Like other parts of your home’s exterior, gutters require routine maintenance to perform well and last long. Leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris can accumulate in them over time. If not removed, they can cause clogs that can affect the efficiency of your gutter system.
Clogged gutters can cause basement flooding, foundation problems and roof damage. These are some of the many reasons to have your gutters cleaned regularly. Keep reading to find out when to schedule a professional gutter cleaning service.
When Should You Have Your Gutters Cleaned?
Experts recommend cleaning gutters at least twice yearly, preferably in fall and spring. It is to ensure they stay clog-free and in good shape. However, other factors can affect how frequently you should get a gutter cleaning. Are there a lot of nearby trees around your home? If so, you may need to have your gutters cleaned more often. It is the same if you live in an area prone to storms.
Why Hire Professionals to Clean Your Gutters?
Avoid Injuries
The main reason to leave the installation and maintenance of your seamless gutters to professionals is to prevent accidents. Climbing on a ladder requires extreme caution to avoid injuries or an emergency room visit. Reliable contractors have the gear and equipment to perform the job efficiently and safely.
Quality Results
You will save time, money and energy with professional gutter cleaning. It will eliminate the hassle of renting or purchasing equipment. You do not also have to worry about dedicating your precious time to researching and learning about gutter cleaning. Pros only need a few hours to complete tasks that can take untrained individuals the whole day.
Appropriate Equipment and Tools
Besides accomplishing the job faster, professionals have the right tools for gutter cleaning. They have access to equipment that can help them quickly and effectively remove debris from your gutters. Experts know how to use them in a way that does not damage your gutters or other parts of your home.
Keep Your Home Appealing
Are you thinking about selling your property in the future? If so, the more you should take good care of your gutters. Deteriorating, damaged or sagging gutters can harm your home’s curb appeal. If your gutters are in poor shape, prospective buyers might believe other areas of the house are in a bad state. You can easily avoid this problem by regularly scheduling professional gutter cleaning services.
Reduced Risk of Roof Damage
Once gutters get clogged with debris, water can back up and pool on the roof. Excessive exposure to moisture can cause shingles to wear faster. It can lead to leaks, early roof failure and even extensive water damage when not addressed immediately. Dealing with these issues costs significantly more than having your gutters cleaned.
Protect Your Landscaping
Your gutters protect your landscaping from damage and are essential to preventing erosion. When in bad condition, your flower beds and plants can suffer. A debris-free gutter system will bring water to a safe distance from your yard.
Prevent Mold Growth
Mold can grow inside and outside your home. Gutters filled with debris and standing water make them the perfect breeding ground. Mold spores can travel to your living space through open windows, doors and vents. You do not want to see traces of mold in your humble abode since it can risk the health of your loved ones. It can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks. There is also evidence that early mold exposure can elevate the risk of asthma in young children.
How Do You Make Your Gutters Easier to Maintain?
You can make your gutters easier to care for and more efficient with a high-quality gutter protection system. Gutter guards keep debris from entering and clogging your gutters. While they will not eliminate the need for cleaning, they can reduce how often you must do the task. They will help you save money on maintenance costs in the long run.
Leaves, seeds and twigs are not the only things gutter guards can keep out of your gutters. A quality gutter protection system will reduce the likelihood of pest infestation in your home. They prevent birds, squirrels, bats and mice from making a home in your gutters. Gutter covers can eliminate standing water, helping prevent mosquitoes from breeding and spreading diseases.
Debris in your gutters can retain moisture and cause rust or corrosion. The right gutter guards can lower the risk of these problems by preventing leaves, pine needles and other materials from gathering in your gutters. They can also improve water flow, making them ideal for homeowners in areas prone to heavy rains.
Tips for Finding a Reliable Contractor
Ask for Referrals
Whether you need gutter cleaning or new gutter guards, you must carefully choose the contractor you will hire. Ask your family, friends and neighbors for company recommendations. People you know can give their honest opinion about contractors. Moreover, you can also look for local professionals online.
Research and Read Reviews
When you have a list of prospective contractors, run background checks. Go on the internet to view their websites and read reviews. Researching is vital to finding a company specializing in the service you need. It also helps in distinguishing whether a contractor is reputable or not.
Check Licensing and Insurance
Regardless of your home improvement or maintenance needs, only work with licensed and insured professionals. Hiring properly documented contractors will protect you if something goes wrong during your project. For instance, if a part of your home accidentally gets damaged while cleaning the gutters, your contractor’s insurance will cover the cost of repairs. Always ask to see proof of license and insurance before signing anything.
