Gutter cleaning protects your house from costly water damage by maintaining rainwater flow where it should. This keeps your landscape healthy and prevents basement flooding.
Cleaning gutters before leaves fall starts the season on a clean slate. It also helps to find any problems that need addressing so they don’t worsen over the fall. Click Here to learn more.
Gutter debris removal is an essential part of gutter maintenance. The primary function of a gutter is to channel rainwater away from the walls, foundation, and roof of a property, protecting it from damage. When the gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs, branches and other debris, they can no longer carry water effectively and may cause costly water damage. A clogged gutter can also damage the surrounding landscaping. Gutter debris removal ensures that water is flowing properly through the gutter system, avoiding water damage and saving the homeowner money on expensive repairs.
A thorough gutter cleaning is a multi-step process that includes the following steps:
Debris removal
Before beginning any work, homeowners must first remove all the debris from the roof and gutters. This will include removing leaves, twigs and other debris that can contribute to a clogged gutter. This is usually a very time-consuming task and can require multiple trips up and down the ladder.
Once the debris is removed, it can be disposed of using an environmentally responsible method. For example, many local municipalities offer yard waste collection services where organic material like leaves and twigs are composted and used as natural mulch for landscaping. This allows the materials to decompose naturally, enriching soil and reducing the need for chemical alternatives.
Other options for disposing of gutter debris include local landfills and recycling centers. However, it is important for homeowners to be aware that landfills are often filled with hazardous waste and chemicals that can leach into surrounding soil and groundwater, potentially contaminating the environment.
Homeowners must take extra care when performing gutter maintenance to ensure they are not exposing themselves to dangerous chemicals or waste. In addition, it is highly recommended to use a professional company to perform gutter maintenance, as they will have the proper equipment and safety training to handle heights and debris safely and efficiently.
For homeowners who decide to do the work themselves, it is important to choose a sturdy ladder that is designed for outdoor use and to check the maximum load capacity. It is also a good idea to have an extra pair of hands or eyes monitoring the situation when working on a ladder, and always follow the “three-points-of-contact” rule (both feet and both arms on the ladder at all times). Wear gloves, eye protection and comfortable shoes that will allow you to grip the rungs of the ladder well.
Cleaning
If clogged, your gutters may overflow and/or fail to carry water away from the house. Gutter cleaning removes the debris that blocks the flow and allows water, snow and ice to escape as it should.
Standing water in clogged gutters is a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes that spread deadly diseases. It can also promote the growth of mold, mildew and fungus that can damage the roof, siding, landscaping and foundation of your home. Regular gutter cleaning eliminates these breeding areas and ensures that water flows freely from the roof to the downspouts and underground drains.
It is best to clean your gutters on a periodic basis, preferably at least twice per year. It is possible to perform the task yourself by purchasing a ladder and some hand tools at your local hardware store, but the most effective and safest way to do so is to hire an experienced and insured professional. Professionals use specialized tools that safely and thoroughly clear the entire gutter system from top to bottom.
They use ladders with safety straps and harnesses to prevent falls, and they wear gloves and goggles to protect against sharp objects and grit. In addition to clearing the gutters themselves, they also blow off the loose debris from the roof valleys and behind chimneys. In addition, they can also install downspout covers that keep debris from re-entering the gutters, thus eliminating future clogging.
Keeping your gutters clean can add to the lifespan of your roof and extend the life of your property. It can also increase the curb appeal of your home and improve its value. Dirty gutters are unsightly and make your building less appealing to potential buyers.
Another benefit of gutter cleaning is that it can help reduce the risk of fires caused by combustible materials such as dried leaves and other debris that build up in your gutters. These items can easily catch fire if exposed to an open flame, and they can quickly spread the fire to other parts of your building. This can be particularly dangerous for older buildings that may have flammable insulation and interior wood trim.
Inspecting
Gutter inspections are done to ensure that the gutter system is functional, and that water flows freely during a rainstorm. An effective inspection involves checking all parts of the gutter system, including the gutter itself, downspouts, and fascia brackets. This is a great time to look for loose or missing components, as well as for holes, sagging sections, and signs of gutter overflow.
Home inspectors will start by visually inspecting the gutter from the ground. This will reveal sections of the gutter that are missing or loose, as well as signs of damage like rust, dents, and dings. They will also check that the gutters slope properly toward the downspouts. While InterNACHI doesn’t require home inspectors to measure the amount of gutter slope, it is a good idea. A quick test is to pour water into the highest points of a gutter and observe how it drains.
Next, the gutter cleaning crew will get up on a ladder and begin clearing out the gutters. They will remove any leaves or debris that are clogging the gutters, as well as any debris that has accumulated at the end of downspouts. They will then test each downspout to make sure that it is clear.
If any downspouts are blocked, they will be either snaked or flushed out with a water hose. This is important because it helps to ensure that the gutters are able to carry water away from the roof and foundation, avoiding costly problems in the future.
The gutter inspection will also include a look at the fascia brackets that attach the gutters to the eaves and the downspouts to the roof. These brackets provide structural support for the gutter system, and they are a common point of failure on older homes.
The final step of the gutter inspection is to check that the gutters are securely attached to the soffit and to the house. Loose or disconnected gutters are a serious problem that can result in leaky walls, roof damage, and pest infestations. If any connections are found to be loose or missing, they will be tightened or replaced as needed.
Repairing
Gutter systems facilitate rainwater flow from the roof to a managed drain, keeping gutters clean is important to protect the fascia boards and the roof. A clogged gutter can force water back up under the shingles, through fascia boards and into the house or building. This causes interior and exterior damage as well as mold and mildew problems. Gutter cleaning removes the clog and allows for proper drainage, protecting the roof and the home or business.
Professional gutter cleaners use a variety of tools to thoroughly clean a gutter system. High-powered blowers clear away debris clumps and smaller pieces while extension poles and power washers tackle tougher areas of the roof. Hand tools like spatulas and plastic sandbox shovels help to break up and scoop out larger pieces of gunk. Once the gutters are clean, the professionals test each downspout to make sure it’s clear of clogs and able to drain properly.
Standing water in a clogged gutter is a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes, flies, rats and mice that carry deadly diseases and cause damage to the house. Regular gutter cleaning eliminates the breeding area and keeps the pests away from your home and family.
Gutters that overflow are a sign of a clog or improper downspout placement. Adding a gutter apron or diverter can solve the problem. Overflowing gutters can also be caused by the gutter being too small to handle heavy rainfall or incorrectly installed.
If you see rust, holes or other signs of wear and tear, a gutter cleaning service can repair the gutters for you. In addition to replacing gutter sections, they can also replace the fascia hanger brackets that hold the gutters in place and repair downspout leaks. Many New York City gutter services offer long-term maintenance plans that include routine cleaning and repairs along with new installation and replacements as needed. The plan is an affordable and convenient way to keep your gutters clean all year round. Contact a local gutter service today to learn more. They can answer your questions and provide a free quote.