WHY CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS?
Gutter systems are invisible parts of a building, but their role in maintaining the proper functioning of the building is invaluable. They direct water from the roof downwards, preventing moisture accumulation, which can lead to many problems:
Roof damage: Clogged gutters can cause flooding and damage to the roofing material, which can lead to leaks and even roof failure.
Facade damage: Water flowing from the roof without proper drainage can damage the walls and facade of the building. Moisture can cause peeling paint, destruction of surfaces, mold, and streaks.
Foundation damage: If water is not effectively removed from the building’s foundation, it can lead to damage and even serious problems with the foundation. Waterlogging unevenly changes the bearing capacity of the soil and increases the heaving of the soil masses in the winter.
Ice and snow formation: Clogged guttering systems can contribute to the formation of snow, ice, and icicles, which can be dangerous for residents and passers-by. Sometimes, huge icicles form on the funnels, which, when falling, damage air conditioners, facades, and awnings. Therefore, if your drainage system is clogged, it is advisable to clear the roof regularly from snow and ice in the winter.
WHEN TO CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS?
MARCH
Spring rains can sometimes be too heavy. This can cause them to wash silt, sand, and small debris into your roof gutters, causing blockages and extra weight. It also creates the perfect conditions for saplings to take root, ultimately damaging your gutters in the long run.
JUNE
Summer is a time of rapid growth, meaning plants and grass will grow out of the gutters. This vegetation will block water flow, especially during rainy seasons, causing water to overflow, which can cause structural damage if not addressed quickly.
AUGUST
Most people should clean their gutters before and after winter, but it’s most important to do so in late August before snow starts raining. Keeping your gutters clear of debris can help prevent damage later when snow melts off your roof and weighs down your gutters.
FALL
In the fall, leaves fall, and strong winds blow. If your home is near a wooded area or lots of trees, your gutters will likely be full of leaves. And the worst thing is that when it rains, the leaves will turn into a rotting mush that will block your gutters.
Clogged Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is essential because clogged gutters will overflow and damage your home. The purpose of your gutters is to direct water from your roof to the ground, preventing it from flowing into your home. The problem is that water isn’t the only thing that gets into your gutters. Leaves, debris, gravel from shingles, and even animals can get in there, and when they get stuck, your gutters can become clogged, causing serious and expensive damage to your home.
Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to seep into your fascia board and cause it to rot. A rotten fascia board can allow water to leak into your attic, ceiling, etc. Likewise, water can leak into your basement or foundation if your downspout and drain are clogged. Not only is this expensive to fix, but it can also lead to dangerous mold and mildew growth. Our gutter maintenance services are designed to keep the inside of your system clean. This is a necessity to keep your gutters working and functioning properly. Once you install gutter guards, you will no longer need to have your interior cleaned yearly.
Cleaning Methods
So far, we have found that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cleaning your gutters. So, we take a hybrid approach when it comes to cleaning your gutters. We get down to the level of your gutters and use a combination of a blower and hand scooping to get ALL the debris out of your gutters and make sure your downspouts are clear of debris as well. We will use the most effective method for your home and the condition of your gutters. All while maintaining the highest level of safety and cleanliness for your home and landscape – leaving you with gutters that will work and protect your home the way they were designed to.
Gutter Guards
If you want to avoid the cost of regular gutter cleaning services, another option is to have us install a high-quality gutter guard system to keep your gutters free of leaves and debris. Investing more in a system like this can save you money in the long run. High-quality gutter guards can also strengthen your gutter system and increase its longevity, especially if you experience heavy storms.
Overflowing / Leaky Gutters
Leaks and overflows after a storm are the biggest signs that your gutters may be clogged and need cleaning, but they can also indicate that you need gutter repair.
Signs that your gutters need attention:
- Gutter overflow.
- Visible debris in the gutters.
- No water flow from the downspout.
To the untrained eye, an overflow caused by a clog can look similar to an overflow caused by damaged or improperly installed gutters.
Cleaning and Repair – Which do I Need?
An overflow in or near a downspout is a clear sign that you need gutter cleaning. Most likely, a blockage is preventing water from flowing down the downspout.
Repair
Whereas an overflow that occurs in the middle of the gutter and/or at the opposite end of the downspout is usually an indication that a repair or reinstallation is needed, as it can:
- be a sign of a slope issue
- mean that your gutters are too small
- mean that there are not enough guides or downspouts
- your gutters are sagging/pulling away from your home due to age or installation issues.
Why Choose Professionals from Kozel LLC
When ordering our gutter cleaners near me services, you get:
- Affordable prices;
- Clean and serviceable drains;
- Qualified specialists;
- Safe execution of work;
- Responsibility and efficiency.
Our company’s gutters contractor team professionally cleans drainage systems, pipes, guttersand storm drains on roofs of houses in NJ.
If you have such a need, contact us, and our contractors will efficiently and promptly solve the task at hand.
FAQ
Gutter guards are a worthwhile investment if your gutters tend to collect debris or attract pests, especially if your area also gets heavy rainfall. However, if you live in a dry climate or an urban area without nearby trees, preventing debris from getting into your gutters may not be a priority.
Preventive inspection and cleaning of the gutter should be carried out at least twice a year: in early spring, as soon as the first thaw begins, and in late autumn, when all the leaves have fallen, but the first snow has not yet fallen.
Yes, most gutter contents can be cleaned by hand, and a backpack blower can remove any remaining debris and clean the downspouts. Water is only needed to clean the outside of the gutter.
No, you do not need to be at home during the cleaning.