Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does gutter cleaning consist of and how often should I do it?

Gutter cleaning consists of cleaning all debris from gutters and downspouts, and off all accessible roof areas and cleaning up all gutter related debris off the ground. In addition, the worker will identify problem areas and suggest corrective action.

Gutter cleaning is a form of preventive maintenance that can actually prolong the life of your home. For that reason, gutters should be cleaned as often as needed. Generally, most of our customers have their gutters cleaned three to about four times per year depending on the surroundings of their homes (i.e. trees with blossoms, pollen strings, leaves, pine needles, seeds, acorns, sticks and other debris). The following are the recommended times to clean your gutters. Please keep in mind you might need even more frequent service, and that each year the weather patterns are a little different and for that reason there is a range in time for each cleaning.

In early summer, between late May and end of June to rid your gutters of an accumulation of winter debris. In addition, some of the tender tree foliage is blown off the trees along with blossoms and pollen strings, which because of their consistency will clog your gutters causing them to hold water, providing a perfect breeding ground for mosquito larva.

In mid to late summer, in August through September because, despite the fact that most leaves are firmly attached to the trees, some still come down and end up in the gutters. Thunderstorms, strong winds and drought, all are strong contributors to large accumulations of leaves, sticks and debris in the gutters in late summer.

In early fall, in late October through end of November, leaves quickly accumulate in your gutters and the sheer volume of leaves requires the gutters to be cleared.

In late fall, cleaning time depends on where you live and is between late November and the end of January, when most leaves are off the trees. This gutter cleaning is a balancing act of waiting for most leaves to be off the trees and not waiting too long so that all gutters freeze solid with the ice and leaves in them.

The installation of downspout strainers will help by reducing downspout clogging, and will help keep leaves and sticks from going into the downspouts. The cost for these are $4.00 per downspout which includes installation. Installing these strainers usually is a one time cost, but may need to be replaced. Strainers are especially important when your gutters are connected to underground drains where leaves and debris could accumulate and create a serious blockage. To remedy underground drain clogging requires expensive equipment to unclog them or even replacement of the whole underground drain system.

2. Do you do minor repairs and installations?

Yes, we do minor repairs and installations. Best Gutter Cleaning technicians are trained to spot problem areas with your gutter system that can easily be overlooked by any homeowner. The evaluation of your gutters is best done when the gutters are being cleaned. This way we see what is in the gutter, how the gutter is attached to the fascia board and what is the condition of the edge of roof. Below are some common repairs:

• Normal wear and tear after about 20-30 years aluminum and copper gutters begin to form pin holes. When it rains it appears that water drips from gutters that are seemingly in good condition. In fact both copper and aluminum oxidize and as a result tiny pinholes form resulting in dripping. Gutter replacement is the only solution.
  
• Sagging gutters: Older gutters often sag because years ago contractors used big spike nails to nail the gutter through the front and back of the gutter and into the facial board. Because the metal constantly expands and contracts, over time the gutters literally pull the spikes out weakening the whole gutter system (sadly some contractors still use those spikes as opposed to inside hidden gutter hangers which should be screwed into the facial board instead of nailed). Gutter replacement is necessary in most cases. On newer sagging gutters it is sometimes possible to install inside hidden hangers to reinforce and re-pitch them.
  
• Storm damage occurs when gutters get crushed by falling objects; such as branches. During rain storms gutter spikes pull when gutters are clogged, or screws can snap under the weight of ice, snow or water. This is easily spotted and corrective action should be taken as soon as possible.



• Ice dam damage occurs when thick snow melts from the bottom because the roof is warmer than the air temperature. The water then freezes in the gutter and on top of the overhang where this ice actually builds up, sometimes to a thickness as much as a foot or more. Behind this ice dam forms a puddle of water, sometimes several inches deep and it often leaks inside through spaces between shingles. The remedy is to properly insulate the attic, and also to install ice watch on the horizontal first three feet of the roof under the shingles. Unfortunately, this is a roofing and insulation problem.



• Dented downspouts: Downspouts serve an important function of draining water collected by gutters away from the foundation and should be repaired in a timely manner. Usually just the dented or crushed section of downspout has to be replaced and is relatively inexpensive. Downspout extensions or splash blocks should be added to get the water away from the foundation.



• Standing water in gutters can be the result of improperly installed gutters that don't pitch enough so that the water flows towards the downspout. It can also be the result of sagging gutters, which were nailed to the fascia board with gutter spikes, or hidden hangers were used but they were nailed in rather than screwed in. This can be fixed by re-pitching the gutters properly, then reinforcing them with inside hidden hangers and screws.

3. Do the gutter screens really work?

Not really. The basic rule of thumb is that the only time when screens work well, is when you do not have to clean your gutters very often at all in the first place. Our suggestion is, save your money now and your frustrations later. Gutter screens are very profitable. For that reason every hardware store or even home improvement catalogue offers some sort of contraption, cheep or expensive, with a promise that you won't have to clean your gutters ever again. The fact is that every year we remove screens out of gutters on hundreds of homes. Simply, because there is no screen, or helmet, or mesh that will keep EVERYTHING (especially pine needles) out of your gutters. Screened gutters also have to be cleaned on a regular basis and the cost is often much higher because of the extra labor involved. On the other hand, we will be happy to install screens for you if you desire, but we do not recommend them nor guarantee their durability or effectiveness.

4. Do I have to be home when you work at my house or when I want a free estimate?

Whether it is gutter cleaning, repairs, installation or a free estimate for any of these services, it is always best if you are at home when we come to service your gutters. However, we can accommodate busy homeowners who simply don't have time to wait at home for service. We arrange over the phone what needs to be done and for how much. We show up at your property to do the service and if for any reason you are not home, we do our work, leave a tag somewhere by the door so you immediately know that we were there to do the job, and within a few days we mail you an invoice for the work done.

5. What are your prices and how do I pay you?

Best Gutter Cleaning prices begin at $50.00 for smaller homes and go higher depending on a number of variables, i.e. height of house, roof slope, size of house, etc... Gutter installation prices and repairs vary greatly. We have a 20% senior discount available. It is best to call 847-877-0667 or you can email us with any pricing questions at lance@bestguttercleaning.com

The balance and sales tax if any is due when the job is completed. A convenient, itemized invoice will be mailed to you within a few days for any services that were provided.
If you would like to pay when the work is completed that day, you may pay the workman. Remember to include any sales tax due, and please pay by cash, check or money order. No credit cards please.

6. Why do I need gutters?

Gutters perform an important function of draining hundreds of gallons of water off the roof and away from the foundation of your house. Since gutters catch rain right off the roof they prevent the rain runoff from splashing against your windows and siding, extending their life. In addition gutters help prevent water damage that sometimes seeps into your house and causes ceiling and wall damage.

7. Who are the people working for you?

Best Gutter Cleaning workers are people with experience in all aspects of the gutter business. Their training has been enhanced by further instruction from the Best Gutter Cleaning to reflect their values of customer service and quality of services provided.

8. Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, Best Gutter Cleaning has a General Contractors License Number. For your protection, Best Gutter Cleaning and all our associates and contractors are insured.