Question 1

How do you clean the tops of gutter guards?

Accepted Answer

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To clean the tops of gutter guards, use a soft-bristle brush or a leaf blower to remove debris like leaves, twigs, or dirt. For stubborn grime, spray the guards with a garden hose, directing water downward to avoid forcing debris into the gutter. If the guards are removable, take them off and rinse thoroughly before reattaching. Regular cleaning, especially during fall or after storms, will help maintain their effectiveness.

Question 2

How much standing water is OK in a gutter?

Accepted Answer

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Any small amount of standing water can be damaging to your gutters. It’s recommended that a ¼ inch puddle or more should be addressed. Failure to keep water from pooling in your gutters can result in clogs, algae growth, and pests that damage your gutters over time.

Question 3

What is the average cost of cleaning seamless gutters?

Accepted Answer

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The cost to clean gutters usually ranges from $120 to $230, depending on the type, length, and location. Seamless gutters usually come in at the lower end of that range since the lack of seams means there are fewer places for debris to build up. In fact, seamless gutter cleanings usually cost 10% to 25% less than sectional gutter cleanings.

Question 4

​​Do buried downspouts freeze?

Accepted Answer

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Buried downspouts can freeze during cold weather as cold water runs through them. If you’ve discovered your downspouts are frozen, you can carefully pour hot water down the top of the downspout to defrost them. If that doesn’t work, you may need to dig your downspout back up. Avoid trying to break the ice from the exterior using a hammer as this can cause cracks and damage to your downspout.

To avoid freezing the future, consider adding a heating cable to the exterior, which can adjust heat based on the surrounding temperature.

Question 5

How do you get shingle granules out of gutters?

Accepted Answer

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Shingle granules can be cleaned out of gutters using a small scoop or a hose, depending on the quantity of granules and how much other debris is in your gutters. First, clear your gutters of leaves and other debris. This may remove granules in the gutters if they are mixed in with the debris. Use a plastic scoop to remove larger quantities of granules or a hose with a high-powered nozzle for smaller amounts, and collect and dispose of the granules once they’ve been removed.