Keeping your home in good shape isn’t cheap. In fact, the average homeowner spends more than $2,000 on home maintenance every year.
Unfortunately, this leaves many people wanting to put off projects and repairs for as long as possible.
While it can save you money upfront, neglecting repairs and maintenance can cost you thousands in the long-run. Cleaning your gutters is one of the best ways to keep your home’s exterior in good condition so it can stand up to the elements.
Though it is possible to take care of the task yourself, it’s always better to hire a professional gutter cleaning company. Here’s why.
1. Professional Gutter Cleaning Keeps You Safer
Believe it or not, cleaning gutters is dangerous work. You have to do the job by hand which means climbing ladders and working at the same height as your roof.
Unless you take the necessary safety precautions, you put yourself at risk for falls and severe injuries.
When you hire a professional gutter cleaning service, you won’t have to worry about getting hurt on the job. They’re used to working 10 to 20 feet above the ground and have the right safety equipment in place to protect them while they work.
Even better, they have liability insurance to protect you from lawsuits if something happens and they do fall while working on your property.
2. It Saves You Time
Cleaning your gutters isn’t as simple as scooping out the leaves and calling it good. You need to find the right equipment, secure the ladder, and take your time removing debris to prevent damage to the gutters themselves.
For most homeowners, the project will take a full day at least. The larger your house is, the more you’ll have to clean and the more time you’ll need to spend working.
When you hire local gutter cleaners, all you have to do is show them where they need to go. They’ll handle the work for you so you can get back to enjoying your day.
Once they’re done, you won’t have to worry about hauling away debris or picking up equipment. They’ll take care of everything for you.
3. Your Gutters Will Be Cleaner
When you clean gutters on your own, you can easily remove the noticeable buildup and debris from the channels. However, that doesn’t mean you’ve cleaned them thoroughly.
Believe it or not, debris can get stuck in downspouts and along the roofline, creating clogs in your gutters over time. When this happens, any runoff and excess water from your roof will flow over the sides of your gutters and down the siding of your house.
This increases the risk of leaks and water damage in the walls of your house.
When professionals handle your home’s gutter cleaning, they take care to clean every part of the gutters. This includes the downspouts and drainage areas around your property.
If they find any clogs or notice buildup starting to collect in the low points, they’ll be able to remove those clogs quickly. The cleaner your gutters are, the more effective they’ll be.
4. It Keeps Your Gutters in Better Shape
Routine gutter cleaning is essential if you want to keep your gutters and your home’s exterior in good shape. As buildup collects in the gutters, it creates the perfect habitat for unwanted pests and insects.
If those critters nest in the gutters, they can damage the materials, leaving you with sagging gutters or holes inside the channels.
Professionals will be able to clean your gutters thoroughly to keep unwanted critters out and can address minor repairs before they become major issues. If you clean your gutters yourself, you could end up missing the early warning signs of damage until it’s too late.
5. Pros Will Tell You If There Are Problems
Unfortunately, issues with your gutters can be easy to miss if you don’t know exactly what to look for. The longer those issues go on, the more severe the damage will become.
When you work with a professional gutter cleaning company, they’ll be able to tell you if there’s anything wrong with your gutters and your home’s siding. They know what to look for and can easily distinguish a fully functioning gutter system from one that’s underperforming or showing early signs of wear and tear.
This makes it easier for you to stay on top of routine maintenance so you can prevent more expensive repairs in the future.
What to Look for When You Hire a Professional
If you’re like most homeowners, you’re likely not sure where to start looking for professional gutter cleaners. Start your search by asking your friends, family, and neighbors for a referral.
Once you have a few names, call each company and ask for an estimate.
When you speak with them, take the time to ask questions and learn more about gutter cleaning services that may benefit your home.
You’ll also want to ask for proof of their business license and insurance policies before you agree to work with them.
If they don’t have them or refuse to offer you some proof of coverage, you’ll want to keep looking. Otherwise, you could end up being liable for any damage done to your property as well as any injuries their staff suffers on your property.
Getting Your Gutters Cleaned Is a Must
Regular gutter cleaning is one of the best ways to keep your home and your roof leak-free for years to come. While it is possible to clean them yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional.
They’ll be able to get the job done quickly and thoroughly, saving you time, money, and frustration.
Just make sure the contractor you choose to work with has the right amount of experience and can handle your home’s gutters properly.
Looking for more tips and tricks to help you keep your home in good shape? Check out our latest posts.