Gutter cleaning and maintenance are more important than ever for homeowners in Aurora, Denver, and the surrounding metro area. This comprehensive guide has everything you need to keep your gutters clean and your home protected.
Article Outline
Why Proper Gutter Cleaning is Essential
Clogged, overflowing gutters full of leaves, pine needles, sticks, and debris are a common sight in many Denver homes. But did you know that dirty gutters can cause extensive damage? When you let gutter debris accumulate over time, it prevents proper drainage and leads to all sorts of headaches:
Water damage to shingles, fascia, soffits, exterior paint and siding
Basement or crawlspace flooding issues
Cracks in foundations and structural damage from diverted water and moisture
Pest infestations like mice, mosquitoes, flies, and carpenter ants due to standing water
Overgrown vegetation and landscaping from excess water runoff
Keeping your gutters and downspouts clear, you maintain proper gutter function and drainage, preventing costly roof repairs, water damage, flooding, and critter invasions. Your home stays fully protected when gutters are well-maintained.
How Often to Clean Gutters in Denver and Aurora
The most common gutter cleaning advice from Denver homeowners and experts is to clean twice a year—a thorough cleaning in early spring and fall. This seasonal gutter cleaning helps keep things flowing smoothly through Denver's extreme weather.
However, if your Denver or Aurora home is surrounded by large, mature trees that shed many leaves and twigs, you may need to clean gutters more often. After heavy rain, hail, or windstorms, take a quick visual inspection to remove any debris buildup. It's much easier to keep gutters clear with more frequent maintenance than to unclog blocked gutters.
New homeowners may want to invest in gutter guards or covers to reduce debris accumulation. But even with gutter protection, most Denver home services companies recommend an annual professional gutter cleaning.
DIY Gutter Cleaning Tips and Supplies
Cleaning your gutters is completely doable as a DIY home project for many Aurora homeowners. Here are some step-by-step instructions:
Supplies Needed
A small ladder or step ladder
Goggles for eye protection from debris
Thick work gloves to protect your hands
A garden trowel or small shovel to scoop out gunk
A large bucket to collect leaves, dirt, and twigs
Optional: a pressure washer for rinsing your gutters after cleaning
Step 1: Inspect and Remove Large Debris
Before climbing up a ladder, walk around your Denver home and inspect the gutters from below. Remove any large sticks or debris you can reach from the ground first.
Step 2: Scoop Out Built-Up Debris
Climb your ladder and scoop out leaves, dirt, and debris from each section of the gutter system. To prevent falling, avoid reaching too far on either side. Have someone hold the ladder if needed for stability.
Step 3: Rinse the Gutters
Use a garden hose with a pressurized spray nozzle to give your cleaned gutters a thorough rinse. Aim the water forcefully down the downspouts to dislodge blockages and confirm proper drainage.
Step 4: Check Downspouts
Make sure water can flow freely through the downspouts. Remove any remaining leaves, nests, or debris. Rinse downspouts again.
Step 5: Inspect and Patch Leaks
With debris cleared out, it's easier to spot small leaks that need patching. Make any necessary gutter repairs.
And that's it! With these simple DIY steps, you can clean your Aurora gutters safely and effectively. Just remember to practice proper ladder safety when working from heights.
Signs It's Time to Call a Professional Gutter Cleaner
Cleaning the gutters on your single-story Denver home twice a year is often sufficient maintenance. But there are situations where hiring a pro is a wise choice:
You have a two-story home with a high, dangerous roofline
Your gutters overflow with a heavy load of wet leaves or pine needles that are tough to scoop
Years of neglect have led to totally clogged gutters filled with debris
You want gutter guards installed to reduce cleaning chores
Sections of the gutter have come loose and separated from the roofline
Leaks, holes, and sagging gutters require professional repairs
The experienced technicians at reputable gutter cleaning and repair companies have the right ladders, tools, and expertise to handle challenging gutter projects safely and thoroughly. They can also clean gutters on two-story homes without risk.
Choosing a Top Professional Gutter Cleaner in Denver
If you want the peace of mind of hiring a pro, here are tips for choosing the best gutter cleaning service in Aurora, Denver, and throughout the metro area:
Read reviews - Check sites like Google or the Better Business Bureau to read feedback from past customers about their experiences. Look for companies who go above and beyond.
Verify licensing and insurance - Only choose fully licensed, bonded, and insured gutter cleaning professionals to protect yourself.
Get a detailed quote - Avoid vague verbal estimates. Get a written quote from the gutter cleaning company specifying what is included.
Ask about gutter guards - Many companies offer gutter guards, covers, and leaf screens to reduce cleaning needs.
Ask about warranties - The best gutter cleaning pros often provide satisfaction guarantees or warranties.
Check availability - Ask about regularly scheduled cleanings to maintain your gutters after the initial deep cleaning.
Questions to Ask a Denver Gutter Cleaning Company
When comparing gutter cleaners and gutter cleaning companies in Aurora, Denver, and the surrounding suburbs, here are some helpful questions to ask:
How long have you been in business as a gutter cleaning and gutter repair company? Look for 5+ years of experience.
Do your Denver gutter cleaning technicians do thorough inspections for damage?
What is your gutter cleaning process? Do you use power washing?
What brands of gutter guards or covers do you recommend for my home?
How soon can you complete the gutter cleaning job?
What is your pricing structure? Do you offer any discounts for regular cleanings?
Do you provide warranties or satisfaction guarantees for your gutter cleaning work? For how long?
Can I schedule recurring seasonal gutter cleanings with your company?
Keep Your Denver Gutters Clear with Regular Maintenance
By understanding just how essential proper gutter cleaning is for protecting your biggest investment - your home - arming yourself with the right DIY knowledge, and calling in a professional for the big jobs, you can keep your gutters clear and prevent expensive water damage and repairs.
Make gutter cleaning and inspection a routine, clean more often when debris builds up, and take advantage of professional gutter cleaning companies when needed. Your home's roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping will all benefit for years to come.
Key Takeaways:
Regular gutter cleaning prevents water damage from clogged gutters
Inspect and clean gutters in Denver at least twice per year (spring and fall)
DIY gutter cleaning is possible on single-story homes with proper supplies
Know when it's safest to call a professional gutter cleaner or gutter company
Compare gutter cleaners based on reviews, licensing, warranties, and responsiveness
Ask gutter companies about adding gutter guards or covers
Schedule recurring professional cleans for optimal gutter maintenance
By putting these gutter cleaning tips into action, Denver and Aurora homeowners can keep rain gutters clear, prevent messy overflows and damage, and help protect your valuable home's roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping for the long run. Your future self will be glad you did! Contact Colorado Gutter Professionals to keep your gutters clean!
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