Gutter cleaning in Michigan
Michigan is known for its incredible trees, resulting in a perpetual need for gutter cleaning. We at
guttercleaning.info, take what we do very seriously. Clogged gutters and downspouts lead to water
backing up in the soffit area, causing rot and other forms of damage. In the winter it leads to ice
dams. We make sure all gutters are completely clean, and we check each and every downspout
for blockage. You can call us for both residential and commercial gutter cleaning services in the
tri-county area. We hope to hear from you soon.
248-542-2632
Communities Served
These are just some of the cities in Michigan we serve: brighton, ann arbor, washington twp.,
birmingham, clarkston, royal oak, livonia, grosse pointe, farmington hills, shelby twp., and many
more.
last updated: 2-25-10
Clean Gutters
Call before the weather turns cold. We are very busy in the Fall. Clean gutters now, before they
begin to freeze.
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guttercleaning.info
Severe Clogs
Failure to clean gutters for prolong periods of time can cause severe clogs. Leaves and other
organic matter break down into a mud like constancy. Water is no longer able to pass. Often
different forms of vegetation begin to grow. They will appear like mini trees growing from within.
There are many forms of damage that can occur due to gutter clogs. For one, there is often an
exposed area of wood located between the gutter and the shingles. It is called a facia board.
Eventually the board becomes so soft gutter spikes begin falling out, and the gutter falls off.
Another similar issue is a small gap between the facia board and the last roof board. When water
flows through this gap it becomes traped within the soffit area. There is no where for it to go, and
no means for evaporation. Significant rot damage can occur in a short amount of time.
Homes with severe clogs frequently have a significant amount of buildup on the roof surface and
in the valleys. This debris holds moisture against the shingles, eventually causing them to rot. Most
people are surprised to learn that shingles can rot. The reason is most of the shingle material is
organic. As the shingles age, much of the oils within them begins to dry, enabling moisture to
penitrate. In most instances, that moisture evaporates within hours after a rain. However, when the
shingles are covered with debris, the evaporation process takes much longer. And, in severe
cases, the shingles never dry, enabling them to rot very quickly.


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All rights reserved.
Gutter Clogs Can Cause Damage
Failing to clean out clogged gutters can lead to significant damage. Most people do not
want to think about gutter cleaning because it is hard work. It is also a problem often unseen,
and thus out of site is out of mind. However, once you understand all the problems that can
occur by ignoring your gutters, you may feel more inclined to pull out a ladder and finally put
your mind to ease.
Consider hiring a professional to do the gutter cleaning work for you if there is any
apprehension about ladders or heights. Prices are typically very low. You can try
guttercleaning.info for an insured worker who is skilled in the art of gutter cleaning.
Severe gutter clogs cause water draining from the roof surface to pause, and sometimes
puddle at the point between the last shingle and the gutter. This water comes into contact
with the facia board, and will even run between the facia board and the last roof board,
draining into the soffit area. The soffit is an enclosed space with very little ventilation. This
moisture sits stagnant for a long period of time, slowly rotting the soffit from within. Eventually
the soffit board looses its strength and begins to sag. At this point, the only supporting
element is the exterior paint.
When severe gutter clogs occur at the bottom of a valley, the problem is even worse. Valleys
handle a far greater amount of water than other parts of the roof because it is the
accumulation of many roof areas draining into one location. This quantity of water builds up
until it reaches the gutter. When it reaches the clog, it tries to go backwards behind the
gutter. To make matters worse, there are always large gaps in the facia, and roof boards
right in the corner, behind the gutter, where they all come together. I often see gaps large
enough to stick your little finger in. Large amounts of water can run into these openings,
leading to significant rot and water damage. There are occasions when the water will run
across the soffit board and into the exterior wall. Gutter cleaning is vitally important in these
vulnerable areas.
Homes with severely clogged gutters often have debris build up along the edges of the roof
and especially in the valleys. These build-ups hold significant amounts of water, which is
insulated from evaporation by the debris itself. This moisture sits on the roof surface, slowly
rotting the shingles. Most people are surprised to learn that their shingles can rot. They rot
because the bulk of the matter within a shingle is organic. As shingles age, the oils within
them begins to dry and dissipate. As that happens, more and more moisture begins seeping
into the shingles. Normally that moisture evaporates soon after a rain. But, when significant
amounts of debris are present, that moisture just sits and rots.
Most gutters are installed using gutter spikes. These spikes are driven right through the front
wall of the gutter and then through the back wall and eventually into the facia board. Debris
within the gutter causes the water line to rise. When it gets to the level of the gutter spike, it
starts running through the penetration in the gutter, both in the front and the back. Eventually,
the facia board begins to rot, loosening its hold on the gutter spike. As this occurs down the
line of the gutter, spikes start falling out and the gutter separates from the home, and falls off.
A good maintenance schedule for gutter cleaning will prevent a lot of damage. A good rule
of thumb is to clean them once in the spring, and once or twice in the fall right between the
time when the leaves have fallen, and when freezing temperatures become prolonged.


