Gutter cleaning, inside and out
Inside, the gutters fill with oak leaves, maple helicopters and pine needles. Outside, the faces get black stripes. Both are fixable in one visit.
Clearing the inside
Leaves and debris are scooped out by hand, bagged rather than flung onto the beds, and the gutters are then flushed with a hose to check they drain toward the downspouts. Downspouts that are packed get cleared from the top or the bottom elbow. If a section holds water because it sags, you'll hear about it.
Brightening the outside
The dark vertical stripes on gutter faces, often called tiger stripes, are an oily film of pollution and roof runoff that has bonded to the paint. A normal rinse doesn't touch them. A gutter cleaner made for the job, applied and hand-brushed, brings white aluminum gutters back close to their original color. This is quoted as an add-on to a house wash or a clean-out.
When to book
| Time of year | What's in the gutters |
|---|---|
| Late spring | Pollen, seed pods, maple helicopters |
| Summer | Usually quiet, unless storms brought branches down |
| Late fall | The big one: oak, maple and poplar leaves |
| After a big storm | Twigs and shingle granules, worth a check |
Repairs and installs: we clean gutters. New gutters, guards and re-hanging sagging runs are for a gutter installer.
Asked about gutter cleaning
Still wondering about something? Call (865) 390-6589 and ask. It costs nothing to ask.
How often should gutters be cleaned in Knoxville?
Twice a year for most houses: once in late spring and once after the leaves drop in late fall. Homes under big oaks or pines may need more.
Do you clean gutters with guards on them?
Many guards can be lifted or cleaned on top. Some screwed-down types need to be removed and replaced, which takes longer and changes the price.
Is gutter cleaning done from the roof?
From ladders whenever possible. Walking a roof is avoided unless it's low, dry and safe.