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The following are frequently asked questions about gutters and gutter related issues:
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Gutters and downspouts are designed to redirect the water that falls on the roof away from the foundation of the house. They also prevent water from sheeting off the roof and falling directly onto people in entrances, driveways, and walkways.
Debris which lands on the roof may accumulate in gutters, eventually obstructing water drainage. This debris can be made up of leaves, pine needles, seeds, flowers, etc... When this debris starts to clog the downspots and gutters, water will begin spilling over the edge of the gutters, drips down the walls of the home and collects around the base of the home. If this situation is not corrected, it can lead to damaged siding, windows, doors, foundation and possibly water leaks.
There are several different types of gutter guard/protector systems that can be attached to your gutters to prevent particles from collecting in the gutter. These systems won't necessarily eliminate clogs, but will greatly reduce the frequency. There are new gutter systems that don't use downspouts - the use louvres to disperse the water. These types of system are a lot less prone to clogging and are almost maintenance free.
The best way to get your gutters clean is to hire a professional. But if you still want to tackle this dangerous task yourself, then you need to make safety your number one priority. It is not worth it to fall and injure or kill yourself to clean your gutters. You will need to remove any debris that has accumalated with in the gutters and downspouts either by hand or with a garden hose. Again, it is recommended that you hire a professional company to come in and clean your gutters.
This will vary depending on the environment and landscaping around the home. It is a good idea to have your gutters checked and cleaned at least once a year. If you home is surrounded by trees, you may need to get your gutters cleaned more often: possible both in the fall after the leaves fall, and in the spring to clear out seeds that accumulate at the beginning of the growing season.
This will vary depending on your location, size of your home, height of the gutters and difficulty in accessing the gutters. Fees for a typical home will range from $60-$100. Most companies will provide you with a free estimate for your specific home.