Gutter cleaning is exhausting and time consuming. But it is necessary to keep your house in excellent shape. That’s why you need to hire a gutter cleaning service to clean your gutters at least twice a year. However, hiring the first gutter cleaner you come across is never a good idea.
You need to find a reliable, professional, experienced, and reasonably priced gutter cleaning expert. And the best way to find such a professional is to ask them the right questions. If you are already looking for gutter cleaning experts, make sure to ask the following questions.
1. How Long Have You Been In Business?
Most people think that gutter cleaning involves general labor but no real skills. However, that is not true. The job does require skills, which can only be acquired through experience. Besides, it is often risky to hire someone who doesn’t know what they are doing.
For example, an amateur cleaner could dent your gutters, damage downspouts, or even damage your soffit and fascia while cleaning your gutters. On the other hand, a rain gutter cleaning pro will take every precaution not to cause damage to your property. Plus, they will ensure a thorough cleaning.
Make sure to ask how long the company has been in business. Try to hire a company that has been around at least for a couple of years. Also, don’t forget to check if they have a physical address. Should anything go wrong, you will be able to track them down quickly if they are located nearby.
2. What Gutter Cleaning Methods Do You Use?
Before you hire a gutter cleaner, make sure to understand their cleaning processes. Although it isn’t that common, some companies do cut corners. If your gutter cleaning service uses cheap equipment or pinches pennies, you will be left to clean up their mess.
You don’t want to spend more money and time fixing problems that could have been avoided in the first place. Talk to the contractor to understand their work process, staff, and experience. It would also be a good idea to check out their previous work. Consider it a litmus test of whether they can deliver what they promise.
3. What Gutter Cleaning Equipment Do You Use?
Gutter cleaning requires different equipment such as ladders, gloves, garden hoses, leaf blowers, gutter cleaning spoons, gutter scoops, and pressure washers. Moreover, you may need a specific roof and gutter cleaning equipment depending on the condition of your rain gutters.
For example, if your rain gutters haven’t been cleaned in a while, you may need to use vacuum suction technology or a pressure washer for thorough cleaning. With the right tools, you can prevent property damage and spare yourself from potential injuries.
4.Do You Have Trained Staff?
Gutter cleaning can be dangerous as it involves working at heights. For instance, you could fall if you don’t use a safe and sturdy ladder. It is recommended to use a four-legged step ladder for gutter cleaning. However, the people you hire must know when, where, and how to use such equipment.
Furthermore, your home could be damaged if the contractor is negligent or not trained. You could end up on the hook to repair the damage. Be sure to ask the gutter cleaning service if their staff is well-trained. Always hire a contractor with qualified, trained, and experienced workers.
5. What Safety Measures Does Your Team Take?
No matter how small a gutter cleaning job is, you have to follow the required safety protocols at all costs. For example, before using a ladder, you need to check it for defects, dents, or loose parts. It is also necessary to let someone know before you climb a ladder. These small safety measures can help prevent fatal injuries and costly property damage.
Take an in-depth look at the gutter cleaning company’s safety standards. It is wise to hire a company that goes through regular safety training, has required licenses, and checks all the equipment before each job. It may take you a while to find such a contractor, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
6. Do You Have Insurance?
Just like training and safety, insurance is a must. If an uninsured worker gets hurt on your property, you could be facing a legal nightmare. Likewise, if a tile breaks or a wall gets damaged during the cleaning, you will have to bear the repair costs if the company is not insured.
Before you hire a gutter cleaning service, make sure they have adequate insurance cover. Most professional contractors will gladly share their insurance details with you. You can cross-check these before hiring them.
7. Will You Provide Us With A Free Quote?
When it comes to gutter cleaning, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Gutter cleaning costs will vary based on your location, the size and age of your house, etc. That’s why it is necessary to ask the contractor for a free quote or estimate.
In fact, most contractors will provide you with a free estimate. See if they give you all the details in your free quote. You can also shop around and compare different estimates before making your decision.
But, never hire the cheapest or the most expensive contractor. Choose a reasonably priced cleaner with a good track record and customer reviews. They will provide you with thorough cleaning and repair without breaking the bank.
In Conclusion
When searching for a professional gutter cleaner, it is better to go with an experienced contractor having trained and qualified staff. In addition to this, you should also consider factors like safety measures, insurance, gutter cleaning tools, and a free estimate. Remember, a professional gutter cleaner will help you save money and time in the long run.
If you are looking for a gutter cleaning service in Utah, please give us a call at (801) 676-1048 or fill out our online contact form for a free quote. Our experts will be happy to assist you.