Everything you need to know about finding a Gutter Cleaning Business

Gutters are a vital part of the roofing system and it is essential that they are correctly maintained. Read on to learn more about gutter cleaning.

©Leaf Free Gutter Guard

Why Clean Your Gutters?

The guttering system in your home is designed to catch the most water possible from your roof – whether that water is disposed of through the stormwater system or it is being stored for usage around the home. If the gutters or downpipes are clogged at any point, the water cannot drain away as it should, causing it to flow over the gutters or underneath the fascia. The water will eventually find its way into the ceiling, foundation or inner walls, not to mention inside the windows. This leads to structural damage to the property.

Gutter cleaning is necessary in order to reduce the fire hazard in fire-prone areas. It also extends the life of your gutters and downpipes. Clean gutters also reduce the availability of breeding areas for insects, especially mosquitoes. Gutters should be cleaned at least once per year, but in areas where the number of trees are higher, this figure may increase to three to four times per year.

Some gutter cleaners will also clean your ceiling cavity, reducing the risk of allergies caused by dust mites and also removing the breeding grounds for vermin.

Gutter Cleaning Services

Gutter cleaners provide the following services:

• removal of leaves and debris from gutters, roofs, and downpipes
• flushing of gutters and downpipes as required
• ceiling cavity cleaning
• clearing the roof and checking for damaged tiles
• removal of waste once it has been cleared from the gutters
• supply and installation of gutter guards
• bird proofing the gutters
• tile repairs
• roof condition reports

Hiring a Gutter Cleaner

When hiring a gutter cleaner, ensure that they are fully insured and that the staff always follow strict safety guidelines. Gain obligation free quotes from at least three companies first and choose the one that seems to fit the best with your needs. This may not necessarily be the cheapest. Ensure that the companies are quoting on similar services.

Ask the company if they will remove the mess from the property. Some companies will leave the debris on your property to be used as mulch if you so desire. Also ask if they provide a satisfaction guarantee. Finally, ask how long their response time is and if they provide an emergency service if necessary. 

©Leaf Gutter Guard

How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost?

Gutter cleaning services will charge based on an hourly rate, with size of the job being the key determinant in the final cost. So the more guttering you have the more you can expect to be charged. This could range from as little as $40 per hour, though this base rate will vary depending on where you live.