It can be tough to know how often to call a gutter contractor. After all, your gutter system plays an essential role in protecting your home from water damage, so you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep them in good condition.
Most people only think about their gutters when there is a problem. And while it’s essential to address any issues as soon as they come up, it’s also crucial to keep a maintenance schedule for your gutters.
Most gutter contractors recommend cleaning them at least twice a year – once in the spring and the fall. Depending on your climate and how often it rains, you may need to call them more often.
This blog post will discuss how often you should call a gutter contractor and what services they can provide to keep your gutters in good shape! We’ll also give you a few tips on how to take care of your gutters yourself.
Signs that you need to call a gutter contractor
If you want to keep the beautiful facade of your home, you have to prepare to put in the sweat and tears to maintain it. Luckily, knowing the first signs of a possible gutter failure can help you take the necessary precautions to prevent any long-term damage.
The following are some telltale signs that it might be time to call a gutter contractor:
- Water spilling over the edge of your gutters – Dripping gutters is usually a sign that your gutters are either clogged or damaged and need to be cleared and repaired. Water issues can cause many problems, including rotting, mold growth, and foundation damage.
- Leaves and other debris building up in your gutters can also be a sign of clogged gutters that eventually need to be cleaned out. Blocked drains can lead to water spilling over the edge and roof damage from the excess weight.
- Water accumulation around your home’s foundation –If you notice water flow near your home’s foundation, it could tell that your gutters are not draining correctly and are causing water damage to your home. Left unchecked, overflowing gutters can ultimately threaten your home’s structural integrity.
- Sagging gutters – This is usually a sign that your channels are full of debris and need to be cleaned out. A sagged gutter may also be caused by a broken hanger or another type of damage that needs to be repaired.
- Presence of cracks – Cracks can occur in both your gutters and downspouts. These need to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent water damage.
- Peeling paint – If you notice that the paint on your home’s exterior is peeling, it could be a sign of water damage caused by faulty gutters.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to call a gutter contractor as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. Keeping these issues unattended for too long can cause extensive and expensive damage to your home.
How often should you call your contractor?
Most gutter contractors recommend a visit at least twice a year. Several factors can affect how often you need to call a contractor. We’ll review these factors and provide you with an estimate on how frequently maintenance (or replacement) is required.
Weather and climate
Depending on the climate or weather you live in, and how regularly it rains, you may need to call more frequently. Homeowners who reside in an area with strong winds and lots of trees nearby (such as pine trees) may need to call their contractors more often for clean gutters. Leaves and other debris can build up quickly and clog your gutters.
Those who reside in an area with severe weather conditions may also need to call your contractor more often. This is because heavy rains can damage your gutters and cause them to become dislodged from your home.
Here’s a breakdown of climates and how often you should call your gutter contractor:
If you live in a region with…
- Mild winters and little rainfall: Call once a year, typically in the fall, to prepare for winter.
- Moderate winters and moderate rainfall: Call twice a year, once in the spring and the fall.
- Severe winters and high rainfall: Call three times a year, once in the spring, summer, and fall.
Presence of pests
Pests can be a severe detriment to your gutters. If you notice an increase in pests around your home, it’s a sign that they are making their way into your gutters and causing damage. In most cases, it’s necessary to call a contractor to treat the pests and repair any damage they have caused.
Common gutter pests include the following:
- Mice can cause severe damage to your gutters by chewing through the material. They can also build nests in your gutters, leading to clogs and water damage.
- Birds are attracted to gutters because they provide a breeding ground to nest. However, their nesting habits can cause severe damage to your gutters. In addition, their droppings can contaminate your gutters and lead to disease.
- Insects such as bees, wasps, and hornets can build nests in your gutters. These nests can block the flow of water and cause clogs. In addition, insects can be a danger to you and your family if they are disturbed.
Type of gutter installed.
Aside from external conditions such as climate and vegetation, other factors can affect how often you hire a contractor. One of the things worth considering is the type of gutter installed.
For aluminum gutters, call every other year to clean and inspect. For copper gutters, call every three years to have them cleaned and inspected.
If you have a mix of aluminum and copper gutters, call every other year for the aluminum gutters and every three years for the copper gutters. Wooden gutters require more attention and care; thus, you should contact your contractor every year to have them cleaned and inspected.
Your gutters play an integral role in keeping your home’s top shape from water damage. By regularly calling your gutter contractor, you can help keep your gutters clean and functioning correctly. Save time and hard-earned money in the long run while also protecting your home from costly damage.
What services can a gutter contractor provide?
In addition to providing emergency repair services, most gutter contractors offer regular maintenance packages (e.g., gutter repair, gutter installation) that can help extend the life of your gutters. These services usually include:
- Cleaning is the most basic service that a gutter contractor can provide. They will use a ladder to access your gutters and clear out any leaves, debris, or build-up causing problems.
- Inspection – A gutter contractor will also inspect your gutters for damage or wear and tear signs. This is an excellent time to catch any minor issues before they become big problems.
- Repair – If your gutters are damaged, a gutter contractor can repair them. This includes fixing broken hangers, replacing leaking seams, and more.
- Installation – If you need new gutters installed, a gutter contractor can do that for you. They will measure the area to ensure the new gutters fit correctly and then install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Now that you know how often you should call a gutter contractor and what services they can provide, you can be sure to keep your seamless gutters in good shape! If you have any questions or want more information, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We would be happy to help!
Finding the right gutter contractor
If you require the assistance of a gutter contractor, do your research before hiring one. There are a lot of contractors out there, and not all of them are created equal. Here are some tips for finding the right contractor for the job:
- Ask around – Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors and see if they have any recommendations. Someone you know has used a gutter contractor in the past and can recommend someone good.
- Google – A quick Google search will reveal a ton of gutter contractors in your area. Once you have a list of potential candidates, you can start researching.
- Check reviews – Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few contractors, check out online reviews. This will give you an idea of what other people have thought of their services.
- Get quotes – Once you’ve found a few contractors that look like a good fit, get quotes from them. This will give you an idea of how much the job will cost.
Once you’ve chosen a contractor, be sure to ask for references and contact them to see if they were happy with the work done. By following these tips, you can be sure to find a gutter contractor who will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Contact us today for more information!
Gutter maintenance: do’s and don’ts
Gutter maintenance is essential for keeping your roof (and overall home) in good condition. Gutters help keep your roof in good shape by diverting rainwater away from the roof and eaves. Here are some do’s and don’ts for gutter maintenance.
Do’s:
- Clean your gutters regularly, at least twice within a year. A gutter cleaning job will typically cost between $75 and $200. If you have a lot of trees on your property, you may need to clean your gutters more often to prevent leaves and debris from clogging them.
- Ensure that the gutter systems are securely attached to the roof and eaves. If you notice any loose gutters, have a contractor come out and reattach them.
- Check for damage or clogs, and repair or clear them as needed. Minor cracks can be fixed with a sealant or caulking. For major clogs and issues, have a professional gutter contractor take a look.
- Install gutter guards to keep leaves and debris out of the gutters. A gutter protection system will typically cost between $200 and $500. Though it can be pretty pricey, it will save you time and money in the long run by preventing the need for frequent gutter cleanings.
Don’ts
- Don’t let the gutters get too full. Loaded gutters can sag or even pull away from the roof or eaves. Clean them as soon as possible once you notice them getting full.
- Never climb on the roof to clean the gutters. Climbing a gutter puts you at risk of injuries. The force you exert on the channels may also end up causing damage.
- Don’t use a power washer or high-pressure hose to clean your gutters. The high-pressure water can damage the gutters and surrounding areas. Instead, use a hose with a spray attachment.
- Don’t try to clean the gutters if they are clogged with debris. Though you want to prevent clogging in the first place, trying to de-clog a gutter that is full of waste can be dangerous. Leave the gutter cleaning to a professional gutter contractor.
- Don’t repair or clear the gutters if you’re not qualified. Gutters are intricate and can be dangerous to work on if you’re not familiar with the proper procedures. Leave the repairs to a professional gutter contractor.
Gutter maintenance is an integral part of keeping your home in good condition. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can help to keep your gutters in good shape and prevent problems down the road.
If you’re not sure about something or need help with repairs or installation, be sure to call a professional gutter contractor. They will be able to help you with all of your gutter needs.
What about gutter replacement?
Now is an excellent time to think about gutter replacement if you’ve had your current gutters for more than five years. Gutters can last up to 10–15 years before needing replacement.
It depends on factors such as the type of material used, how much sun exposure it’s getting, and where it’s located (a roof with a lot of trees around it will need the gutters replaced more often than one with no trees). Considering all of these factors, you can expect to pay around $500-$700 for a professional gutter replacement job.
If you’re not sure whether you need new gutters, have a professional gutter contractor take a look. They’ll be able to tell you if your gutters need to be replaced and give you an estimate for any repair costs.
Replacing your gutters can be a big job, but it will help keep your home in good condition. If you’re thinking about replacing your gutters, call a professional gutter contractor for assistance. They’ll be able to help you choose the right type of gutters for your home and take care of all the installation work for you.
Gutter problems and roof replacement
A gutter issue might indicate that your roof needs replacing in more severe cases. If you’re seeing standing water inside your home, or if the gutter replacement cost seems too high, it might be time to consider a new roof. To learn more about roof problems, check out our blog: When Should you call your roofing contractors?
How often should you call your gutter contractor – Final Thoughts
So, how often should you call a gutter contractor? The answer depends on your home’s needs and the climate you live in. However, most homeowners should have their gutters inspected at least once a year to ensure that they function correctly and prevent water damage. For homes in areas that experience a lot of rainfall, it may be necessary to have maintenance services performed more often.
The best time to call a gutter contractor is before a problem. Regular maintenance services performed on your gutters can prevent small issues from becoming big problems. Most gutter contractors offer quarterly, semi-annual, or annual maintenance packages that include cleaning and inspecting the gutters and downspouts, repairing any damage, and ensuring the gutters are correctly secured to the home.
If you wait until there is a problem with your gutters, you may have to pay for more extensive repairs. For example, if you have a constantly leaking channel, it could eventually cause water damage to your home’s foundation or siding. A gutter contractor can fix these problems before they cause any severe damage.
Are you facing gutter problems? Call Elysian Construction today!
We have the best gutter contractors in the country here at Elysian Construction. Our professional team can help you determine the best course of action and provide you with a free estimate for our services. If you’re not sure when the last time you had your gutters cleaned was, or if you have any other questions about gutter maintenance, contact us today!