One of the items on your home maintenance list is cleaning the gutters. You’ve maintained the gutter system regularly for 15 years. But things have changed – it’s not as easy as it was to climb the ladder; the gutter cleaning chore seems to take a little longer each year; you’re dealing with a health issue. Even when cleaning the gutters is no problem, you just might not want to be bothered. If you are considering hiring someone to maintain your gutter system, here are some frequently asked questions about gutter cleaning and gutter cleaning services.
Is it really necessary to clean the gutters?
When gutters aren’t maintained, bad things can happen. Regular gutter cleaning clears away accumulated debris, ensures that the downspouts work right, and removes grime that can harm the protective coating of the gutter sections. Industry professional recommend once to two times a year, depending on the number of trees that grow around the house. A gutter system not functioning properly can be responsible for:
- Basement flooding
- Damage to the foundation
- Damage to the roof
- Siding damage
- Soil erosion
- Nesting pests; insect infestations
- Mold, moss, or algae growth
Shouldn’t I be able to clean the gutters myself?
While it might seem similar to other home maintenance tasks that involve “simple” cleaning, the main difference between the two is you’re on a ladder doing the gutter cleaning. And you’re climbing up and down the ladder to move it along the gutter run. One of the top five ways people injure themselves at home is by falling off a ladder. The more stories a house has, the more dangerous the home maintenance task can become.
Cleaning the gutters is always better as a team effort. A gutter cleaning service sends a crew of at least two people, typically three. In addition to improving safety conditions, having several professional gutter technicians gets the job completed faster and more efficiently.
How does a gutter cleaning service clean the gutters?
A gutter cleaning company typically uses a combination of blowers, hand scoops, and water to clean the inside of the gutters. Each downspout is cleaned and then checked to see if water flows through it and exits the way it should. Stains are removed from the gutter face (outside of the gutter) and are rinsed off. Finally, the property is cleared of any debris that might have fallen. If tarps were used to cover landscaping, they are removed.
If I hire someone to clean the gutters what is included?
Although the basics of cleaning the gutters will be the same, not all gutter cleaning companies offer the same services or level of customer service. One company might clear off the roof (a service that doesn’t involve washing the roof) before cleaning both inside and outside the gutters. Another gutter cleaning service only clears away the debris found inside the gutters and downspouts, but will notify you of any repairs the gutter system might need. Most gutter companies provide free estimates, outlining how the gutters will be cleaned and what exactly will be included.
How much does gutter cleaning cost in the Lower Mainland?
The cost for cleaning residential gutters generally depends on the size of the home, the complexity of the roof’s configuration, and the services included. Prices range for basic services follows:
- Small to mid-sized one-story home – $150 to $250
- Mid sized to large one-story home up to 1,800 square feet – $220 to $350
- Two-story home up to 2,00 square feet – $280 to $380
- High-end properties and mansions – $400 to $550
