When you do home maintenance tasks yourself, you generally save money. And if you’re a dedicated do-it-yourselfer, you also enjoy the challenge of doing small repairs to the siding or cleaning the gutters. However, if you don’t really like to DIY, or even if you do, there are some situations that require a gutter cleaning service.
Gutters aren’t Draining
When there is standing water in the gutter system, the reason is usually clogs in the gutter channel or the downspouts are blocked. Debris collected around gutter outlets can be removed; the same with clogs that form in gutter channels, stopping rainwater from flowing through the downspouts. But if there are no clogs in the system and there is still standing water it could be a sign that the gutter slope or gutter pitch was incorrectly calculated or the gutters shifted or were misaligned somehow after they were installed. If you suspect the gutter pitch needs to be readjusted, consult with a gutter installation professional.
Roof Configuration
If the roof configuration is multilevel, complex, or has gutter sections that are hard to reach, it will be safer for you to have the gutters cleaned by a professional. Even if the roof is straightforward, the gutters of a house more than one storey can be difficult to reach. And it’s always advisable to avoid walking on the roof. A professional gutter cleaning service will have the right equipment to get the job done and know how to take the proper safety measures.
It’s Been a While
If you haven’t cleaned the gutter system out in a long while, it will save you time and money in the long run to hire someone to clean the gutters for you. They will need to be thoroughly cleaned and a professional will get the job done faster than someone who doesn’t clean gutters full-time. When they haven’t been cleaned in a while, a gutter technician, in addition to clearing out the debris, will be able to let you know if any repairs are needed.
Plants Growing in the Gutters
Plants and even trees can sprout from seeds landing in debris-filled gutters. The roots of a tree or plant growing near a gutter outlet might spread and enter the downspouts. A gutter professional will be able to remove plants and trees safely without denting or damaging the gutter system.
Spring and Pests
Clogged gutters are appealing to pests and insects including birds, wasps, and bees. Spring is typically the season for nest building. It’s best to have a pro clean the gutters if there is a nest because, not just the insects that sting, but any type of nester including birds, can be aggressive as they protect their territory.
Ladders and Heights
If you don’t have experience working on a ladder, you have mobility issues, or heights make you feel uncomfortable, cleaning your own gutters can be challenging. Even a fall from a ladder when standing on the third or fourth step can be potentially dangerous. Hiring a gutter cleaning service eliminates the risk of falling.
