December 27, 2018
Fall is a perfect time for watching the leaves change color and float to the ground. For those whose homes have gutters, however, many of those leaves fall into the gutters. By the time the majority of trees are bare, the leaves in one’s gutters have become wet and compacted. Along with twigs and other debris, they need to be removed by a professional. Pressure washing is the most efficient way to break up and flush away this debris.
Although gutters can be cleaned any time of the year, the best time is in the late fall or early winter, after the leaves have finished falling and before temperatures reach freezing. Any leaves that fall into the gutter eventually become wet and block the flow of water to the downspout. Without cleaning, the gutter may fill with water and overflow on the outside or leak into the inside of the house. In the winter, this water may freeze and has the potential to do structural damage to the gutters or the home itself.
Some homeowners try to pressure wash the gutters themselves in an effort to save money. However, there are several reasons that one should leave this job to the professionals.
First, nearly 165,000 visits to the emergency room each year are due to falls from ladders. It is much easier and safer to delegate this job to trained professionals with the necessary equipment to clean the gutters safely and thoroughly.
Next, asking a friend or neighbor to help one clean their gutters is not a good idea. Professionals are insured in case of injuries on the job. However, the property owner is liable for any injuries their friend or neighbor might suffer while helping to clean one’s gutters.
Finally, professional gutter cleaners do not just clean one’s gutters. Their job also entails inspecting the gutters, as well as the area of the home to which they are attached, for any damage. This ensures that the home will be safe from water damage. If need be, they will perform any repairs that may be needed.
As one can see, no matter what type of gutters are installed on a home, it is important that they remain clean and unclogged. The best way to keep them this way is to hire professionals to do the job safely and correctly.
