Gutter Cleaning vs. Gutter Clearing: Are You Booking the Right Service?
Gutters. Not the most glamorous subject to write about. But whether it's writing about gutters, or digging down deep to scoop out months of grime and debris out of them - it's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it!
We've noticed that our customers often need clarification about what gutter maintenance service to expect. Gutter cleaning vs. gutter clearing might seem like semantics, but it's really not. So, we thought we'd break it down for you to help you make sure you're booking the right service and that the results match your expectations. Nobody wants to be disappointed by their gutters, now, do they?
Understanding The Basics: Gutter Cleaning vs. Gutter Clearing
At first glance, gutter cleaning and gutter clearing might seem synonymous, but there are key differences. Gutter clearing removes debris such as leaves, dirt, and twigs from the gutters and downspouts. This process often includes using a gutter vac and manual removal techniques, which helps maintain effective water flow and prevent buildups that could lead to blockages.
On the other hand, gutter cleaning (once known as "gutter whitening" when most gutters were white) involves cleaning the exterior gutters, removing streaks and dirt buildup, and leaving a sparkling clean impression on your home's exterior. Gutter cleaning is often an add-on service to gutter clearing, turning gutter clearing into a premium exterior cleaning service that goes beyond the functionality of your gutters.
Understanding these fundamental differences is crucial when deciding which service best suits your needs. Whether you opt for gutter cleaning or clearing, the goal remains the same: to ensure your gutters function optimally and protect your property from water damage.
What To Expect From A Professional Gutter Clearing Service
When you book a professional gutter clearing service, you're securing the expertise needed to ensure your gutter system functions at its best. This service primarily focuses on removing gunk and debris such as leaves, branches, and other blockages that can block water flow AND weigh down your gutters. Here's what you can anticipate from a top-notch gutter clearing experience:
Thorough Inspection: The first step is a comprehensive inspection. Professionals assess the condition of your gutters and identify any areas of concern that may require attention or repairs.
Efficient Debris Removal: Technicians efficiently clear out all blockages using specialised tools. This includes visible debris and any hidden debris that could cause potential issues. Most of our cleaning takes place from the ground using a gutter vac, with manual removal on a ladder used only when necessary.
Ensuring Proper Water Flow: After the debris is cleared, professionals will ensure that water flows freely through the gutters and downspouts, reducing the risk of water damage to your property.
Waste Disposal: One significant advantage of hiring professionals is that they handle debris disposal, leaving your property clean and free from mess.
Suppose you book a gutter clearing service in isolation. In that case, your gutters WILL only be cleaned externally if you also book a gutter cleaning service to finish them off. Many people are happy just to have water flow restored to their gutters and their homes protected from water damage - and there's no need to have gutters you could eat your dinner out of. But, if you want that extra polish and shine, then the next bit's for you.
What To Expect From A Professional Gutter Cleaning Service
Grimy gutters never give a great impression. Taking pride in our home means paying attention to detail. Gutter cleaning is like dotting the 'is' and crossing the 'ts' in exterior home cleaning. A good gutter cleaning service involves:
A thorough professional gutter cleaning should include the following:
Washing the gutters and downspouts to ensure there is no buildup.
Dislodging stubborn blockages with high-pressure water or vacuum systems.
A lichen/algae removal treatment where necessary.
Utilising extendable pure water-fed poles with soft brushes to agitate and rinse away dirt, smears, and streaks for a sparkling finish.
Hand finishing on a ladder when required to ensure every part is adequately clean and free from dirt.
If your gutters have recently been cleared, a gutter cleaning service can be booked as a standalone service. If your gutters are not clear, then it should be booked as a premium add-on for a gutter clearing service.
Complementary Services: Roof and Fascia and Soffit Maintenance
If we're getting our tools and ladders out and clearing and/or cleaning your gutters, then it makes sense to invest in some complementary services. There's no point in having sparkling gutters if your fascia, soffits, and roofs are grimy and covered in algae, lichen, or moss.
Do you know your facia from your soffits?
Let's clear this up for you. This image should help!
Fascia boards are the vertical finishing edges connected to the ends of the rafters or roof trusses. They usually support the lower edge of the bottom row of roof tiles and carry all the guttering.
Soffits are the horizontal underside of the roof eaves—the bit that goes under the roof and connects to the fascia. They protect your rafters or trusses from moisture and help ventilate your loft space.
Dirty fascia and soffits can affect a home's overall appearance and health. They can be prone to mould and algae growth, which can trap water and lead to wood rot. We've already learned that fascia and soffits play an important role in supporting your roof, and fascia holds up all your guttering! So, it makes sense to give them some TLC to keep your entire home's drainage, roof, and ventilation system in tip-top shape.
Adding fascia and soffit cleaning to your gutter clearance/cleaning service couldn't be easier. Because we're already there with our tools out, it's cheaper to get everything done all in one go.
Want to upgrade your gutter maintenance?
Today, speak to us about gutter clearance and gutter, fascia, and soffit cleaning packages. Remember, all our window cleaning customers get a 15% discount on all our other exterior cleaning services - so take advantage today. Call 01622 962 133 or WhatsApp us.
