Even though the process of gutter cleaning is common, many homeowners have questions before they schedule gutter cleaning with a professional. Sierra Vista Maintenance gets asked the questions listed in this blog quite frequently, so we thought we would answer them all in one place! Below are some of the most common gutter cleaning questions and how our professionals would answer them.
1- What Time Of Year Is Best For Cleaning?
We have broken this question down in a recent blog post, but the most common time to schedule gutter cleaning is in the fall. This gives your home a fresh start for the winter and helps to prevent mold growth or ice dams. With that being said, home cleaners often get busy at this time of the year, so schedule early on in the fall season to ensure your home doesn’t miss out.
2- Can A Gardener Or Landscaper Clean Gutters?
The short answer is almost always, no. Some gardening companies will offer gutter cleaning, but your everyday gardener should not be cleaning your gutters. Before hiring anyone to clean gutters, make sure they are licensed and insured. This will protect you and the gutter cleaning professional. If you want a quality service, hiring a company that focuses just on home maintenance is your best option.
3- Do I Need Cleaning If I Have A Gutter Guard Installed?
Having a gutter guard does not mean that your home is immune from any kind of debris. Even the most expensive gutter guard can let in some debris that needs to be removed from your gutters. Any kind of dirt or seeds that blow into your gutters can cause plants and weeds to grow. This clogs up your whole system and doesn’t allow the water to flow through your guards. Even if your guards were installed properly, annual gutter cleaning is recommended.
4- Do I Have To Pay Additional Fees If I Have Gutter Guards?
Gutter cleaning questions often have to do with price or additional fees. For homeowners that have gutter guards previously installed, there is an additional fee when you work with Sierra Vista. This is because it adds time to the work in order to clean your gutters properly. We will remove the guards, clean the gutter and remove any extra debris from your roof, and then reinstall the gutter guards.
5- Is Moss Removal Included In Professional Gutter Cleaning?
The short answer to this question is no, gutter cleaning only includes removing debris from the gutter and extra debris is then blown out. Moss removal will require an extra charge because it is labor-intensive. Paying a little extra to wash and rinse out the gutters of all bacteria growth may need to be done by another company as well.
6- Do You Rinse Gutters After Cleaning?
Again, this is similar to moss removal but gutter cleaning does not originally include rinsing of the gutters. If you want your gutters to be rinsed, our team will do it for an additional fee.
7- Is Gutter Repair A Separate Service?
Yes, gutter repair is a separate skill in addition to gutter cleaning. Some companies will know how to repair gutters, while others will not. If you need your gutters repaired, find a company that specializes in both services. Doing so will ensure that your gutter is clean and then repaired so that water can flow through smoothly.
Having your gutters repaired is just as important as having them cleaned. Cracks or holes in your gutters could lead to flooding or foundation damage. If you are considering having your gutters cleaned, save yourself some time and find a company that also does gutter repair.
8- How Much Does It Cost?
Every home exterior cleaning company will have different prices for cleaning. Getting quotes or estimates from multiple companies in your area can be beneficial. The typical prices in the Sacramento area range from $195 to $800. These prices depend on the size of your home, how long it has been since your last gutter cleaning, what kind of equipment the company has, and if you want additional services.
9- I Saw A Special Offered For Gutter Cleaning, Should I Do It?
Many cleaning companies will offer special deals for specific seasons or are hoping to get new clients. Some deals will be a sale on a base package and the company will upsell other services to you. Some companies that offer lower-priced deals may not be insured or licensed. This means they will be less liable if the service was lower quality and cheaper.
Some companies are in a hurry to make money. Offering a special can help them make a quick buck, but often doesn’t give residents the result they desired. If you want high-quality service and reap the benefits of gutter cleaning, pay a little more for an experienced and insured team.