Gutter Cleaning

Most Florida homes need gutter cleaning twice per year - typically late fall after leaves drop and late spring after pollen season. Homes surrounded by trees, especially oaks and pines, may need quarterly cleaning. Neglected gutters cause serious problems: clogged gutters overflow, sending water down your walls and into your foundation. This can cause fascia board rot (expensive repairs averaging $1,000-$2,500), foundation settling and cracks, basement or crawlspace flooding, landscape erosion, and even interior water damage. Clogged gutters also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and can attract pests like rodents and birds that nest in debris. Regular cleaning at $125-$200 per visit is far more affordable than the thousands in damage that neglected gutters can cause.

Yes, we clean gutter exteriors as an add-on service! Those black stripes on white gutters are called 'tiger stripes' - they're caused by a chemical reaction between the aluminum oxidation on your gutters and dirt/pollution in rainwater runoff. As water flows over the gutter lip, it deposits this mixture in streaky patterns that bond to the surface. Regular cleaning products won't remove them. We use specialized gutter brightening solutions that safely dissolve these oxidation stains without damaging the gutter finish. Most customers add exterior gutter cleaning when they have their house washed, as the combination makes gutters look brand new. This service typically adds $50-$100 depending on home size and staining severity.

Our comprehensive gutter cleaning includes: removal of all debris from gutter troughs, downspout flushing to ensure clear drainage, checking and reattaching any loose gutter spikes or hangers, visual inspection for rust, holes, or separation issues, and cleanup of all debris we remove. We use a combination of hand-scooping and specialized vacuum equipment to minimize mess. All debris goes into bags that we take with us - nothing is left scattered in your yard. We lay tarps in garden beds when working over sensitive landscaping. After cleaning, we run water through the entire system to verify proper flow and check for any leaks. You'll receive a brief report noting any issues we observed that may need attention, with no pressure to make additional purchases.

Gutter guards can significantly reduce cleaning frequency but rarely eliminate the need entirely - we still recommend annual inspections even with guards installed. Different guard types have different trade-offs: mesh screens keep out large debris but can clog with pine needles and shingle grit; solid covers with slots handle leaves well but struggle with heavy rain volume; foam inserts can deteriorate and become breeding grounds for seeds and moss. In Florida's environment with pine needles, oak catkins, and frequent heavy rains, no guard system is maintenance-free. That said, quality guards can extend cleaning intervals from twice yearly to once yearly for most homes. We can assess your specific situation - tree types, roof layout, and gutter configuration - and give honest advice about whether guards make sense for your property. We don't sell or install guards, so our recommendation is unbiased.

Several warning signs indicate clogged gutters before serious damage occurs. During rain, watch for: water overflowing the gutter edges like a waterfall, water pooling near your foundation, or gutters that sag or pull away from the fascia (indicating they're heavy with debris and water). After rain, check for: water stains on siding below gutters, erosion channels in landscaping beneath gutter runs, or peeling paint on fascia boards. You might also notice birds or pests frequenting your gutters - they're attracted to the debris and standing water. Inside your home, water stains on ceilings near exterior walls can indicate gutter overflow soaking through soffits. If your downspouts aren't producing water flow during rain despite full gutters, they're likely clogged underground or at the elbow joints. We recommend checking gutters visually twice a year, or scheduling our service before Florida's rainy season begins in June to ensure your system handles summer storms effectively.