Can you say yes to any of the following?
- I am a weekend warrior.
- I will do anything to save a buck.
- DIY is my preferred mode for…anything.
- I would rather do what my spouse asks than risk his/her wrath.
If yes, this article is for you. If you’re a regular reader, you know that we’re purveyors of gutter-related expertise, from the best time of year to clean gutters and 8 bad consequences of not cleaning your gutters to how to clean gutters from the ground. We’re on a mission to help millions of people turn their “honey do’s” into “honey done’s” safely and easily. (And if you’re not a regular reader, we invite you to become one!)
Why rain gutter cleaning is important
You probably already know why gutter cleaning is so important, but in case you need a refresher, bear with us. Your gutters have one duty, and one duty only: to keep water moving away from your home. Once it gets inside, it causes havoc like foundation damage, mold and mildew, and more. Your gutters keep water moving off your roof and away from your home, but they can only do the job well if regularly cleaned. Otherwise, they will overflow or be damaged themselves, and then we’re right back to the danger zone.
Now that we’ve established why gutter cleaning is important, let’s cover the other basics: when and how often to clean your gutters. Most homeowners should clean the gutters at least twice yearly, once in the spring and once in the fall. This helps to protect your home and extend the life of your gutters.
Why clean the rain gutters yourself? Let’s get into it – but put a pin in the safety consideration. We’ll come back to it.
#1. It’s cheaper
Perhaps the #1 reason for cleaning rain gutters yourself is because it will cost you less than a professional gutter cleaning service. According to data from This Old House, the national average cost for gutter cleaning is $70 to $250 for a one-story home and $100 to $325 for a two-story home. Double it for your twice-annual minimum, and you’re looking at $140 to $650 annually.
#2. It’s done on your timetable.
We all know that calling for service can be a pain in the rear end. You search the Internet or get a recommendation from your neighbor, you play phone tag, you check the calendar, life stuff happens, and before you know it, it’s been weeks and the gutters still aren’t clean. Skip the stress and get it done when you want it done.
#3. It’s done right.
The old saying goes, “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” And it’s true: who is going to care more about your home than you do? You’re invested in the outcome, so you know you’ll get the job done right the first time, every time.
#4. It will give you a sense of satisfaction
All right, we know this one might be a stretch, but many of us feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in fulfilling even the most mundane tasks. If finding purpose in home maintenance is right up your alley, you’re going to feel great after cleaning the rain gutters yourself.
#5. Bragging rights and brownie points
We’ve all got that one smug neighbor – the one who has the trash cans out 14 hours before pickup, the yard waste bags perfectly tagged, the “Welcome Fall Y’all” sign propped out on the porch on September 1 at 5:59 am. Bring it to the friendly block rivalry by getting the gutter cleaning done.
And, if your spouse has been asking nicely (or not so nicely) for you to do this task, you’ll also earn valuable brownie points for getting the gutter cleaning done.
Finally, safety first: gutter cleaning can be dangerous, mainly because anytime you’re up on a ladder placed on uneven ground, you’re running the risk of an accident that will cause injury. This list of five reasons for cleaning rain gutters yourself is based on the wisdom of a safer, easier way of cleaning the gutters from the ground with Gutter Sense. This lightweight, easy-to-use tool attaches to a standard 12- to 20-foot extension pole, enabling you to keep both feet safely planted on the ground while you clean the gutters – first and second story.
At just $30, it’s a fraction of the cost of even one professional gutter cleaning service, making it a no-brainer for cleaning the gutters yourself. It eliminates both ladder and mess, helping you safely clean the gutters and take care of your home.