without gutters, water would infiltrate the walls and the foundation, destroying structures and causing costly repairs. The recurring expense of these structural problems makes it imperative for homeowners to schedule regular gutter cleaning and inspections.

While performing gutter cleaning and inspection, a professional technician first inspects the entire eavestrough system, identifying trouble spots and assessing the extent of debris accumulation. Then, armed with safety gear and ladders of the appropriate size and style, the technician begins working. First, a hand tool is used to dislodge large debris such as leaves and twigs. Next, handheld blowers unleash a controlled burst of air that clears the gutters and downspouts of any remaining particles. The process is repeated section by section to ensure that every inch of the eavestrough is free from blockages and that rainwater flows freely.

Throughout the winter, clogged gutters can also trap ice, creating thick and heavy icicles that can be dangerous for both people and pets. The weight of these ice dams can cause the gutter to bend, pull, and sag. This can not only threaten the structural integrity of the roof, but can also lead to leaks and other interior damage.

Overflowing gutters can also wreak havoc on landscaping, suffocating plants and causing their death. In addition, clogged gutters can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which can deteriorate roof materials and contaminate indoor spaces. Mold spores can aggravate respiratory conditions, especially in those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Gutters are intended to direct rainwater away from the house and into drainage systems where it is redirected safely into soil. However, when the gutters are full of debris, the resulting overflow can infiltrate the foundation, destroying the structure and posing a health risk for the family. Gutter cleaning and inspection is the best way to avoid these structural problems.

Pest Infestation

If gutters aren’t cleaned regularly, they can become infested with rodents and other pests. The twigs, leaves, and debris that collect in clogged gutters provide ideal breeding environments for a host of pests. These insects and rodents can gnaw through the gutters, eaves, and fascia boards to gain entry into the house. Once inside, they can cause damage to wood, eat away at the shingles and siding, and nest in the attic and walls. Gutter infestations also lead to rot and water seepage. Moisture damaged wood attracts termites and carpenter ants, which can destroy the interior structure of the home and wreak havoc on wooden furniture and structures.

Clogged gutters also act as hydration sources for mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water and can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. These pests can be a real nuisance, causing itchy bites that will keep you from enjoying your outdoor activities. Regular gutter cleaning prevents pest infestation by removing breeding areas and allowing water to flow freely.

Moreover, keeping overhanging branches and shrubs trimmed can reduce the amount of debris that ends up in the gutters. This will make it difficult for rodents, squirrels, and birds to use the gutters as their nesting areas. Additionally, a clean gutter system discourages critters from climbing up the downspouts and entering your house.

In addition, a clean gutter system ensures that downspouts can drain properly. This not only safeguards the foundation from water damage but it also helps to prevent blockages that may lead to rainwater damage.

The primary function of downspouts is to channel rainwater away from the foundation. If the downspouts are blocked or clogged, they can overflow and create pools of water in the surrounding area. These pools of water can attract pests, especially mosquitoes, and they can deteriorate the metal downspouts faster than normal. Clogged downspouts are also a breeding ground for stinging insects like bees and wasps. The tight spaces in and around clogged gutters can also be the perfect environment for a hive to develop, creating a potential safety hazard for homeowners.

Safety

While do-it-yourself gutter cleaning seems simple enough in theory, the reality is that many things can go wrong during the process. Professionals are trained to handle heights and obstacles safely, ensuring the highest level of safety for their customers. They use sturdy ladders and safety harnesses to prevent falls. They also use specialized tools to ensure a thorough clean.

Ladder injuries account for the majority of accidents that occur during gutter cleaning, so it is essential to use a ladder with a wide stance and secure yourself with a full body harness when working from a ladder. This can distribute forces evenly in the event of a fall, significantly decreasing the risk of serious injury.

It is also important to wear gloves when cleaning gutters, as the rotting leaves and debris can contain dangerous bacteria. A pair of thick gloves will protect your hands from scratches and cuts. Additionally, you should use a plastic gutter scoop instead of a metal one, as this will be less likely to damage the gutters. A gutter scoop is designed specifically to fit the width of a gutter, making it easier and more efficient than using a standard shovel.

Once a gutter is cleaned, it is crucial to check the drain spouts for blockages. A spray from a garden hose can often dislodge any obstructions and encourage water flow. If the spout is still blocked, you can use a plumber’s snake to remove the blockage. If there are any non-biodegradable materials in the gutters, they should be separated from organic waste and disposed of separately. This can be done by consulting local waste management regulations and contacting your municipality to find out about yard waste collection services in your area.

Lastly, if you are cleaning a gutter system that is not standard to your home, you will probably need to pay a long carry fee or a scaffolding fee. This is because the crew will have to transport the equipment a far distance and take special care not to damage the system during the cleaning process.