Chris bought a beautiful 1940s craftsman in a leafy suburb. He figured gutter guards meant set-it-and-forget-it. But two years in, his basement flooded. Mold took over the drywall. Eventually, his foundation cracked. The culprit? Overflowing gutters. Price tag? $14,000.
If you’ve ever shrugged at your overflowing downspout during a storm, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: that casual shrug could cost you five figures.
What Dirty Gutters Really Do
Gutters have one job: move water away from your home. When they clog, they fail. And when they fail, damage snowballs:
- Roof leaks from water backing up under the shingles
- Foundation cracks from pooling at the base
- Mold growth in the attic and basement corners
- Pest infestations (hello, mosquito city!)
- Ice dams in winter that pry up your roofline
According to FEMA, 72% of basement floods start with clogged gutters. Your home’s “crown molding” may be the start of its downfall.
Why Gutter Guards Aren’t Enough
We get it. Gutter guards sound like magic. But they still need maintenance. Pine needles, bird nests, and asphalt shingle granules sneak past.
Look up next time it rains. If water’s spilling over the sides or backing up under the shingles, your guards aren’t guarding much.
A Professional gutter cleaning includes not just scooping gunk but checking seals, re-securing brackets, and flushing out downspouts. That’s something guards can’t do.
A Quick Walkthrough: What Pros Actually Do
Here’s what a true professional gutter wash looks like:
- Inspection: We check the slope, leaks, and attachment points.
- Debris Removal: Hand-scooped, not blown around like confetti.
- Flush Test: Hoses test real-world water flow.
- Downspout Cleaning: Snaked if necessary.
Bonus: A pro eye might spot a cracked fascia board or loose shingle before it becomes a bigger (and pricier) problem.
Why It Matters More in Rentals, Apartments, and Condos
If you own or manage apartment complexes or condos, gutter neglect becomes exponential. One clogged line can backflow onto balconies or down shared walls.
We’ve seen tenants sue over water damage. We’ve seen HOA fines pile up. It’s cheaper to schedule apartment gutter maintenance than to deal with soggy lawsuits.
DIY vs. Professional: Let’s Be Honest
Climbing ladders is risky. Every year, 500,000 ladder-related injuries send people to the ER.
Even if you’re steady on your feet, you might not notice:
- Improper pitch
- Hidden rust spots
- Minor separations that leak inside the walls
You don’t need to break your neck or your bank. Let someone trained, insured, and experienced take the fall risk out of your weekend.
When Should You Clean?
We recommend checking at least twice a year: after the fall leaves have dropped and after the spring blooms have appeared.
Live under a canopy of trees? Add a third round during the summer to stay ahead.
Bonus tip: Ask about gutter guard installation that includes a complimentary seasonal cleaning. It’s a win-win that ensures coverage and maintenance in one go.
Final Thoughts: Your Gutters Are a Lifeline
They might not be glamorous, but they’re critical. Gutters are the veins of your home’s exterior. Clog them, and everything backs up sometimes irreversibly.
Whether you’re a homeowner or property manager, skipping gutter cleaning isn’t a cost-effective solution. It’s slowly burning it.
Don’t wait for the drip-drip of doom. Get your system inspected, flushed, and fortified.