How to Hire a Gutter Cleaning Service

Gutters are the first line of defense from water damage to your home, its roof and foundation. Over time, gutters can become clogged with leaves, dirt and debris. Left unchecked, this accumulation of debris can cause water to leak over and behind the gutters, potentially damaging the home. It can also damage the gutters, causing them to sag or pull away from the fascia. Plus, if you try to DIY your gutter cleaning and do it wrong, you could end up having to pay for repairs. 

Extend the life of your gutters with regularly scheduled maintenance from a professional, experienced gutter cleaning company. A full-service gutter cleaning company will clean your gutter parts and make sure your gutter system is clear and running efficiently as well as have the right gutter cleaning tools to get the job done. 

Gutter Cleaning Pro Qualifications

Make sure the gutter cleaning company you choose is qualified to do the job. Here are some questions you might ask to make sure a gutter cleaning company is qualified.

1. Are you insured, bonded and licensed to work in this state? 
2. How long have you been in business?
3. Do you have a website where I can read reviews and see work you’ve performed?
4. Who will be performing the work on my gutters? Are you using subcontractors?
5. What type of safety measures do your take while servicing my gutter system?
6. What parts of the gutter system will be cleaned today? Do you clean all the components including the gutters, downspouts and downspout extensions? 
7. How will the technician clean my gutters? Are you using the most advanced gutter cleaning equipment?
8. How do you prevent damage to my house and siding while you’re cleaning the gutters?
9. How long does the cleaning take? How long will you be on site at my home?
10. How often will my gutters need to be cleaned?

A professional and trustworthy gutter cleaning company won’t have any problem answering your questions.

Services a Gutter Cleaning Company Offers

Talk to your gutter cleaning professional about all the services they provide. You want a full-service gutter company, not just a landscaping company that does gutter cleaning or a siding company that cleans gutters from time to time. Your service appointment should include the total extraction of any dirt, leaves and debris, such as roofing material, that may get stuck in your gutters. 

Your gutter cleaning service may also include the resealing of any end caps or joints where water could escape. Most gutter cleaning services also include general repair and maintenance, as well. Finally, a good gutter cleaning company will clean up after themselves and haul away any trash that’s collected during the cleaning process.

How to Hire a Gutter Cleaning Company

The first step in hiring gutter cleaners is to do your research. 

This will protect you and your home. Ask and make sure the company you’re considering is properly insured, including being insured to be on a ladder. That includes the subcontractors they have working for them. Just think about it. If they send an unlicensed contractor or subcontractor to your home and that person falls off the ladder and injures himself, you could be held responsible for those injuries. 

Look for a gutter cleaning company that has been in the business for a while. 

Consider companies you’ve seen working in your neighborhood and ask about them. Also, look the company up online and read their customer ratings and customer satisfaction reviews. This is a good way to hear from real customers about their experiences. Customer service is important, too. If you call a gutter company and no one ever picks up the phone or returns your calls, this is a red flag.

Get a clear understanding about what services the gutter cleaning service performs. 

Then, request an estimate. Make sure the service provider is affordable because you may need your gutters cleaned at least twice a year, depending on where you live and the number of trees around your home. If possible, work out a deal on how often they’ll come and clean your gutters. You could get a better rate if you schedule your seasonal service in advance. 

Finally, ask about warranties. Does this gutter company warranty its work and for how long?

How to Pick the Right Gutter Cleaning Company

Now that you’ve done your due diligence in research, it’s time to pick your gutter company.  Choose the company that checks everything off your checklist. When the technician arrives at your home, look for courtesy and professionalism. Does his/her uniform, business cards and vehicle display the name of the gutter cleaning company on it? If your gutter service technician shows up in a Toyota Yaris, this may not be the company for you.

You’ll know you picked the right gutter cleaning company when you’re satisfied with the price you paid and the quality of service you received. Not only did your service technician show up on time and do a good job cleaning your gutters, but he left the area around your home looking nice and tidy.

The bottom line when hiring a gutter cleaning company: Take the time to find a company that will do the job right. Know what’s a red flag and what you risk by hiring the wrong company. Your gutters will love you for it.