Utica, Michigan is a small, charming suburb in Macomb County near Detroit. It has an abundance of trees within the neighborhood and four distinct seasons. This makes for a beautiful scenery. It also means that homeowners frequently deal with leaf buildup, pine needles, twigs and other debris clogging their gutters.
Regular gutter cleaning in Utica, Michigan is essential to preventing water damage, foundation problems, problems with infestations of pests and rodents and other costly repairs and issues that come with having clogged gutters.
Why Cleaning Your Gutters Is Important
Cleaning your home’s gutters is important, especially in a place such as Utica, Michigan, where there are a lot of trees close to homes that are in the area. Cleaning a home’s gutters can help direct rainwater and melting snow away from a home’s foundation, roof, siding and landscaping. When gutters become clogged, water can overflow, which can lead to serious problems such as:
- Foundation and basement damage: Water pooling near a home’s foundation can cause cracking, settling or flooding, especially
- during heavy spring rains and freeze-thaw cycles that are typical in the Macomb County area.
- Roof and fascia issues: Overflowing water can rot fascia boards, damage shingles and lead to leaks.
- Ice dams in the winter: Clogged gutters trap water and moisture that can freeze, which can lead to ice dams to form. These ice dams
- can lift shingles and allow water to seep into your home.
- Pest problems: Gutters that are clogged with debris can attract rodents, and any standing water can create an environment where
- pests such as mosquitoes can grow.
- Erosion and landscape damage: Misdirected drainage can wash away soil and do damage to landscaping such as flower beds.
In Utica and surrounding areas like Sterling Heights, Shelby Township and Rochester Hills, the abundance of trees can accelerate debris accumulation. Neglecting gutters can turn minor issues into major and expensive repairs, including water damage that can cost thousands to fix.
Signs That Your Gutters Need Cleaning
These are some signs that your home’s gutters need to be cleaned.
- Water overflowing when it rains
- Sagging gutters or gutters that are pulling away from your home
- Plants or grass growing in your home’s gutters
- Wet or eroded soil near your home’s foundation
- Pest activity around downspouts can signal standing water
You may want to get ready to clean your home’s gutters if you notice any of these signs.
The Best Time To Clean Your Gutters In Utica
The climate in Utica, Michigan demands that a home’s gutters be cleaned at least twice a year for most homes.
- Spring (April – June): Cleaning your home’s gutters in spring clears any winter debris, pollen, seeds, etc., and gets your home prepared
- for heavy rains.
- Fall (October – November): Cleaning your home’s gutters in fall removes fallen leaves before the winter snow and ice.
Home near a lot of trees may need more frequent gutter cleaning.
What Does It Cost?
The cost of cleaning a home’s gutters in Utica can vary depending on the size of the home, the gutter length, height, accessibility and debris level. For most single story homes, the cost will be:
- You can expect to between $70-$200 per cleaning in Utica.
- The statewide average in Michigan is between $80-250.
Multi-story homes or homes with major clogs will cost more.
DIY vs Hiring Professionals
Gutter cleaning is one of those home projects that home owners can do on their own, but may often choose to hire professionals to do it for several different reasons.
Some reasons for hiring a professional gutter cleaning company are:
- Hiring a professional gutter cleaning company can help you prevent injuries.
- Hiring a professional gutter cleaning company can save you money if you don’t already have the equipment and materials
- needed to do the job.
- Hiring a professional gutter cleaning company can save you time by not having to do it yourself.
- A professional gutter cleaning company can spot other problems, or potential problems with your home.
There are several great gutter cleaning companies in and around Utica. We will mention a few below.
If you are in Utica and would like to hire a professional gutter cleaning company, a good recommendation is The Best Landscaping Service. They are a family owned, locally operated landscaping company that is a trusted pillar in Macomb County.
Another recommended gutter cleaning company is J and J Tree Service. They are a family owned and operated tree care service company that regularly does work in the area.
Whether you do-it-yourself or hire a professional gutter cleaning company, be sure to protect your home, and yourself, by cleaning or having your gutters cleaned at least twice a year. This will bring you peace of mind, and a home that is well taken care of.
