Gutter cleaning
Not ready for guards, or need the gutters cleared before winter? Get a cleaning and an honest read on the system.
Gutter cleaning means getting the leaves, needles, seed pods and sludge out of every run, flushing each downspout and confirming water flows freely. A clean gutter is also the best time to spot problems, so a good visit includes a look at hangers, corners and fascia.
How often do Roanoke gutters need cleaning?
Most houses with trees nearby need it at least twice a year: late in the fall once the leaves are down, and again in late spring after the seeds, catkins and pollen. Homes under pines or tall hardwoods on the ridges may need it more. Getting gutters clear before the first hard freeze matters here, because the valley averages close to 15 inches of snow a winter and a clogged gutter holds water that freezes.
What's included in a cleaning?
- Hand-clearing every gutter run
- Flushing downspouts and breaking up clogs
- Bagging or hauling the debris
- Checking for leaks, sags, loose hangers and bent sections
- Noting fascia or soffit damage
Ask what the quote covers. Some companies charge extra for buried drains, heavy sludge or clearing debris off the roof itself.
Should I clean my own gutters?
Lots of people do, but working off a ladder is genuinely risky. If you go up yourself, set a sturdy ladder on firm, level ground, keep three points of contact, have someone foot the ladder, stay well away from power lines and leave two-story and steep roofs to someone with stabilizers and insurance. Walk-out homes on Roanoke's hillsides can put the downhill gutters three stories up.
Cleaning or guards?
If you're paying for cleaning twice a year or more, compare that recurring cost with a one-time gutter guard installation. Many companies that clean gutters also install guards and can price both. Guards don't end maintenance, but they stretch the time between cleanings a long way and keep downspouts and buried drains from clogging.
What affects the cost of a cleaning?
- Linear feet and stories.
- How packed the gutters are.
- Roof pitch and access.
- Downspout and drain clearing.
We don't quote prices. An installer prices the job after measuring your gutter runs, counting downspouts and seeing how high and steep the roof is, so any number over the phone is a rough guess at best.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
When should I schedule a fall gutter cleaning?
After most leaves have dropped, which in the Roanoke Valley is usually mid to late fall. Clean too early and you may need to do it twice.
Can gutters with guards still be cleaned?
Most guards only need the top brushed or rinsed. Many designs unclip or lift if the trough ever needs cleaning underneath.
Related services
More background: Roanoke Valley gutter guard guide.
Done cleaning gutters off a ladder?
Call and a Roanoke Valley gutter guard installer will come look at your roofline and quote it.