The tough thing about gutter cleaning is that if you are in need of the service, chances are you don’t know it. Because you have to get on a ladder or roof to access the gutters, it can be tricky and dangerous.
Last week we got a call from a homeowner who was having some difficulties with her gutters. When we rolled up to the property, this is the state they were in–totally separated from the fascia where they were once mounted.
If gutters aren’t cleaned on a regular basis, they can become clogged. When this happens, weight from all the snow we get in Vernon and Salmon Arm will eventually melt and cause a lot of pressure. In the case above it was simply too heavy for the screws to hold and it gave way.
The outlet is a plastic 2″ piece that acts as a flange to join the downspout to the gutter line. When debris gums up the hole, nothing will be able to flow through to the downspout.
Unfortunately, the design of gutters does not take much in the way of debris to plug them up. In Vernon the gutters can have lots pine needles, spinners or leaves. Even if there are no trees in the area, shingle grit from the roof will eventually shed and end up in the gutters. Although this will eventually require a gutter cleaning, shingle grit is slow to accumulate and usually isn’t required more every 5 years.
Gutter cleaning is a very important aspect of home maintenance but it is often forgotten with lacking visibility. Make a point of having your gutters cleaned this Spring or Fall and you can easily avoid costly bills to repair or totally replace.
If you’re going to do it on your own, make sure you have the right equipment for the job. A good set of gloves, a scoop and bucket and a way to access the gutter line. Skimping out on ladders that are worn out or not long enough for the job can put you at significant risk.
If you’re not into spending the weekend up to your eye balls in gutter debris, feel free to give us a call! We have the right training and equipment to get the job done efficiently and safely.