JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Gutter cleaning is one home maintenance task that should never be overlooked. A lack of maintenance can cause major problems for a home. Clogged gutters can lead to expensive repairs when left untreated.
"Gutter cleaning can be a pretty simple task this time of the year, but a lot of times consumers tend to skip over it, but that can be dangerous because your gutters are your first line of defense against water problems in your home," explained Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
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Damage caused by clogged gutters include:
A professional gutter cleaning should include removal of all leaves and other material from the roof, gutters and downspouts, as well as a check of overall gutter condition and repair of any loose gutter spikes. In addition, the person who does the work should leave your yard clear of debris.
Angie's List asked highly rated gutter cleaning pros about keeping your gutters and downspouts clear.
- How often should gutters be cleaned? It generally depends on the part of the country where you live. If you live in Arizona, for example, you may be able to go several years, but for those who live where autumn leaves fall, it's important to clean gutters at least twice a year. The most important time is in late fall after all or most of the leaves have come down. Most deciduous trees also drop debris in the spring, so an early summer cleaning is important as well. Those who live in heavily wooded areas may find it necessary to clear the gutters three or four times a year. While leaf guards help reduce debris collecting in your gutter, you should still check your gutters twice a year.
- Rain inspections: Take a walk around your house while it's raining and check to see if your gutters are overflowing and/or leaking. Always make sure the downspouts are not clogged and that they are carrying water away from the house foundation.
- Time to replace? If you notice your gutters pulling away from the fascia board (the board the holds the gutter) or your gutters continue to overflow after having already been cleaned, it could be time to replace them. A qualified and experienced gutter professional can help you determine if your gutters can be repaired – usually for a few hundred dollars – or if they need to be replaced, which could range from $500 to $2,000 for aluminum gutters, depending on the size of the home.
Guards and screens:
There is no perfect way to keep gutters clean other than getting on a ladder and scooping out the leaves. However, there are several types of gutter guards and hoods to consider that may offer less maintenance.
Whether any of these actually eliminate the need to get on the ladder twice a year is a matter of debate. Common complaints about various products are either that too much debris still gets in (and so has to be manually cleaned out) or that too much rainwater runs off instead of going into the gutter.
Even if you have gutter guards, you may want to hire a professional. Experts say up to 20 percent of leaves and other material can get through a gutter cover, and that experienced workers may be better at removing and reinstalling the guards.
Angie's List Tips: Hiring a gutter cleaning service
Although cleaning gutters is a task most homeowners can do themselves, it can be dangerous work. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, falls from ladders sent more than 240,000 Americans to hospital emergency rooms in 2009 (the most recent year available.)
- Licensed & insured: Working on gutters requires the use of a ladder, which can be dangerous. When hiring a professional, check that the company is licensed and insured, has worker's compensation protection for its employees, and has a good reputation and work history. Check with your agent that YOU have enough homeowners insurance.
- How much do you charge? During a cleaning, a professional should remove all debris from the roof, gutters and downspouts, while checking and repairing any loose gutter spikes. The cost of gutter cleaning ranges from $75 to $225 for an average home, depending on the length of gutters, height of the home and scope of work. Most companies charge a flat fee per foot of gutter, but the cost can go up depending on the complexity of the work.
- Read the fine print: If you have to purchase new gutters, be sure to read all the details before signing a contract. Check the warranty – look for a warranty that runs at least 20 years.