Fall Gutter Cleaning Questions

How do I know if my gutters need to be cleaned?
How do gutters get clogged?
What happens when gutters get clogged?
Is there something that can be done to avoid the need for gutter cleaning?
How do you clean gutters?
When should I clean my gutters?
How much does it cost to have gutters cleaned?
Do I need to be home when my gutters are cleaned?
How long before someone arrives to clean my gutters?
How long does a gutter cleaning take?
Why should I hire Lifetime Gutters to clean my gutters?


 How do I know if my gutters need to be cleaned?
Gutters carry rainwater from your roof safely down the side of your home and safely away from the foundation. They are also designed to prevent icicles from forming. Gutters will not work properly if they are clogged. Some signs that your gutters need cleaning include large icicles hanging from your roof, ice dams forming, leaks and rot appearing where your home's walls and ceiling meet, fascia or rafters, water overflowing your gutters, water dripping stains on the outside of your home, flooding near your downspouts well after storms pass, foundation problems and basement water leaks, sidewalks heaving or covered with ice in the winter near the downspout, excessive amounts of mosquitos, gutters pulled away from their attachment points,

 How do gutters become clogged?
Gutters become clogged mainly because of leaves: in late spring and early summer when all the seed pods, blossoms, pollen strings, old leaves, pine needles, acorns, sticks and 'helicopters' have all fallen. All of this volume will clog gutters, leaders and underground drains of the gutter system, particularly if you have large trees nearby. Sometimes animals such as birds and squirels may nest inside or behind your gutters which can also cause clogs. In the winter, ice dams can form due to improper insulation and ventilation in your attic.

 What happens when gutters get clogged?
Clogged gutters do not allow water to drain properly, so it overflows. It may overflow and leach into your home, causing internal leaks, rot and damage. Water may overflow up under your shingles, causing roof damage especially in the winter. This may also cause your fascia and rafters to begin to rot. Overflowing water may leak behind the gutters, making black marks on the side of your home from the dirty water and wreaking havoc on the landscaping below. Once on the ground, the water may not drain properly away from your home, causing foundation leaks and very expensive problems and mold in addition to slippery sidewalks. And of course, anywhere water pools you may get nuisance insects like mosquitos which also carries concerns about West Nile virus and EEE. In the winter, icicles and heavy blocks of ice can form which are hazards in themselves, but their weight can also pull the gutter system away from the home, making all of these things even worse.

 Is there something that can be done to avoid the need for gutter cleaning?
We often install permanent gutter guards which tends to eliminate most clogging. Your gutters should still be inspected yearly and cleaned if needed. This is much like changing the oil in your car or going to the doctor; routine inspections will help with any problem.

 How do you clean gutters?
We will arrive, do a preliminary inspection and then begin. Any leaks or repairs will be brought to your attention.

 When should I clean my gutters?
Mid Fall is a good time as leaves and needles begin to accumulate in volume and this can overwhelm gutter systems. Late fall is also recommended as most of the leaves will have fallen off the trees - but - you don't want to wait too long because the gutters will freeze with the debris still in them. The 2014-15 Winter is forecast by the Farmer's Almanac to be very cold with lots of snow.

 How much does it cost to have gutters cleaned?
Please call for a consultation, because each home is very different. If we can find a convenient time, we can schedule a time to come. We can also stop by while you're at work and then consult with you.

 Do I need to be home when my gutters are cleaned?
You do not have to be home during the actual cleaning. We will call you the day before to remind you we are coming.

 How long before someone arrives to clean my gutters?
We can usually have a crew out to your home within the week, though there are busy times of the year. We strive to get the work done as soon as possible.

 How long does a gutter cleaning take?
It depends on your home. If the gutters are in good condition, the gutter layout is simple and there are no clogs, it will go much faster than a house where the gutters are in poor condition, there are lots of turns in the gutters or there are multiple clogs or other problems. We aim to be most thorough, not the fastest gutter cleaners.

  Why should Lifetime Gutters clean my gutters? We do this every day. As professionals, we will perform the task faster and with our experience we are able to spot potential problems that you might not ever notice. We also save you the purchase of the 20 odd tools needed (some are special,) save you from climbing unsteady ladders with water laden hoses, disassembling the gutter system to remove clogs and gathering up all the cleaned out debris.

Contact Lifetime Gutters today to get your gutters cleaned out. Don't wait.