Roof and Gutter Cleaning is the most dreaded and dangerous chore for a homeowner. Over 250,000 people get hurt around their homes each year getting up on ladders. Over 8,000 deaths. If your over 40 you have no business begin on a roof. And keep your freinds and family members off , unless you want their family to own your home. Stay off the roof and leave it to the pros.
Clean, Clean, Clean...
Gutters fill with leaves and other debris and become clogged especially if you have trees nearby. Just ask gutter installers. They'll tell you that you should clean your gutters a minumm of twice a year, once in the spring after the trees bud out, and once in late fall after the leaves drop. Now in the Northwest with all the fir, cedar trees, it's every quarter. That's a lot of trips up and down a ladder, and few of us are that disciplined. But clogged gutters overflow, soak the siding and cause paint to peel, dampen basements, erode foundations, splash against the building and rot wood, and wash out the petunias. Look for early signs of clogged gutters -- erosion in the flower bed or stain streaks on the gutter and fascia -- and clean the gutters before extensive damage occurs.
Why wouldn't I just clean them myself? According to the National Safety Council, falls are the #1 cause of accidental death and injury at home, causing over 8,000 deaths and almost 2,000,000 hospital-related injuries every year! You should only have a professional and fully insured gutter expert clean your gutters. And keep family and friends off the roof. It's just to dangerous.
What kind of maintenance do my gutters need?
- Over the years, gutter supports become loose, rusted, and broken. Check them periodically and replace or repair as necessary.
- Be sure to clean leaves and debris from the gutters each fall before the rains / ice begins. In the NW quarterly is best.
- Get that sludge that builds up in the bottom of the gutters out or your gutters will start to oull away from house.
- Check that the downspouts are clear and flowing.
- Check during a rain for any leaks at the gutter joints. A bead of caulk will often be enough to seal the leak.
- Use leaf guards on the gutters to prevent accumulation. Use strainers over the downspout holes. .
- Screening can help save you money and time.
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Serving the Pacific Northwest with over 35 years in the Business
