Gutter Cleanouts and Gutter Guards - J Douglass Wildlife Handyman

Why should you have your gutters cleaned?

Routine gutter cleaning is crucial for the health and maintenance of your home. Over time, clogged gutters can lead to water damage that can affect your home’s foundation and lead to more costly repairs. One of the most common problems with clogged gutters is water damage to the roof. The gutters do not drain properly, leading to water accumulation on the roof’s surface. The backup of water can cause damage to the roof’s integrity, leading to extensive roof leaks. Clogged gutters from excess leaf debris can cause improper drainage, resulting in rotting or destruction of the fascia boards and soffits. Over time, as gutters become overfilled with debris, the gutters become heavier. This can sometimes cause the gutters to detach from the fascia boards. Furthermore, the backup of water not only affects the exterior of your home but can lead to mold development in the interior walls, insulation, windows, and doors.

Do clogged gutters put my home at risk for wildlife and pest infestations?

Yes! Clogged gutters create the perfect environment for wildlife critters, such as squirrels and rodents, to nest and raise their young. This provides the perfect opportunity for these critters to chew their way into the interior of your home, creating all sorts of problems in your attic. In addition, excess leaf debris also contributes to the infestation of roaches and carpenter ants. Carpenter ants like to feed on rotting wood, causing further destruction of your home. These destructive bugs like to nest deep within the structure of your home and can be very difficult to remove. Roaches like to make their way into your attic through small gaps in the roofline and gutter lines. Routine gutter cleaning and maintenance can help avoid these pests’ infestations and minimize the risk of contagious diseases. No one wants to live with many carpenter ants and roaches!

When is the best time to have my gutters cleaned?

The best time to have your gutters cleaned is in spring and fall, especially after all the leaves have fallen off the trees. Ultimately, having your gutters cleaned twice a year will ensure they work at top performance to minimize the risk of damage to your home. Be aware that homes near oak trees may need to be cleaned more frequently depending on how quickly the debris builds up in your gutters. Oak trees tend not to lose their leaves until late fall, pushing back your optimal gutter clean-out window to later in the year.

How much does it cost to have my gutters cleaned?

The cost of gutter cleanouts depends on the linear footage of your gutters and the ladder height required for the cleaning. A standard gutter cleanout can range from $100-$300.

Why should a professional clean my gutters instead of doing the job myself?

Your safety is our number one priority. Gutter cleanouts require extensive ladder work, and some gutter lines are at hard-to-reach heights. We have ladder extensions that can reach very high locations and have extensive training in safety protocols to minimize any injury risk. We are also insured for general liabilities and take all the safety precautions. Plus, cleaning gutters is a very dirty job!

What about gutter guards?

Gutter guards are an essential part of the protection of your gutters and home! If your gutters are at a higher risk of collecting a large amount of debris or generating a high volume of pest and wildlife traffic, then gutter guards can be a worthwhile investment. Gutter guards are highly effective at shielding the gutters from large amounts of debris while moving water away from your home. With gutter guards, you may still have to remove the debris lying on top. However, the guards prevent clogging and further water damage. Gutters with gutter guards require less maintenance and help to save money in the future!