Gutters are an important part of your roofing system that diverts water away from your home to prevent water from seeping into your house. Gutters also require regular maintenance in order to function properly. Overtime debris collects in the gutters and a gutter cleaning is needed. We asked one of our Pros here at HandyPro for some advice.
Why do I need to clean out my gutters?
Pro: The gutters on your home should be cleaned to allow them to function at full capacity during the heavier rains. If there is even a small amount of debris in your gutter, it has the ability to clog up the mouth of the downspout, thus creating overflowing water which gets behind the gutters as well as behind the fascia board causing wood rot. When a gutter fails to function correctly, then it will also create water accumulation closer to the home which can lead to foundation leaks.
How often should they be cleaned and when is the best time of year to clean them?
Pro: There are a few factors to consider but generally speaking, if you are fortunate enough to be able to time it perfectly between the last leaves that fall from the tree and the time that the freezing weather starts then in most cases, once a year. However, Mother Nature is not always that predictable so I recommend late October to get the bulk removed and assist with the prevention of ice damming in the winter. You can get a second cleaning after the spring thaw so that the gutters are ready to handle the heavy spring rains.
How can I tell when my gutters are beyond cleaning and need replacement instead?
Pro: If you have aluminum gutters then it is not common that they need to be replaced unless they have fallen away from the home. In most cases, they can be repaired or re-pitched to function like new. If you have older galvanized gutters that have begun leaking or are out of pitch then it is best to replace them as opposed to investing in repair.
What advice would you give someone when having a professional come out to work on my gutters?
Pro: My number one suggestion if you are having your gutters cleaned is to have the professional take pictures to show you after they are cleaned. I offer this to my clients so that they can see that I did a good job as it’s not likely that you would be able to see them on your own. If you are having repairs or replacement done, always ask about the warranty. It is also important to make sure the professional has a valid certificate of insurance (liability or workers comp) in case of an accident so you are not held liable.
With fall right around the corner, now would be the perfect time to start thinking about getting your gutters cleaned. Contact HandyPro today to have a professional come out for a free estimate!
