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Scheduling regular gutter cleaning services is vital to ensure your gutters continue to function as they are intended and remain clog free. Clogged gutters can have several consequences, ranging from minor issues to severe damage to the property. Here are some potential consequences of clogged gutters:
- Water damage: When gutters are clogged, they cannot effectively channel water away from the property. This can lead to water overflowing and seeping into the roof, walls, and foundation of the property, causing water damage, rot, and mold growth.
- Roof damage: Clogged gutters can cause water to pool on the roof, which can result in roof damage, including leaks, rotting, and deterioration of the shingles.
- Pest infestations: Standing water in clogged gutters can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. These pests can then move into the property, causing further damage.
- Foundation damage: Water that overflows from clogged gutters can seep into the foundation of the property, causing damage and weakening the structure.
- Landscape erosion: Water overflowing from clogged gutters can cause erosion of the landscape, damaging plants and vegetation, and potentially leading to soil erosion.
Clogged gutters can cause significant damage to the property, both inside and out. To prevent these consequences, it is essential to schedule regular gutter cleaning or install gutter guards to prevent clogs.
Our gutter cleaning 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.
Best Way to Clean Gutters
There are many different products that continue to be released with the goal of simplifying and streamlining gutter cleaning. That’s how we know it is one of the least favorite tasks of Peoria homeowners. We have tested and will continue to test new products as they come to the market, but have yet to find one that is worth investing in.
Cleaning by Hand
We have found that the most efficient way to clean gutters is through traditional manual cleaning, which involves using a ladder, gloves, and a bucket. Spraying methods, such as using spray nozzles, can often lead to a messy situation where water and debris can splatter on the siding and windows. In the following section, we will describe the best way to clean gutters thoroughly, including downspouts and outlets, ensuring that the gutters perform well and provide the necessary protection for your home.
Gutter Cleaning Services
If you prefer not to clean your gutters yourself, The Brothers that just do Gutters have a Maintenance Agreement program available for all customers, which will set you up for regular gutter cleaning services and eliminates the hassle of cleaning gutters. Once you sign up for the program, you will be added to our database and scheduled for regular cleanings. This ensures that your gutters are prepared for heavy cleaning seasons and that they function properly.
By having your gutters cleaned by professionals, you also benefit from annual inspections, during which any minor adjustments needed to ensure proper functionality will be made. It is recommended to clean gutters before the rainy season in spring and at least once or twice during the fall foliage season.
Gutter Guards
To avoid ongoing expenses from frequent gutter cleaning services, an alternative is to have The Brothers that just do Gutters install a top-quality gutter guard system that will prevent leaves and debris from accumulating in the gutters. While this system may require a higher initial investment, it can save you money over time. Additionally, high-quality gutter guards can strengthen the gutter system, extending its lifespan, particularly during severe storms.
Overflowing / Leaky Gutters
One of the first signs that you need gutter cleaning is overflowing or leaking gutters. However, this could also be indicative that a repair is needed.
Signs your gutters need attention:
- Overflowing gutters
- Debris in gutters that is visible
- When you don’t see water flow from the downspout
For those without expertise in the field, an overflow resulting from a blockage can be easily mistaken for an overflow caused by poorly installed or damaged gutters.
Cleaning or Repair – Which do I Need?
Cleaning
If your gutters are overflowing from the top of the gutter or through the downspout, this is a good indication that there is a clog somewhere in the system and it is time for a gutter cleaning service.
Repair
However, if the overflow is happening in the middle of the gutter or at the opposite end of the downspout, this usually suggests that a repair or reinstallation is necessary because this issue could be a sign that:
- you have a pitch issue
- your gutters are too small
- there may not be enough leaders or downspouts
- your gutters may be pulling away from your home due to an installation issue
The following are additional signs of overflow issues:
- discolored or broken walls
- siding, or foundation
- accumulation of water near the foundation
- noticeable overflow from the front of the gutter or between the fascia and gutter during rainfall.
In cases where a downspout empties into an underground drain and the surrounding area is damp, this is usually a sign of blockage. Despite these helpful indicators, homeowners still often incorrectly identify the root cause of their gutter problems.
Let the Pros Decide
It is crucial to address these overflow problems because if left unchecked, they can result in severe and costly damage to your home, such as water damage, flooding, and foundation damage.
When our trained professionals evaluate your gutter system, they can determine whether your overflow is caused by clogs or other issues that require repairs or replacements. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for gutter problems, and each house may require a unique approach that should be evaluated by an expert.
If you are experiencing gutter overflow, contact The Brothers that just do Gutters today for a free estimate. You can rely on us to accurately diagnose your situation and recommend the best solution for your home.
Do it Yourself cleaning
Performing maintenance on your home’s gutter system is a crucial task that requires attention. Nonetheless, it is not as straightforward as it appears, and certain errors can lead to accidents or harm your property.
Mistakes To Avoid
- 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 (at least once per year)
- Fall after all leaves have fallen (at least once or twice per year)
Professional gutter cleaners do not rely on leaf blowers to clean gutters. This is because gutters are often clogged with more than just dry leaves, and using a leaf blower can result in dirt and mud being blown onto other surfaces such as windows, siding, decks, and patio furniture, which can cause stains. Additionally, leaf blowers are not effective in removing clogs from downspouts. If a clog is left in a downspout while only the gutter is cleaned, it will lead to more clogging and more work in the future. As a result, professional gutter cleaners take a more thorough approach.