Gutter Cleaning Kansas City

Gutter Cleaning in Kansas City
 

Let's Discuss Some Facts on Guttering Systems and Gutter Cleaning

What is the purpose of guttering?

The purpose of gutters is to carry rainwater from your roof areas down the side of your home/building and safely away from the foundation where it could leak inside your home/building and potentially cause flooding or foundation problems. Gutters are also designed to avoiding large icicles from forming at the edge of your roof line, which will damage the edges of shingles. Water from the room which is not directed can cause leaks inside your home from water shooting everywhere. The fascia boards or rafters can begin to rot from the water constantly dripping. In addition the sides of your home/building will weather much faster from the excess water beating on the side. The leaders should drain the water 3- 5 feet from the foundation of your home/building, safely away from frequently used sidewalks/driveways since the water during the winter will freeze and will create an unsafe condition.

 

 

How do gutters get clogged?

 

Gutters become clogged generally from leaves which fall twice a year: late spring/early summer mid to late June after all the seed pods, blossoms; “helicopters” are done falling. These will clog gutters as well as the leaders and any underground drains on the system. In addition sometimes animals such as birds and squirrels may build a nest inside or behind your gutters which can also cause a clog.
 

 

What happens when gutters get clogged?

When the gutters become clogged, the water does not drain through the leaders where it should. Instead it overflows over the front of the gutter or overflows over the back of the gutter. When the water overflows over the front of the gutter it is easy to notice, usually it erodes the soil below the leaking area, begins making black marks on the side of your home/building from the dirty water inside the gutter continually leaking. If the water in the gutter starts overflowing over the back of the gutter, it can leak inside your home, potentially creating mold. In addition if there is fascia boards/rafters behind the gutter, these will begin to rot.

 

 

How do I know if my gutters need to be cleaned?

The gutters will not work properly if they are clogged. Some good signs the gutters are clogged is the water coming over the top, water in the basement, water constantly dripping of leaking from the gutters when it is not raining or hasn’t rained recently. Water leaking inside your home/building, generally where the ceilings meet the walls. These are just the most obvious signs of clogged gutters, sometimes the signs are not so easy to spot, which is why we recommend cleaning the gutters twice a year.
 

 

When should I clean my gutters?

We recommend cleaning your gutters twice per year: late spring/early summer mid to late June after all the seed pods, blossoms; “helicopters” are done falling. These will clog gutters as well as the leaders and any underground drains on the system. These seed pods will soon germinate and you will have trees growing out of your gutters! and late fall/early winter early December, after most leaves are done falling. This will help protect the gutters over the winter.

 

How do you clean gutters?

We will arrive at your home ready to go with our own ladders, hoses and bags. We will hand clean all gutters and downspouts. Then the gutters and downspouts will be flushed out with our hose which will be hooked up to your water source. If water is not available air pressure will be used to check the proper flow of the gutters and downspouts. Any leaks or repairs will be noted and you will be promptly contacted to further discuss the problem. All debris will be bagged on-site which we will haul away and dispose of.

 

Is there something that can be done to avoid the need for gutter cleaning?

We install both aluminum gutter screens and permanent gutter guards, however, the best way to ensure clean and working gutters is by regular cleaning. This is similar to changing the oil in your car, you can always prolong the oil change, however it always needs to be done. During the routine maintenance the technician will test and locate any problems that need attention. Upon discovery of any problems you will be promptly notified.
 

 

Do you recommend gutter screens or gutter guards?

We install both aluminum gutter screens and permanent gutter guards. However, the best way to ensure clean and working gutters is by regular cleaning. During the routine maintenance the technician will test and locate any problems that need attention. Upon discovery of any problems you will be promptly notified.