Gutter guards are often marketed as the ultimate solution for eliminating the need to clean your gutters ever again. They promise to keep leaves, twigs, and debris out, allowing water to flow freely and protecting your home from potential water damage. While gutter guards can reduce the frequency and intensity of gutter maintenance, they are not a foolproof solution. The question remains: Do you still need a cleaning gutters service if you have gutter guards?
In short: yes. Let’s break down why.
What Are Gutter Guards and How Do They Work?
Gutter guards come in several styles—mesh screens, brush inserts, reverse curve systems, and foam inserts, to name a few. Each type is designed to block debris while allowing rainwater to pass through your gutters and downspouts. They significantly reduce clogs and blockages, making them a helpful addition to your gutter system.
However, while gutter guards reduce the amount of debris that gets into the gutter, they don’t eliminate it entirely. Smaller particles like shingle grit, pine needles, and pollen can still find their way in. Over time, this buildup can cause blockages, leading to potential damage if not addressed.
Why You Still Need a Cleaning Gutters Service
1. Debris Still Accumulates
Even the most advanced gutter guard systems can’t stop all debris. Dirt, dust, seeds, and small particles can settle on top of or under the guards. These materials can decompose and create sludge, eventually clogging the gutter system or growing mold and moss.
2. Gutter Guards Can Shift or Deteriorate
Weather conditions like wind, snow, and heavy rain can loosen or damage gutter guards. A cleaning gutters service can inspect and realign any shifted components, ensuring your system functions properly.
3. Water Flow Efficiency Drops Over Time
If debris clogs the mesh or covers the guard openings, water can spill over the sides rather than flowing into the gutter. This overflow can damage siding, landscaping, and foundations. Professional cleaning ensures water flow remains optimal.
4. Pests and Insects May Nest
Debris on top of gutter guards can attract insects, birds, and rodents. These pests can cause further damage or find ways into your home. Regular gutter cleaning helps identify and mitigate these issues before they become infestations.
5. Warranty and Maintenance Requirements
Many gutter guard systems come with warranties that require regular maintenance. Failing to schedule a cleaning gutters service could void your warranty, leaving you unprotected in the event of failure or damage.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Cleaning Gutters Service
While some homeowners may be tempted to clean their gutter guards themselves, hiring a professional service has several advantages:
- Safety: Professionals have the equipment and experience to work at heights safely.
- Thoroughness: They can clean the guards and gutters, check for damage, and ensure everything works properly.
- Time-Saving: A trained team can do what might take you several hours (or days) efficiently.
- Preventative Maintenance: Professionals can identify early signs of wear, leaks, or structural issues before they become costly problems.
How Often Should You Schedule a Cleaning Gutters Service with Gutter Guards?
While traditional gutters often require cleaning 2-4 times per year, those with guards only need service once or twice annually. However, this depends on:
- Your local environment: Homes surrounded by pine trees or overhanging branches may need more frequent service.
- Weather patterns: Heavy rain, windstorms, and snow can affect your gutter system and increase the need for cleaning.
- Type of gutter guard installed: Some designs are more efficient and low-maintenance.
What to Expect from a Cleaning Gutters Service
When you hire a professional service to maintain your gutter system with guards installed, here’s what typically happens:
- Inspection: Have your gutters, downspouts, and guards inspected to assess their condition and identify problem areas.
- Debris Removal: Clearing all debris from the guards, gutters, and roofline.
- Flush and Flow Check: Ensuring proper water flow throughout the drainage system.
- Minor Repairs: Fixing or resealing small leaks, reattaching loose sections, or adjusting pitch.
- Photos or Reports: Many services provide before-and-after photos or summaries to show the completed work.
Why Choose Auravex for Gutter Maintenance and Repair?
Professional help can make all the difference in gutter care. Auravex provides top-notch gutter services, from cleaning to advanced preventative solutions. Our experienced team uses cutting-edge tools and techniques to ensure your gutters remain clear and functional throughout the year.
What sets Auravex apart?
- Exterior Gutter Cleaning – We don’t just clean the interior of your gutters; we also ensure the exterior is spotless, enhancing your home’s curb appeal.
- Leak Sealing – After cleaning, we inspect your gutters and seal any leaks to prevent future water damage.
- Gutter Re-pitching – We can re-pitch your gutters to the optimal angle, ensuring efficient water flow away from your home.
- Drone Inspections – Using cutting-edge drone technology, we provide a before-and-after view of your gutters, offering full transparency about their condition.
Protect Your Home with Gutter Awareness
Gutter guards are an excellent addition to your home, reducing the amount of debris that enters your gutter system and making maintenance less frequent. However, they do not eliminate the need for care altogether. A regular cleaning gutters service remains crucial to maintaining the health of your gutters and the integrity of your home.
At Auravex, we specialize in professional gutter cleaning for both traditional systems and those with gutter guards. Our team uses the latest equipment and techniques, including drone inspections, to provide a safe, comprehensive cleaning experience that protects your investment.