Do I really need to remove each piece of gutter guard to clean gutters or is blowing water through them to flush sufficient?
I despise these things, they seem nearly worthless! They make cleaning gutters a pain and since they are almost always installed improperly, they are lined with debris and I end up having to charge the customer more.
Does anyone else tell the customer that they would save more money by getting the gutters cleaned 2 times a year without the guards on? If they get clogged either way and still need maintenance, then what is the point?
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We have had similar problems with them, I have showed up to clean out gutters prior to the roof cleaning job and found they had them installed. We usually do a couple of different things with that, 1. tell them we can take off the one where the down spouts are and ensure it is drain free but it will cost them a price for it. 2. Let them know if they want all of them off and cleaned it will cost 3 or 4 times the amount of our gutter cleaning would normally cost plus if one breaks because most are plastic type than it will cost to replace it if it breaks taking out which most due. 3. I will just sometimes walk away if they do not want to pay to have it done.
Hope it helps, we have this service as an add on but we only use the aluminium type by leafproof or leafree. We charge from 8 to 12 linear foot to install them, good luck.
I tell the customer if there are leaves in your gutter and you have gutter guard on it, then it means the guard isn't working properly and you would be better off without it. I also give them the price if I were to install gutter guard that actually works. There is so much junk out there, people are getting ripped off every day. Phil, to answer your first question, I prefer to thoroughly clean the gutters but I would think if you flush them out enough you should be fine.
I talk more customers into removing them and having me maintain their gutters with regular cleanings by simply removing a couple of guards and taking a picture of all the debris that has accumulated in the gutters. The customer is usually so appauled they have me go ahead and remove them. For those who have their minds made up, I install aluminum leaf-relief gutter guards. The holes in that particular guard are so small even pine straw won't find a way in.
This thread is bout cleaning gutters with the cheap guard. This guard is easily cleaned with a leaf blower. When you come to an endcap and downspout take that guard out. It blows out.
Edit. I sell LR too.
-- Edited by gutterdog on Thursday 18th of November 2010 12:13:27 AM
Mike, how much are you charging for LR install, per foot? I was thinking about going $5 per linear foot for materials & install combined, but I feel that's a little to cheap...
I went to a job the other day. The homeowner had 66' of gutter. I told her the price would be $200 to clean and screen. She looked at me and said, are you crazy. That price is to high.. I just looked at her and left.
This thread is bout cleaning gutters with the cheap guard. This guard is easily cleaned with a leaf blower. When you come to an endcap and downspout take that guard out. It blows out.
Edit. I sell LR too.
-- Edited by gutterdog on Thursday 18th of November 2010 12:13:27 AM
Mike, how much are you charging for LR install, per foot? I was thinking about going $5 per linear foot for materials & install combined, but I feel that's a little to cheap...
I have open gutters. I clean them with my shop vac. I have an attachment that is candy cone shaped made just for gutter cleaning. I don’t even have to use a ladder.
How can you be sure the gutters are actually clean? What about downspouts? That wouldn't work well with customers who flat out neglect routine maintenance.
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Extreme Cleaning Solutions (410) 980-1053
Phil Rogers
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Roof Cleaning and Pressure Washing in Anne Arundel County, and Howard County, Maryland
Regular Gutter cleaning is important for performing its function properly. It is a tube-like structure that runs from the roof to ground. During rainy days, there is maximum possibility to getting your gutter damage due to clogged waste material, to prevent it and to keep the water out of our houses selecting guttering is best option. In case of small and big damage, it is better to hire a professional gutter cleaning services. You have to clean gutter not only on sometimes but on the regular basis. It requires time and effort.
Guttering
-- Edited by garyw on Thursday 24th of May 2012 08:52:52 AM