Gutter Cleaning 101: Don't Wait Until it's Too Late!

If you're like most Norfolk County homeowners, you likely dread cleaning your rain gutters. And for good reason; they're hard to reach, full of grime and pests, and the process can eat away at your precious time.

That said, gutter cleaning is an important task that should be completed at least twice a year—once in the spring as the weather warms, and once in the fall before winter sets in. Staying on top of regular maintenance ensures the system works properly all year round; protecting your home and yard from water damage.

If gutter cleaning isn't up your alley, our pro team at Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County and S. Shore are more than happy to take care of it for you. Our company has more than a decade of experience assisting homeowners throughout Norfolk and Plymouth County. We're one of the highest-rated handyman services in the area, and it shows through our dedication to exceptional workmanship and outstanding customer service.

Take back your Saturdays by trusting the arduous task of gutter cleaning to our pro team. We'll diligently and safely ensure the system works smoothly all year round.

When Should I Clean My Gutters?

Over time, all manner of debris accumulates in your gutter system—particularly when you live in a State with such beautiful seasons as Massachusetts. While the change in seasons brings resplendent fall colors and glorious blossoms in the spring, it also means falling leaves, rotten fruit, twigs and other grime will get stuck in your gutters.

Keeping on top of bi-annual maintenance helps reduce dirt and sludge. But depending on how much greenery surrounds your home, you might need more frequent cleanings. For instance, if you notice any of the following signs, you should book the pros at Mr. Handyman as soon as possible:

• Birds, insects or other pests are on your roof
• Water spills over the sides of your roof
• The pipes have started to sag
• There's staining on your home’s siding
• Plants are growing in the system

Why Clean Your Gutters in the First Place?

Gutter systems collect rainwater and snow melt and move it safely away from your home's foundation through downspouts. When gunk clogs up the pipes, it can result in extensive water damage to your house and yard.

Protect Your Roof

Regular cleaning protects your roof from water damage. When twigs, leaves and other debris inhibit water from flowing properly through the system, it floods over the side. This can damage many areas of your home, including the roof. Fascia, soffits and other wooden supports can soften in humid environments and rot over time. This will negatively impact the structural integrity of your roof. Additionally, clogged gutters can create standing water that will leak into your ceiling; causing staining, sagging and even a collapse.

Avoid Flooding Your Yard/Garden

Water pouring of the side of clogged gutters will rapidly erode your lawn/garden. Imagine you've just planted a lovely row of rose bushes, and a thunderstorm hits. The water is spilling heavily down the side of your home, rather than moving to a safe distance through the downspouts. Instead of beautiful flowers you're left with a muddy mess. Protect your freshly planted garden or lovely lawn by maintaining clean gutters.

Stop Erosion of Paved Areas

You might not have a garden framing your home, but a sidewalk, driveway or patio instead. Although you might not have to worry about flowers and grass being destroyed by overflowing gutters, there's still a cause for concern. Soil supporting any paved areas can shift and erode. This results in cracks, sunken patio stones and uneven footing.

Prevent Damage to Your Foundation

Flowers and sidewalks aside, one of the greatest issues that can be caused by overflowing gutters is damage to your home's foundation. Pools of water caused by heavy rainfall or melting snow will eat away at the earth supporting your home. The ground will erode, and your foundation may shift and settle. This causes cracks. While a few hairline fractures are not too troublesome, significant cracking can develop if the problem persists. Particularly, fluctuating temperatures during a Massachusetts winter may make the cracks worse. As water freezes, it expands. Worsening any existing damage.

Avoid Basement Flooding

When your foundation is at risk of damage from pooling water, so is your basement. If water is not correctly diverted because of a clogged gutter system, there's a chance your basement could flood. Also, water might infiltrate its walls. This will cause wood rot, mildew, mold and fungal growth to develop in your basement's supports and drywall.

Keep Pests Out

Twigs, leaves and other muck might be distasteful for humans, but it's the perfect environment for insects and birds to make quite a lovely home. Mosquitoes in particular will breed in standing water stuck in dirty gutters. Since these pesky bugs love stagnant water, if you notice swarms of mosquitoes around your roof it's likely time to book a cleaning service.

Prevent Damage to Hangers and Brackets

Along with the various areas of your home that can be damaged due to uncleaned gutters, the pipes themselves can also fall into disrepair. Debris and pooling water can get heavy. If too much time passes, this weight will put significant strain on the system. Eventually, the gutter hangers and brackets will rip away from your roof and crash to the ground.

Book an Expert Handyman Today!

If you're ready to book your next cleaning appointment, or if you require gutter repair and installation services, the team at Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County and S. Shore is ready to help. Not only do we offer expert gutter services, but with one call our qualified service professionals can get all your seasonal maintenance and cleaning to-dos done. Our team works hard to create a positive experience for our clients time and time again, and always provide excellent customer service.

To book an appointment today, we invite you to call our friendly office staff. You can also contact us online for more information.