Grosse Pointe Gutter Cleaning
In just a few weeks, winter will be here, and snow will start to fall, which can cause flooding in homes if gutters are not cleaned. Gutters are essential to the overall function of the roof. If you have been putting off cleaning them for a while now, it’s time to get them done before the winter season arrives.
Why Fall Is The Best Season For Gutter Cleaning
Clearing out your gutters isn’t always a pleasant experience but, not removing the filth and grime that has built up in your troughs can be a dangerous one. During the Autumn season, we know that tons of leaves and branches fall daily into the gutters. In Grosse Pointe we have even found critters, kids toys, and those pesky masks and gloves. This is why it is critical to get rid of the debris before the winter comes.
Leaves Pile Up In Your Gutters
The leaves will soon fall away from the tall trees near your home, and many will end up in your gutters. Because of the leaves, the gutters won’t drain the water out properly when you’re hit with a heavy rainstorm. If there is debris in the rain gutters, it will likely overflow and cause water damage to your home’s foundation. We saw this earlier in the June 2021 flood; many homes had excessive damage due to the lack of drainage available by their gutters and roof. This may cause foundational damage and is something to look out for regardless of the season.
Winter Is On Its Way
If you don’t clean out your gutters in the fall, all that junk and water will freeze when the weather gets cold early to mid December. Furthermore, water becomes trapped once frozen, and may seep through your roof, causing additional interior damage. It can also make your gutters heavier, which is something we see quite often when coming out for estimates. This will cause the gutters to sag and the extra weight may even lead to gutters falling out completely, requiring replacement or reinstallation.
Gutter Cleaning Companies Are Ready
The fall is the peak season for gutter cleaning, which implies that many businesses will be booking up fast and early. This is also the perfect time to look out for discounts and promotions to ensure that you receive the service you need at a reasonable cost. It is important to remember, we receive an early freeze in Grosse Pointe, meaning business will shut down for season by mid December - at the latest. So get your services booked!
Warning Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning
The average cost of cleaning gutters with hand washing and minor repairs is $80. A handyman or a local gutter cleaning business will charge you around $250 for cleaning and minor repairs. Tall residences or those with a complex gutter system may cost up to $460. Additionally, gutter cleaning takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete.
Here are a few signs you can look for to know when to clean your gutter system:
Bulging Gutters and Downspouts
If you notice lumps on gutters or within a downspout, this indicates there is a clog in the system. Regardless of its size, the protrusion places pressure on existing gutters and causes clogging in the gutter system, causing it to crack or break anytime.
Water in the Walls
If you notice damp stains on the walls of your house, or if you discover a trickle of water flowing down the wall, you should call for gutter cleaning in Grosse Pointe immediately. There’s likely a significant amount of water seeping into your house, requiring immediate care.
Animals Hanging Out In Gutters
Clogged gutters provide a haven for rodents, birds, and other pests. Decomposing debris and leaves generate heat and moisture, turning your gutters into a tempting nesting spot.
If blockages aren’t removed, your house will be susceptible to insect infestation and roof deterioration. Both of these problems are expensive to deal with rather than cleaning your gutters which is more affordable. We do not remove live animals, but we will remove the nests and debris for you, keeping your gutters clear all year long.
Puddles Around the Base of Your House
Puddles may form around the base of your house if gutters are clogged. When your gutters are full of debris, water has no option but to run down the edge of them.
This, in turn, causes puddles at the foot of your property that will seep into your concrete or foundation over time. You’ll almost certainly start to see fractures and water damage if you don’t deal with the problem head on. Please, please, please get your gutters cleaned before any foundational damage has a change to set!
There’s Green Stuff Growing
Plant material collected in gutters is an appropriate planting mix because it traps moisture and decomposes, thus forming an excellent environment for the germination we receive up north. Make sure your gutters are in good shape. If you observe green protruding over the edge or green trails of algae collecting on your roof or siding, get them cleaned right away. Though it can take time to fix these issues, or multiple cleanings, the sooner your gutters are cleaned, the better off your home will be.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
The general rule of thumb is to clean your gutters after all of, or the majority of, the leaves have fallen from the trees around your home.
In general, it’s necessary to make a point to clean them at least twice a year. You may want to clean your gutters once every three months if you have foliage such as pine trees near your home.
Why Hire a Professional?
While it’s certainly possible to clean your gutters, the reality is that you don’t want to mess with them. It may quickly become overwhelming if you have no prior experience or are without the proper tools to clean your gutters. An experienced professional will have the necessary knowledge and tools to get the job done quickly, with as little disruption to your home as possible. We climb the ladders, so you don't have to!
Takeaway
Fall is the best time to clean your gutters in preparation for Winter season. Leaves will have dropped off from trees, so it’s easier for you or a professional to do the job. Getting an expert will help extend the life of your gutters and help protect your home from roof or foundational damage.
If you need any help with gutter cleaning in Grosse Pointe, give us a call or shoot us a text! 313-752-1300