You’ve invested in gutter guards to make life a little easier and protect your home from water damage. They promise to keep leaves and twigs out of your eavestroughs, saving you from the dreaded task of climbing a ladder. But does this mean your days of needing professional gutter cleaning are over for good? Exploring the benefits of hiring professional cleaners reveals that expert help can save you time and prevent bigger issues down the road.
While gutter guards significantly reduce how often you need to clean, they don’t eliminate the need for maintenance entirely. Over time, smaller debris can still get through or build up on top, leading to the very clogs you tried to prevent.
The Purpose & Promise of Gutter Guards
How Gutter Guards Work
Gutter guards are a cover system for your eavestroughs that you place over the top of the gutter channel. Their main job is to let water flow in while keeping larger debris like leaves, twigs, and pine needles out. This design can help reduce the frequency of full gutter cleanouts.
The goal is to prevent large clogs that cause water to back up and overflow. Different types of guards use screens, grates, or special surfaces to filter the debris. They act as a first line of defence for your gutter system.
Common Myths About Gutter Guards
A frequent belief is that gutter guards eliminate the need for cleaning forever. While they are a helpful tool, they are not a complete set-it-and-forget-it solution. Debris can still cause issues over time, just in different ways.
Another idea is that any guard works for any home. However, the type of trees and debris around your property can affect how well a specific guard performs. No single guard can block 100% of all debris that comes its way.
Why You Still Need to Clean Guarded Gutters
Small Debris & Sludge Buildup
Gutter guards are great at stopping large leaves, but smaller materials can get through. Think of things like roof shingle grit, dirt, and pine needles. These materials can settle at the bottom of your gutters and start to accumulate.
Over time, this fine debris mixes with water to form a thick sludge. This buildup can block downspouts from the inside and weigh down your gutters. It also creates a damp environment right next to your roofline, which can invite moisture problems. Knowing what to look for in a cleaning service ensures you hire experts who can handle these specific issues safely.
Debris on Top of the Guards
Wet leaves and pine needles can stick to the top of the gutter guards instead of sliding off. This creates a blanket of debris over the cover itself. When this happens, it can block water from entering the gutter at all.
This sheet of debris effectively turns your gutter guard into a solid surface. During a rainstorm, water can cascade right over the edge of the gutter. This defeats the purpose of your gutter system and can lead to water damage below.
Signs Your Gutters Need Attention
Water Overflows the Edge
One of the most obvious signs is water spilling over the sides of your gutters. You might see a waterfall effect during heavy rain. This shows water isn’t able to enter or flow through the gutter system properly.
You may also notice other signs of water damage, such as:
- Dark streaks or stains on your siding
- Peeling paint near the roofline
- Erosion or puddles in your garden beds below
These issues suggest a blockage either on top of the guards or inside the gutter. Persistent moisture can damage your home’s foundation or siding, sometimes requiring professional services like Calgary power washing to clean up the resulting stains.
You Can See Plants or Pests
Look up at your gutters from the ground. If you can see small plants or weeds sprouting, it means enough organic material has collected to support growth. This is a clear indicator that your gutters are full of decomposing debris.
Gutters full of damp leaves and twigs are also an attractive spot for pests. Insects, rodents, and birds may build nests in this protected area. Their activity can add to the blockage and cause further problems for your home or business.
A Plan for Gutter & Exterior Maintenance
How to Inspect Your Gutters
It’s a good practice to check your gutters at least twice a year, usually in the spring and autumn. From a safe position on the ground, look for any of the signs we mentioned earlier. A quick visual check can help you catch problems early.
If you have a ladder and feel safe doing so, you can look more closely. Check for debris on top of the guards and look inside the gutter if possible. You can also flush a hose down your downspouts to check for a clear and steady flow.
Combine Exterior Cleaning Tasks
You can create an efficient maintenance routine for your property. When you schedule your gutter check, look at other exterior areas as well. This is true for both homes and commercial properties that need to look their best.
For businesses, a clean exterior is important for curb appeal. Our professional Calgary office cleaning and Calgary restaurant cleaning services can extend to the outside of your building. A clean facade, sparkling windows, and tidy entryway make a great first impression on your clients.
Consider scheduling a Calgary power washing service at the same time as your gutter maintenance. This can take care of your siding, walkways, patio, or parking areas. It helps keep your entire property in top condition throughout the year.
When a Professional Can Help
For Safety & Proper Equipment
Working on a ladder carries risks. If you aren’t comfortable with heights or don’t have a sturdy ladder, it’s often better to call a service. Professionals have the correct safety gear and equipment to do the job safely and effectively.
Cleaning gutters with guards can also require specific tools. We have what’s needed to remove debris from on top of and beneath the guards without causing damage. This helps protect your investment in your gutter system and is a key reason why you should choose us for the job.
Get a Thorough & Efficient Clean
A professional service can provide a more thorough clean than most people can achieve on their own. We can identify potential issues you might miss, like loose gutter spikes or improper drainage. We can also do the job much faster, saving you valuable time.Calgary Trusted Cleaners can help with your home or business’s complete exterior maintenance needs. From Calgary power washing to other specialized services, we help keep your property looking its best. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your exterior cleaning.
