Eavestrough vs Gutters: What Are the Differences

📑 Table of Contents

1. Importance of Keeping Your Eavestrough Clean
2. DIY Eavestrough Cleaning
3. Reasons to Hire a Professional
4. Professional Eavestrough Cleaning from Custom Contracting
5. Conclusion

  Eavestrough cleaning is a dirty job that many Canadian homeowners don't exactly enjoy despite its importance in keeping gutters functioning properly. Pushing this part of home maintenance aside can lead to a whole host of problems, including water damage, foundation issues, and pest infestations, which can cause even more problems and expenses. When it comes to eavestrough cleaning, homeowners often must decide whether to get out the ladder and do it themselves or hire a professional eavestrough cleaning service. Today, we'll look at both approaches and their benefits and drawbacks so you can make an informed decision.

📊 Maintenance Schedule

Frequency	Task	Importance
Monthly	Visual inspection	Medium
Quarterly	Clean gutters & downspouts	High
Bi-Annually	Professional inspection	High
Annually	Deep cleaning & repairs	Medium

📊 Cost Breakdown

Project Component	Average Cost	% of Total
Materials	$5,000 - $8,000	50-60%
Labor	$3,000 - $5,000	30-35%
Permits & Disposal	$500 - $1,000	5-10%
Total Project	$8,500 - $14,000	100%

Importance of Keeping Your Eavestrough Clean Clean eavestroughs are crucial for your home's health. Their primary responsibility is to keep rainwater away from your home's foundation, thus preventing water damage and soil erosion. If your gutters get clogged, they can cause water overflow, which can leak into your roof and walls and lead to widespread damage and costly repairs. The overflowing water can also pool around the foundation of your house and start seeping into your foundation, causing cracks and potential flooding of your basement. Clogged eavestroughs can also turn into breeding grounds for mosquitos or pests like mice and squirrels, creating additional health risks for you and your family. Regular eavestrough maintenance can help you avoid these issues and, at the same time, extend the lifespan of your gutters.

📊 Siding Material Comparison

Siding Type	Durability	Maintenance	Cost Range
Vinyl Siding	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Low	$3-$8/sq ft
Fiber Cement	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Low-Medium	$6-$12/sq ft
Wood Siding	⭐⭐⭐	High	$8-$15/sq ft
Metal Siding	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Very Low	$7-$16/sq ft

DIY Eavestrough Cleaning Now, let's have a look at the two options you have when it comes to eavestrough cleaning, starting with the DIY method.

Advantages The main advantage of doing it yourself is the cost savings. Hiring a professional service is not cheap, so handling the task yourself can save you money. It also allows you to set your own schedule instead of having to try to align the professional's availability with your availability. Finally, it will also give you complete control over every part of the cleaning, so you know exactly how thorough the cleaning was and if every little bit of your eavestrough system has been taken care of.

 

Disadvantages Depending on the height of your home, eavestrough cleaning can be hazardous as, in most cases, it will involve a ladder, and potentially a quite long one. Especially if you don't follow all proper safety precautions for working at heights, falls from ladders can be a common cause of injury, mainly if you're not used to working on them. It also can be pretty time-consuming, depending on how big your home is and how much cleaning must be done. Clearing a clogged eavestrough can also be very physical and dirty work. Another disadvantage is a lack of expertise, which means you are more likely to miss signs of damage or underlying issues that need to be addressed, potentially leading to more significant problems.

Reasons to Hire a Professional

Expertise and Experience Professional eavestrough cleaning services have the necessary expertise and experience to provide efficient and effective care. Their technicians are not only trained in the proper techniques for cleaning your eavestroughs but also do this every day, so they can identify potential issues such as leaks, rust, and structural damage that a layperson might overlook. This allows you to address these issues and prevent them from escalating and becoming even more costly. Their expertise also ensures a thorough cleaning that ensures the efficiency and longevity of your gutters.

Safety As mentioned above, professional eavestrough cleaners do this daily, so they have the right tools and safety gear to perform their tasks with reduced risk. Their training to work at heights and identify and handle associated hazards minimizes the likelihood of accidents.

 

Efficiency Another significant benefit of hiring professionals overdoing it yourself is the ability to clean your eavestrough efficiently. They can complete a cleaning job quickly and efficiently, using their experience and specialized equipment, saving you money and ensuring that the job is done right the first time.

Comprehensive Services Many professional gutter cleaning services don't stop at cleaning your gutters; they often also inspect them for damage to ensure they are securely attached and don't show any signs of rust, leaking, or sagging. Many companies also offer gutter guard installation to prevent future clogs. These additional services can provide you with a more comprehensive maintenance package that will save you money in the long run.

Professional Eavestrough Cleaning from Custom Contracting Reliable professional eavestrough cleaning can greatly benefit your home, and Custom Contracting is exactly the service you've been looking for. We offer top-quality eavestrough maintenance and gutter cleaning services that guarantee the best results. Our team of experts is trained to handle all aspects of gutter care, from thorough cleaning to installing high-quality gutter guards, to provide you with a comprehensive package. Rest assured that your eavestroughs are in capable hands with our seasoned technicians. We employ advanced techniques and equipment to ensure your gutters are clean and functioning optimally. Our services are designed to provide peace of mind, knowing that your home is protected from water damage and other related issues.

Conclusion Ultimately, deciding between DIY eavestrough cleaning and hiring professional services depends on several factors, such as your budget, time, and comfort with potential risks. Without a doubt, DIY cleaning can be cost-effective and convenient. However, it comes with safety risks and may not be as thorough as a professional job. Hiring a professional service offers expertise, safety, and comprehensive care to ensure your eavestroughs are in fully workable condition. Custom Contracting has over 20 years of experience in roofing and exteriors with unmatched customer service. We offer a lifetime warranty on our shingles and countless colours. Also, check out our financing solutions. Call us at (289) 277-4937 or fill out our convenient online form to find out how we can help you with all roofing services.