Gutter Cleaning Myths Busted

From confusion to clarity

We live in an age where step-by-step guidance for tackling just about any home maintenance job is instantly accessible. With so much information merely a click away, it’s imperative that instruction be gleaned from reliable, trusted experts and that you operate based on accurate, proven findings. All of the conflicting information out there has created a number of commonly held misconceptions and false beliefs surrounding the topic of gutter cleaning, so we’d like to help clear up the confusion – and set you on the right path to protecting and preserving your greatest investment.

Gutter cleaning set straight

Myth #1: Maintenance is not necessary

Truth: Maintenance is absolutely essential if you want your gutters to do their job of protecting your home, foundation and property. Leaves, branches, pine needles, roofing material, airborne dirt and debris will inevitably find their way into your gutter system, and if left unaddressed, create clogs and impede water flow. Such obstructions make you vulnerable to all sorts of potential issues and expensive repairs and remediation. See “The Costly Effects of Ignoring Gutter Cleaning.”

Myth #2: Removing debris is enough

Truth: Proper gutter system maintenance involves much more than simply debris removal. It must also include a thorough inspection for holes, gaps, sagging, loose hardware, detachments or any structural compromises so as to ward off future problems. The system should also be flushed to ensure that any unseen or missed debris is washed out, that there are no leaks or cracks, and that water is flowing freely. Finally, you want to make sure that your downspouts are directing water far enough away from your home for proper drainage so that water doesn’t pool around your foundation or in your landscaping.

Myth #3: It’s an easy task

Truth: Gutter cleaning may appear to be easy, but it’s actually quite messy, labor- and time-intensive, and, most importantly, dangerous. From balancing on a ladder two or three stories high while simultaneously digging debris from your gutter troughs, to being wrist deep in the slimy, smelly accumulation of all that your gutters are carrying, to possibly having to cautiously walk on your precariously sloped roof, this task is best left to the professionals.

Myth #4: A professional is not necessary

Truth: While certain home maintenance tasks can absolutely be handled on your own, gutter cleaning is not one of them. Considering the staggering ladder injury statistics and the scope of the task at hand, it’s just wise and cost- and time-effective to hire a gutter cleaning professional. Highly experienced and knowledgeable, trained and certified in ladder safety, and possessing the necessary tools and equipment, a professional will do the job right and safely – while freeing you to go about your day. See “The Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Professional to Clean Your Gutters.”

Myth #5: Once a year is sufficient

Truth: Gutters require regular cleaning and inspection to keep them unobstructed and to ensure that they’re able to do their job of channeling rainwater away from your home, foundation and property. How often they should be cleaned varies depending upon your environment and weather conditions. We highly recommend having gutters cleaned at least twice per year (spring and fall) – and more often if your home is surrounded by trees or you’re in a particularly rainy or windy climate. Regular cleaning helps ensure that any issues are identified and properly addressed before they have a chance to take hold and cause real damage or deterioration to your home.

Myth #6: You can use a pressure washer

Truth: A pressure washer will certainly blast away any debris from your gutters, but it may very well damage the gutters, gutter hardware, or the surrounding area in the process. The force of the water is far too great for your gutters to bear and could cause dents and disconnections, as well as damage to your siding, roofing materials, and fascia board. All accumulated debris is best removed by hand to ensure that your gutters are safely and thoroughly cleaned and that their structural integrity is preserved.

Myth #7: Cleaning isn’t necessary if you have gutter guards

Truth: While gutter guards may keep branches and larger debris out of your gutters, they by no means provide complete protection. Pine needles, acorns, seeds, leaves, dirt and smaller twigs can still make their way into your gutters and form clogs if not removed. Gutter guards are no match to rodents and insects either, as they will find a way to get to the feast that lies within your gutters – even if it means causing damage to access it. All gutter systems, regardless of whether they have gutter guards, must be cleaned and inspected regularly in order for them to function as needed.

If you’re looking to have your gutters professionally cleaned, our highly experienced, fully insured, and ladder-safety certified crews stand ready to serve! At Clearly Amazing, we’re your convenient single source for a full menu of exterior cleaning, sanitizing, and lighting installation services.

Contact us today to schedule your cleaning or to request a free estimate – and be sure to ask about our Gutter Protection Plans, which put your gutter cleaning on automatic, give you greater peace of mind, and deliver valuable savings!