Clean Your Gutters Now! » Gutter Cleaning

How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned

Mark Holencik — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 14:03:12 +0000

How often should gutters be cleaned?

It depends! Some houses can go for a couple of years between cleanings. Others need cleaning twice a year or more. Each situation is different

Develop a history

Starting out to find how often cleaning is needed the gutters and down spouts should be checked twice a year for signs of blockage, leaks and possible overflowing. If you live in a high rainfall area or have a lot of trees hanging over the house you may want to increase the frequency of checking the gutter system. As you check the system and track the need for cleaning after a season or two it will be very clear what is needed for gutter cleaning frequency

For those who can not see any of the gutters from inside the house and do not climb ladders checking the system for blockage can be relatively easy. On clear days check of signs of mold or streaking on places the gutters may over flow. Observe the siding for discolorations indicating water leaks. Just when it starts to rain go to the out let of he downspouts and if water does not flow very soon after the start of a heavy rain you know that something is blocking either the gutters or leaders. If you want to stay dry and the garden hose spray can reach the roof the same test can be done of the system by spraying water on the roof and simulating a rain, checking the water flows down the system as it saturates the roof and fills the gutter.

This way you do not have to clean the gutters more often than needed. Regardless if you are doing it yourself or paying some one to climb up and clean the gutters no one wants to waste time energy or money on something that is not needed.

Cleaning frequency

Prior to having a history on when gutter cleaning is need for a house follow this rule of thumb. Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned and checked for signs of necessary repairs at least twice a year. Typically, the best times to do this are spring when the tree seed pods and flower debris are down and fall when the leaves are down but take care not to wait so long a prolonged freeze sets in. Each year this window of opportunity can be very different. The late fall option can be difficult if put off too long and you get into snow and freezing weather were it is not safe or practical to work on gutters. If you suspect a problem or live in an extremely rainy climate, then perhaps, you should check and clean the gutters more frequently. If there are a lot of trees that are high or over hang the roof then the need for cleaning will naturally increase the frequency. Some people cannot tell in advance the need for gutter cleaning so just wait till the gutters show a problem then have them cleaned. This method can stretch out the need for cleaning but also lead to a sudden death playoff with problems in the winter being the hardest to resolve if there are freezing conditions. If you live in an area that winter is cold enough for freezing then you can get ice dams in the gutters and water pouring into the house as melting snow from the heat inside works up under the roof since the ice blocks the normal flow of water off the roof. As you keep track of how much material is removed at cleaning, how full the gutters are and if there are blocked downspouts you will know what the right frequency is. Most houses always have bad spot and areas of guttering that stays clear.

“How Often Gutters Should Be Cleaned”

Was written By Dana Huntley of Gutter Cleaning Hampton

http://guttercleaninghampton.com

Spring Gutter Cleaning

Mark Holencik — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 14:02:30 +0000

Spring Gutter Cleaning

Spring is just around the corner. Are your gutters ready? The main and primary task of the gutters is to divert the rain away from your home and the foundation. It is important that you do the spring gutter cleaning to prepare for the upcoming rainy season. Experts say that spring gutter cleaning must be done in order to avoid roof damage and costly repairs.

It’s that time of year when a spring gutter cleaning is almost always needed, especially with the new shedding of leaf debris and seeds from spring budding branches. Recent winter storms can also blow branches, pine needles and roofing debris into gutters, causing potential rainwater overflow. Also the winds of February take their toll on your gutter system also. These repairs need to be done to allow for proper drainage.

Spring is coming fast. Meaning there are lots of home projects needing your attention. And one part of your home that is overlooked most often is in the gutters. Spring gutter cleaning is an essential part of keeping your home in a good condition. For busy homeowners, spring gutter cleaning is perhaps taken for granted.

The main issue is, a lot of homeowners delay spring gutter cleaning until there is an issue, or so much debris has gathered in the gutter. Sad to say, taking for granted the gutter or waiting until you notice an issues prior to fixing it will make the situation worse, especially during the spring gutter cleaning season.

If the gutter is clogged it can wreck your home with water drainage. This damage can be to roofing, fascia, and soffit and even start leaking directly into the home. Moreover, water damage could ruin the foundation of the house that can lead to serious problems. You have to avoid this from happening.

Some of the advantages of spring gutter cleaning take account of the following:

· It keeps your home safe from water damage.

· It prevents the birds, termites, mosquitoes from creating their nesting places.

· It keeps the beauty and value of the property.

Spring Gutter Cleaning Guides

Start through scooping out twigs, loose leaves, pine cones, mud and any debris which can clog up the gutter.

Pay attention to cleaning out the drain spout in order to release water build up from previous rain.
Utilize a water hose and then spray your gutter to eliminate stubborn mud and dirt. Make sure to use a hose that is capable to produce lot of force so as push properly debris out of the gutter.
Dissembling the downspout may be necessary to clear and clean hard to reach corners and eliminate clogs.

Spring gutter cleaning takes account of getting up on your roof where falls from defective ladders can happen. The suggestion of many experts is to get the service of reliable and skilled rain gutter technician in order to avoid injuries and at the same time to make sure that the job is done fast and accurate. A lot of companies offer spring gutter cleaning services and upkeep.

Maintain a schedule of fall and spring gutter cleaning every year. A lot of gutter cleaning companies even have a yearly program wherein homeowners can sign up to have regular gutter cleanings. Some homes may need their gutters cleaned more often. This will keep you and your property safe from clogged gutters and the water damage from clogged gutters.

How to Clean Your Gutters Before They Clean Out Your Wallet

Mark Holencik — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 15:41:01 +0000

How to Clean Your Gutters Before They

Clean Out Your Wallet

By Jason Gurskis

Fox Around the House

Published December 22, 2010

FoxNews.com

Cleaning your gutters is one of the most important projects on the to-do list yet it’s too often overlooked. Unfortunately, many of us wait until late into the fall season when the very last leaf falls before we decide to get it done. This delay exposes our homes to potential damage. Plus, it makes the job a lot more difficult to do.

If you do it a couple of times a year, in the fall and spring, cleaning gutters is easy. Just once, or not at all, and it can become back breaking work and cost you thousands of dollars worth of trouble down the road.

The problem with clogged gutters is more than just those annoying waterfalls that pour off the roof on rainy days, or the pretty icicles that hang around in the winter. This excess water wreaks havoc on the integrity of your home’s structure. The gutter system of a house is designed to move water down from the roof and away from the home and it’s foundation for proper drainage. Water that gets dammed up in the gutters finds the path of least resistance when it tries to drain and this often means it works right into the walls and ceilings of your house.

The first and most obvious issue with gutters filled to the brim with leaves, twigs, and other debris is simply a weight problem. When that debris gets wet it absorbs the rain water like a sponge and becomes extremely heavy. This burden puts stress on the gutters and their hanging brackets, and can pull the gutters off the house. Falling gutters are costly enough to replace on their own, not to mention any lights or windows they smash as they come crashing down.

Overflowing water from the gutters can also damage the paint and siding on a home, but unsightly water marks down the side of the house pale in comparison with what happens if the water get inside of a wall. Wet wood rots and loses its integrity, and this can go unseen behind the siding until it is too late.

Ice-damming is another major issue with clogged gutters. Blocked water can freeze when it backs up in the gutters, pushing up against the roof structure and working its way under the shingles destroying the wood, causing even more leaks.

Even flooded basements and cracking foundations are other symptoms of clogged gutters. If water isn’t drained away from the house and it pools around the foundation it will expand when frozen and cause cracks which lead to floods in your basement or crawl space.

So what will you need to get the job done? You only need a few things and they depend on the method you choose. Many different tricks and techniques have been developed by home improvement magazines, experts, and handymen alike but the main concept is simple, just get on the ladder and pull the junk out of the gutters.

You’ll need; a ladder, gloves, a container to gather the debris such as a bag or bucket, a garden trowel or small hand rake, and the hose.

Begin by setting the ladder an arms length away from a corner downspout, and tuck a few garbage bags in your back pocket so you can easily pull them out. Some people prefer to use a bucket and bucket hanger for the ladder, but it is much easier to use those little plastic shopping bags. A full bucket or big garbage bag can get pretty heavy and make the job tougher than a high wire act.

Hold your garden trowel or rake in your hand and begin your ascent. You never want to put sharp objects in your pocket when you are climbing a ladder, as they can harpoon you if you fall. Use the tool to pull the debris away from the down spout, being careful not to let any junk fall into the opening, which can create a clog. Take one handful at a time and fill up the bags, tying and dropping them to the ground as you go. Drop the bags away from the bottom of the ladder so they don’t get in your way when you need to dismount.

Move the ladder and repeat. Never reach further than an arms length away from the ladder and be sure to get the dirt on the bottom of the gutter. A majority of it is from the asphalt shingles that run off into the gutter. This stuff gets very heavy when wet so don’t leave it in there.

If you are afraid of heights or worry about dealing with the bags in such a precarious situation, simply grab handfuls from the gutters and drop it onto a clear spot on the ground. This is a very messy method, but you can rake up the debris later, safely and easily. Some guys drop the material down onto a tarp and shake it into a garbage can later.

Once you clean an entire length, grab the hose and spray down the gutter and into the down spouts to get all the small pieces you missed. If there are clogs that the hose can’t clear, you can use a plumbers snake to clear them out. This is also a good point to see if your gutters leak at any corners or joining pieces. If they do, you can purchase a silicone sealant and very easily make the fix. Remember that water finds the path of least resistance, and that path us usually into the walls of your house, so a leaky gutter can be just as bad as a clogged one.

If you are ambitious, you can scrub down the outside of the gutters or touch up any spots with paint to keep your house looking its best.

Still hesitant on doing this yourself? Consider using a roofing or siding contractor, or even handy man, but get three estimates and don’t always go for the cheapest one. The guy with the 1970’s pick up truck with rock bottom prices could possibly do a great job, but may not have any insurance. Whom ever you choose, be sure they are insured. If someone takes a dive off the ladder and breaks every bone in his body and is not covered by his own workman’s comp you, the homeowner, are liable. It’s a lot easier to ask him for a copy of his up-to-date insurance papers than it is to make a claim on your homeowner’s insurance policy, assuming it even covers such accidents.

One way or another, pushing this chore to the bottom of the to-do list could end up being a very costly mistake. If you get up there regularly it can be a breeze and you’ll prevent the Hoover dam from forming in your gutters.

Jason Gurskis is a licensed home improvement contractor based in Mystic Island, New Jersey dedicated to making homes more comfortable, durable, and energy efficient.

Cleaning gutters prevents repairs

Mark Holencik — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 15:38:43 +0000

Cleaning gutters prevents repairs

Don’t fall down on the job of keeping your gutters and downspouts clear and in good repair. They may be an “out of sight, out of mind” aspect of your home exterior, but neglecting them can lead to costly repairs.

Here’s a basic guide to gutter maintenance, compiled by our researchers and based on the expertise of gutter pros rated highly by Angie’s List members:

When to check, clean gutters
Fall is a good time to think about gutters, since leaves dropping from trees are a main cause of clogging. But gutters and downspouts can be blocked by other things, too, including pine needles, twigs, “helicopter” maple seeds and even tennis balls.

Experts recommend checking your gutter system at least twice a year, in the spring and in the fall after trees have shed most of their leaves and needles.

Depending on how many trees you have, you may need to clear gutters and downspouts as often as every three months. If you have few trees or your gutters are covered by a screen or other guard-type product, they may need to be cleaned only once a year or every few years.

The cost of neglect
You could pay a price if you ignore periodic inspection and cleaning. As one top-rated gutter professional told our researcher: “Gutter prevention is measured in pennies; repairs are measured in dollars.”

Clogged downspouts and gutters cause water to overflow the gutter, which can damage fascia or soffit boards, erode landscaping, or cause a roof leak, which in turn may create additional exterior or interior damage. Fixing these problems can cost you thousands of dollars. Clogged gutters can also be related to pest and rodent infestation.

Hire or DIY?
If you clean your gutters, be careful when working from a ladder and don’t forget to clear downspouts, too.

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.

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.

Pricing and hiring tips
The cost of gutter cleaning depends on the size and height of your home. Special equipment may be required to clean gutters of a three-story home, for example. Prices range from $75 to $225 for an average home, depending on the length of gutters and height of house. Most companies charge a flat fee per foot of gutter, but the cost can rise, depending on the complexity of the work.

If you’re thinking about having gutter covers installed, be aware that the price usually starts at around $1,500.

To find a reliable gutter expert, get recommendations from family, friends and neighbors, or check a trusted online review source. Ask for and check references, get several estimates and confirm that the company you hire is properly licensed and adequately insured.

Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie’s List, a resource for local consumer reviews on everything from home repair to health care. Follow her on Twitter at @Angie_Hicks.

Holencik Insulation Cleans Gutters

Mark Holencik — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 15:35:43 +0000

Holencik Insulation provides a wide range of services for residential and commercial gutters in Eastern PA and NJ. We are available for professional gutter cleaning, gutter repair and gutter installation, as well as gutter guards and several other home maintenance services. Our customers will enjoy prompt, reliable service from the best trained gutter mechanics in the industry.

Contact us for one time gutter cleaning or regular maintenance. Our expert mechanics use the latest equipment and our proven gutter cleaning techniques to remove the debris that collects in your gutters. We also inspect the entire system for the correct pitch and look for damage at any point in the system.

Gutter cleaning is one of our many services for residential and commercial gutters in Eastern PA and NJ. We offer expert gutter repair, gutter guards and new gutter installation from a team of highly trained gutter mechanics. If you need your gutters replaced, we use only high quality materials that are covered by a twenty year warranty. Our workmanship is guaranteed.

We will also inspect your roof and siding. Then let you know if there are any issues that need attention.

At Holencik Insulation, we provide free quotes for our services. You can request a free quote by filling out the form to the right for fastest service or by calling our office at 484-892-2816.