Gutter Cleaning | How Much and How Often?
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your gutters until they start to cause problems. Clogged gutters can lead to all sorts of issues, including roof damage and water damage inside your home. That’s why it’s important to have them cleaned regularly – but how often should you do it, and how much does gutter cleaning cost? In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more!
What are gutters and what do they do
Gutters are a critical part of your home’s drainage system, and they play an important role in preventing water damage. Gutters are typically made of metal or vinyl, and they run along the edge of your roof, collecting rainwater and directing it away from your home. If your gutters are clogged, that water can overflow and cause all sorts of problems, including roof damage, foundation issues, and even flooding inside your home. If water is allowed to build up and overflow, it can cause serious damage to your home – and that damage can be expensive to repair. In some cases, gutter problems can even lead to mold growth inside your home.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
Ideally, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. This will help ensure that they’re clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris that can clog them up. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, you may need to clean them more often.
Cost of Gutter Cleaning
The cost of gutter cleaning varies depending on a few factors, including the size and type of your home, the height of your gutters, and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional. In general, gutter cleaning costs range from $75 to $200 per visit. If you have a bigger house or a higher roof the cost will be on the higher end, while a smaller home with lower gutters will be on the lower end.
Hiring a professional gutter cleaning service is usually the best option, as they have the experience and equipment to do the job quickly and safely.
Tips for keeping your gutters clean
If you’re looking to keep your gutters clean all year long, here are a few tips to help you out:
- Make sure that the gutter downspouts are clear and free of debris. Clogged downspouts can cause water to back up and overflow into your gutters.
- Keep trees trimmed so that their branches aren’t hanging over your gutters. This will help prevent leaves and twigs from falling into your gutters and clogging them up.
- Install gutter screens or guards to keep debris out. Gutter screens and guards can be installed by a professional gutter company or handyman, and they can help prevent leaves and other debris from getting into your gutters in the first place.
- Inspect your gutters regularly, and clean them out as needed. If you notice any damage, have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further issues.
- Look for rusted gutters – if you have gutters that are starting to rust, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible. Rust can cause serious damage to your gutters and home, and it will only get worse over time.
Cost of Replacing Gutters
In the event that your gutters are rusted and leaky, you may need to replace your gutters all together. The cost of replacing gutters varies depending on the size and type of gutter you choose. In general, aluminum gutters cost between $0.50 and $0.70 per linear foot, while vinyl gutters cost between $0.50 and $0.80 per linear foot. If you’re not sure which type of gutter is right for your home, a professional gutter installer can help you out.
How to Clean your Gutters Yourself
Cleaning your gutters yourself can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s definitely doable if you have the right tools and know what you’re doing. If you are comfortable working on a ladder, you may be able to DIY clean gutters. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need a ladder, gutter scoop, gloves, and a hose.
- Start by removing any large debris from your gutters with the gutter scoop.
- Once the large debris is out, use the hose to flush out any smaller pieces of debris and dirt.
- Make sure to inspect your gutters regularly, and clean them out as needed. This will help prevent serious problems down the road.
- If you notice any damage, have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further issues.
- Look for rusted gutters – it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible. Rust can cause serious damage to your gutters and home, and it will only get worse over time.
Cleaning your gutters is an important task that should be done at least twice a year. Not only will it help keep your gutters clear of debris, but it can also prevent serious damage to your home. The cost of gutter cleaning varies depending on the size and type of your home, as well as whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional. In general, gutter cleaning costs range from $75 to $200 per visit. If you have a bigger house or a higher roof the cost will be on the higher end, while a smaller home with lower gutters will be on the lower end. Hiring a professional gutter cleaning service is usually the best option, as they have the experience and equipment to do the job quickly and safely.