Gutter cleaning is the process of removing any debris, dirt, and leaves from gutters and downspouts that clog the gutter system and prevent rainwater from flowing freely from the roof to the floor. Professionals can pick up waste by hand or by machine. Yes, all gutters and downspouts throughout the house are included with gutter cleaning services. Most companies only clean downspouts down to ground level, but you may be able to find a company that also services underground drains.
Fortunately, cleaning gutters and downspouts is a fairly easy job, and a couple of cleanings each year should make them flow freely. However, this job involves working on a ladder. Make sure you have a sturdy extendable ladder that is long enough to reach beyond the edge of the roof and always follow safe practices when using a ladder. Make sure the base rests on a solid, level surface, and avoid tilting when working on the ladder.
It's best to move the ladder often rather than risk falling because it's stretching. Special gutter cleaning accessories for your garden hose can make the job easier. For maximum power when spraying gutters and downspouts, use a pressure washer. You'll need to make sure you work with a qualified gutter cleaning service before hiring them, so be sure to ask if they are licensed and insured.
Always clean gutters in the fall after leaves fall, as leaves are the most common cause of blockages. Pitched roofs, inaccessible gutters, and multi-story homes all have higher risk factors that will increase the cost of gutter cleaning services. Homes with little or no tree cover around your home can usually get by with one gutter cleaning every year, or sometimes every two years. Cleaning gutters is a relatively small expense that can save you time and money in the long run.
Even with similar amounts of line footage for gutters, some gutters in higher or difficult to access locations can increase the final cost of cleaning. Clogged gutters may need manual cleaning, increasing the amount of time required and requiring an additional fee. As the gutter professional cleans each gutter, they will also inspect areas that need repair. There is no such thing as the “best type of gutter”, as all the different gutter materials have different advantages and disadvantages.
Most offers calculate the length of the channel per linear foot, which is basically the length of each gutter. Gutter cleaning costs aren't high compared to some home repair costs, but saving money on the upfront costs of a recurring service is beneficial and attractive to most homeowners. In addition, a professional can install gutter protectors that help prevent large debris from clogging the gutters. There are even gutter cleaning kits you can buy so you have the right tools to remove debris.
If you see standing water or mold near the base, it may indicate that the gutters are clogged or that there may be a defect in the gutter system.
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