Most homes in London and the surrounding towns need their gutters (eavestroughs) cleaned at least twice a year: once in late spring and once in late fall, after the leaves are down. If your home sits under big maples, oaks or pines, plan on a third clean.
It sounds like a small job, but clogged gutters are behind some of the most common and expensive problems we see on London homes. Here's what to know.
Why gutters matter more in Southwestern Ontario
- Freeze and thaw. Our winters swing above and below freezing again and again. Water sitting in a clogged gutter freezes, backs up under the shingles, and adds weight that can pull the gutter right off the house.
- Your foundation and basement. When gutters overflow, the water lands right beside your foundation. Over time that means puddles, a damp basement and cracked concrete.
- Soffit and fascia damage. Water spilling over the edge soaks the wood behind your gutters and can cause rot.
The best time of year to clean them
- Late fall, once most of the leaves have dropped. In the London area that's usually early to mid November. Clean too early and the trees fill them right back up.
- Late spring, to clear out maple seeds, blossoms and anything left from winter.
- Before holiday lights go up. It's much easier to clean gutters before lights are clipped along the roofline.
Signs your gutters are overdue
- Water spills over the edge when it rains
- Plants or seedlings are growing in the gutter
- Sections are sagging or pulling away from the house
- Dirty streaks or stains on the siding or brick below
- Puddles at the bottom of the downspouts, or downspouts that barely drip
- Thick ice building up along the roof edge in winter
- Birds, wasps or rodents nesting in the gutters
Can you do it yourself?
On a single-storey home with a sturdy ladder and someone to hold it, many homeowners can handle it. You'll need gloves, a gutter scoop, a bucket and a garden hose to flush the downspouts.
For two-storey homes, steep roofs, or cold and wet weather, it's worth hiring a professional. Working from a ladder near the roofline is risky, and late fall is exactly when ladders and roofs get slippery.
What to ask any gutter cleaning company
- Do you clean every run of gutter by hand, not just blow it out?
- Do you flush the downspouts and clear clogs?
- Do you bag and take away the debris?
- Will you tell me about any leaks, loose hangers or sagging sections you find?
Gutter cleaning in London and area
Classic Home Services offers gutter cleaning, along with window cleaning, power washing and yard clean-up, for homes in London, St. Thomas, Strathroy, Dorchester, Ilderton, Komoka, Kilworth, Delaware and Arva. Request a free quote and we'll take care of it before the snow flies.
