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Seamless aluminum rain gutters can last up to 30 years provided they are cleaned regularly. For the system to do its job properly and keep water away from your home, the gutters need to be free of dirt and debris. Open gutters can quickly accumulate leaves and other debris which can clog the system and prevent water from flowing freely. Regular gutter cleaning services will allow you to be sure that your system is working optimally and help prevent clogged gutters.
Clogged Gutters
Cleaning gutters is critical because clogged gutters will overflow and damage your home. The purpose of gutters is to guide water from your roof to the ground while keeping it away from your house. The problem is that water is never the only thing that ends up in your gutter. Leaves, debris, shingle grit, even animals can find their way in there and when they get stuck, your gutters can clog —causing some serious and costly damage to your home.
Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to soak into your fascia board and cause it to rot. Rotted fascia board can allow water to leak into your attic, ceiling, etc. Similarly, if your downspout and drain are clogged, water can leak into your basement or foundation. It’s not only costly to fix but can cause dangerous mold and mildew growth.
Our gutter maintenance services are designed to keep the inside of your system clean. This is a necessity, allowing your gutters to operate and function properly. By installing guards, yearly interior cleanings will no longer be necessary.
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Best Way to Clean Gutters
One of the ways you can tell which chores are the most dreaded is by the number of “easy” gadgets that are available to “solve” the problem or make it “fun”. We’ve tried many of these gutter cleaning methods over the years and will continue to try and test new options as they become available. Many of these gadgets, and even many hired landscapers, address only the gutter and completely ignore the downspouts and outlets.
Cleaning by Hand
So far, we’ve discovered that nothing is more effective than good old-fashioned hand cleaning with a ladder, gloves, and a bucket. Using spray nozzles and similar methods often creates a mess that can splatter on your siding and windows. Below, we’ll explain the best way to tackle the entire job —including downspouts and outlets— leaving you with gutters that will perform and protect your home as designed.
Gutter Cleaning Services
Or if you prefer, The Brothers that just do Gutters can completely take the hassle out of cleaning your gutters by offering a Maintenance Agreement program for all clients. By signing up for the Maintenance Agreement, you will immediately be put into our database. Signing up also allows us to put you on our scheduled cleaning list and properly prepare for the heavy cleaning seasons!
Another advantage to having gutters cleaned by hand by gutter experts is knowing that your gutter system will be inspected every year by professionals and any minor adjustments will be made to ensure the functionality of the gutters.
Your gutters should be cleaned before the spring rainy season and at least 1 or 2 times during the fall foliage season.
Gutter Guards
If you want to avoid costs from recurring gutter cleaning services, the other option is to have us install a high-quality gutter guard system to keep gutters clear of leaves and debris. Investing a little more upfront in such a system can save you money in the long run. High-quality gutter guards can also strengthen the gutter system and increase its longevity, especially if you experience heavy storms.
Overflowing / Leaky Gutters
Leaks and overflowing water after a storm are the biggest signs that your gutters may have a clog and need cleaning, but it could also be a sign that you need gutter repair.
Signs your gutters need attention
- Gutter overflow
- Visible debris in gutters
- No water flow from the downspout
To an untrained eye, an overflow that is caused by a clog may look similar to an overflow that is caused by damaged or improperly installed gutters.
Cleaning and Repair – Which do I Need?
Cleaning
Overflowing at or near the downspout is a tell-tale sign that you need gutter cleaning services and there is likely a blockage in your downspout that is inhibiting the water from flowing down the downspout.
Repair
Whereas, overflow that is occurring in the middle of a gutter, and/or at the opposite end of a downspout typically indicates the need for a repair or reinstall because this could:
- be a sign of a pitch issue
- mean your gutters are too small
- mean there are not enough leaders or downspouts
- be your gutters are sagging/pulling from your home due to age, or install issues
Other indications that you have overflow issues:
- Stained or cracked walls, siding, or foundation
- Pooling by your foundation
- Visible overflow from the front of the gutter or between the fascia and gutter in the rain
There are less subtle signs as well. If you have a downspout that leads to an underground drain and the area around that drain is wet, then it is most likely clogged.
Although the above lists are great indications and starting points to understanding what may be wrong with your gutter system, it is common for homeowners to misdiagnose the source of their gutter problems.
Let the Pros Decide
It is important to remedy these overflow issues because continued run-off can lead to many serious and expensive issues for your home like water damage, flooding, and foundation damage.
During an evaluation, our professionally trained staff can determine whether your gutter system needs gutter cleaning services, or if your overflow is due to other issues that may involve a repair or a replacement. The right solution for your gutters is not a cookie-cutter plan, and each home often requires a unique solution that should be fully and properly assessed by a professional.
If you have a gutter overflow, contact The Brothers that just do Gutters today for your free estimate. You can trust us to properly diagnose your situation, and provide the best solution for your home.
Do it Yourself cleaning
Cleaning your home’s gutter system is an extremely important maintenance task. However, it isn’t as easy as you might think. Some common mistakes can cause injuries to you or damage your home.
- Not properly adhering to ladder safety
- Overreaching while on a ladder
- Wearing inappropriate attire
- Using the wrong tools
- Not completely unclogging gutters.
Best time of year to clean gutters
- Spring before increased heavy rainfall
- Fall after all leaves have fallen
The pros don’t just clean the gutters out with a leaf blower. It is rare that gutters are only filled with dry leaves. We respect the homes that we service and leaf blowers can blow dirt and mud all over —staining windows, siding, patio furniture, and decks below. Besides, leaf blowers are not effective at clearing out clogs from downspouts. Cleaning only the gutter and leaving a clog in a downspout will only lead to more clogging and more work later.