Most people don’t realize they have gutter problems until they get drenched walking under the eaves or discover a roof leak or foundation crack. With gutters, prevention is better than cure. With that in mind, here are 4 tips for saving on gutter cleaning.
1. Don’t automatically replace gutters when you discover a problem. You may think you need new gutters when a good cleaning will take care of the problem. Installing gutter guards on freshly cleaned gutters may seem like a big expense, but it can cut down significantly on the frequency of gutter cleanings and can prevent big problems in the long run.
2. Consider cleaning gutters yourself. Cleaning gutters is hard work, but it isn’t very complicated. You’ll need a good ladder, a hose, perhaps a small hand rake, and a few lag bolts to replace missing gutter spikes. Start at the end of a gutter without the downspout and work your way toward the downspout end. Clean debris from the top and bottom of the downspout and then run the hose through the gutter and downspout to ensure they flow properly.
3. Never hire a gutter cleaner who isn’t insured. Insurance protects them, and it protects you. The last thing you need is for an uninsured gutter cleaner to fall from a ladder and break a leg at your house. Get word of mouth recommendations and talk to multiple services before deciding on one.
4. Don’t wait too long. If you have your gutters cleaned twice a year, the job will likely be simple and fairly quick. But if it’s been years since you had your gutters cleaned, it could take a long time, since years of leaves, dirt, and debris have to be removed. Waiting too long between cleanings can also result in overflows, roof leaks, and foundation cracks, all of which are expensive to repair.
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