Your Vancouver and Surrounding Area Gutter Cleaning & Repair Experts

There are many reasons why cleaning gutters regularly is a good idea. All of them serve to protect your primary asset - your home. 

Why invest in gutter cleaning?

The single most important job of gutters is to protect your home. And your home is probably your single most important asset. What are the most common issues?

·      Clogged gutters can lead to leaky roofs and water damage

·      Water damage can extend to the interior of the attic, the insulation, and behind walls

·      Clogged gutters make wonderful spaces for pests, rodents, and mold

·      Mossy roofs hold moisture on the roof and can lead to structural damage

·      Foundation damage

Water Damage

If your gutters are blocked, then water has no place to go. That forces water to enter where it can under the eaves, through cracks and crevices in the siding, and other roof spaces. As water enters the home, the damage can extend far more than just the roof. Water gets into the attic and insulation and behind the walls. When that happens, mold can develop. And if wood structure becomes weakened with water damage, well then you have rotting roof underlay (plywood), rotting floors (i.e., the ceiling to the next level) and more. Cleaning your gutters at least twice a year helps prevent this kind of water damage.

The average cost of restoring water damage: $2,700 to $7,000

The average cost of gutter replacement ranges from $950 to $1,900 depending on the size of the property. It will also depend on the type of material you choose – luxury materials can push the cost to $2,000 to $4,000.

Factors affecting cost of gutter replacement:

·      Gutter material

·      Gutter shape

·      Length of gutter

·      Type of gutter work

·      Time

·      Location

Average cost of roof repairs:

·      Repairs can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500 to replace individual shingles or tiles. Add gutter repairs and that could range from

·      For a 1,000 sq ft home a new roof can cost anywhere between $6,000 to $10,000.

Factors that affect the cost of roof repairs or replacement:

·      Roof size and shape

·      Materials used (asphalt vs tile vs metal)

·      Labour costs and permits (there may be different rates charged depending on the complexity of the job)

·      Number of stories and roof accessibility (may need scaffolding)

·      Extra roof features (e.g., chimneys, skylights, dormers) – these require additional labour and materials.

Foundation cracks

Without gutters the foundation has nothing to prevent pooling water in a heavy rainfall. Over time, erosion and pooling water will weaken your foundation. That can in turn lead to cracks, shifting or settling. Foundation cracks can then lead to uneven floor or cracks in your walls. To move rain and melting snow away from your home clean gutters are essential.

The average cost of foundation repairs: $2,000 to $10,000+

Basement Flooding

Water pooling next to the home’s foundation can cause water to seep down and collect in the basement. The risk is doubled if the home’s landscaping does not slope away from the house.

Average cost of basement flooding: $3,000 to $10,000

Pest infestations

Pests are another reason to clean your gutters on a regular basis. When organic material such as leaves rot, it becomes very attractive for pests and rodents. Not to mention mold. Ignoring gutters can lead to major infestations which can then lead to major repair costs.

The average cost of pest infestations: $300-$600+

Fascia Damage

Clogged gutters mean more pooling water and debris. The weight of this can lead to the gutters breaking away from the fascia which means more repairs to this portion of the roofing system.

The average cost of fascia damage: $600-$6,000

Shortening lifespan

Proper maintenance and care for gutters results in gutters that can last for 20 to 50 years depending on the material used. Clogged gutters can result in damage due to the additional weight of water and debris. And it can also lead to rust and corrosion which drastically shortens the lifespan of your gutter system.

The average cost of gutter replacement ranges from $950 to $1,900.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are those long icicles coming off the gutters/roof in the winter. They are caused when the snow on your roof melts into the gutters where it refreezes. That in turn prevents proper drainage. If the gutters have not been cleaned that can be exacerbated due to the buildup of debris.

The average cost of ice dam damage: $1,000

What are the signs your gutters need some upkeep?

1.     You spot birds or pests by your roof

2.     Water is spilling over the sides

3.     Sagging gutters

4.     Staining on your siding

5.     Plant growth

6.     You can't remember the last time they were cleaned.