10 Tips Professional for Gutter Cleaning

What Is Gutter Cleaning?

Gutters are crucial for helping rain run away from your home so that it doesn’t cause any issues. Cleaning gutters involves removing any dirt, debris, and sediment from them to ensure water can flow properly.

If your gutters or downspouts get clogged, the rain might run over the edge onto the floor. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can cause a range of problems. The best way to avoid such issues is by regularly cleaning your gutters.

10 Tips for Professional Gutter Cleaning – Why It’s Important

While you may want to clean your gutters yourself to save some money, you’re likely to be better off hiring a gutter cleaning company. There are several benefits that you can only expect if the job is done properly.

1. Prevents Roof Damage

One of the most common issues that arise when gutters aren’t kept clean is roof damage. When gutters are clogged, rainwater won’t flow away through downspouts and will sit in the gutter for longer. After a while, this water can penetrate the surface of your roof.

When water gets into a roof it can cause various issues such as rot or mold growth, weakened structure, and leaks into the home. These kinds of issues can go unnoticed for quite some time, which can cause them to develop into much larger issues that are far more difficult to amend. It’s much easier to have your gutter cleaned regularly than to deal with these major problems further down the line.

2. Protects Exterior Walls

Similarly, this rainwater can also penetrate your exterior walls. This can become significantly worse if there’s a lot of debris in your gutter. The weight of the debris can create gaps and holes in the gutter, allowing more water to get through.

Water can cause damage to shingles, fascia, soffits, and more. When it seeps through these it can cause mold, mildew, and algae to grow. This will eat away at the surface, causing any paint to start peeling and chipping.

3. Prevents Cracks in Foundations

Gutters are designed to properly allow water to flow through your drainage system and away from your home. If your gutters aren’t working properly, the water will go elsewhere. One place that it can easily get into is your basement.

If a lot of rainwater gets into your basement, it can start to saturate the ground. This will cause the soil to expand, pushing it against the foundations of your home. As the soil dries out, it will contract again, and this process can repeat many times over a long period.

Damage to your foundations could jeopardize the structural integrity of your entire home. The longer it goes on, the worse it will get, so this isn’t something you want to ignore.

4. Deters Animal Nesting

Stagnant water can attract various pests and insects, which you don’t want around your home. Water sitting in a gutter can be an ideal place for them to drink as they can do so undisturbed. The debris can also attract them.

Stuck leaves will lure in birds and squirrels, as they’re ideal for building nests. These types of animals can also get into roofs through very small gaps, and this can quickly lead to an infestation in your attic. Standing water will also attract mosquitos, which are always unwanted.

If you allow rot to build up, this can attract more pests. Keeping your gutters clean will ensure they don’t make a suitable home for these animals.

5. Extends Your Roof’s Lifespan

Roofs are built to last, but various things can reduce their lifespan. Any homeowner wants to get as much out of their roof as possible, so you should do what you can to keep it in a good state. Clogged gutters can cause things like water and ice to damage your roof.

In bad cases, trapped debris can add weight to your gutters, which can put extra strain on the roof. Keep your gutters clear of debris to avoid this and make your roof last as long as possible.

6. Prevents Ice Build Up

You want your gutters to be clear all year round, but it can be more important in the winter. If there’s water sitting in your gutter, it can cause worse problems if it freezes.

It will further impede the flow, allowing more to collect. This will add more weight, putting increased strain on your roof. If there’s any water lingering on your roof, it can cause more damage to tiles and shingles by freezing.

When the rainwater can flow properly, it will be far less prone to freezing. This will help you avoid major damage to your gutters or roof.

7. Saves Money

The main reason people avoid cleaning their gutters regularly is to save money. The irony here is that doing this is likely to end up costing you more. Clogged gutters can cause all kinds of problems, and these can be quite expensive to get fixed.

If your gutters have been clogged for a long time, you may end up needing some major repairs. in bad cases, the whole roof might need replacing. You’re better off spending the money on regular cutter clearing and maintenance than risking much larger issues occurring.

8. Improves Curb Appeal

At some point, you might decide to move home. When it comes to selling, you want your house to look as appealing as possible. Buyers will notice even small issues, so if you have clogged gutters, it can put people off.

Buyers might not always be able to see how clogged gutters are, but if they’re sagging or damaged, it will be clear to the buyer that something isn’t right. Not only will they be aware that there’s a problem with the gutters, but they’ll see this as a sign that the house hasn’t been looked after properly on the whole.

Regularly having your gutters cleared will keep your home looking good, making it much easier to sell when the day comes. You should also focus on things like clean windows and a well-kept garden.

9. Prevents Basement Flooding

When water overflows from your gutter onto the ground below, it will often make its way into your basement. This can cause foundation issues as mentioned above, and with enough water, it can even flood your basement. Dealing with a flooded basement is no small task, so it’s something you want to avoid.

10. Protects Garden Beds

Another area that can be damaged by water overflowing from gutters is your yard. Any garden beds that sit below or near your gutters are at risk. The water can cause damage to the soil, and even kill the plants you have there.

This may not be as much of an issue as structural damage or basement flooding, but it’s still something that can easily be avoided with routine gutter maintenance.

How Often You Should Have Your Gutters Cleaned?

This can vary, but in most cases, twice a year is ideal. One of the most suitable times is in the fall once all the leaves have fallen from the trees. Leaves are one of the main causes of gutter blockages, so you want to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Cleaning out your gutters again in spring can be a good idea, especially if you have a lot of trees on your property.

While it’s possible to clean your gutters yourself, you shouldn’t do so unless you’re 100% confident. It involves working at heights with various tools, so it can be a safety hazard. It’s worth bearing in mind that a professional gutter cleaner already has all the necessary tools, as well as the training to use them safely.

Hiring Professional Gutter Cleaning Services

Gutter cleaning is often overlooked, but it’s an essential part of home maintenance. Doing it yourself is difficult and puts you at risk. By hiring a professional gutter cleaning service, you can ensure things are done safely and properly.

Between Cleaning provides professional residential and commercial cleaning services throughout the DC metro area. To find out more about what we offer, click here to contact us today.