A Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning Gutters on Various Roof Types

Are your gutters clean? If you’re like many homeowners, you probably don’t pay much attention to your roof or gutters. That is, until there’s a problem. If you want to avoid leaks, foundation problems and other issues that arise from faulty gutters, it’s important to clean them routinely. We recommend cleaning them two to four times a year. However, not all roofs are created the same. The type of roof will influence the roof gutter cleaning techniques applied. Below, we share our tips on rain gutter cleaning on different roof types.

Tips for Roofing and Gutter Cleaning on Different Roof Types

• Asphalt Shingle Roofs

These are the most common types of roofs for residential buildings. The drainage systems on these properties should be cleaned seasonally. Take advantage of the cleaning exercise to inspect the shingles for damage.

Ice dams are a common issue on these structures. They form as snow and debris accumulate in the drainage system and the snow melts to form drops and refreezes creating large ice dams. Cleaning during winter is therefore necessary to prevent damage.

It is also important to clean during other seasons to remove stains and keep the roof and drainage system fresh and clean as they age.

• Metal roofing

These types of roof are becoming more popular with modern construction and design. They provide longevity and are resistant to elements of the weather. They are also fire resistant.

It is important to schedule cleaning for metal roofing and drainage for once every season. It is important to keep in mind that drainage systems for metal roofing are often attached lower than with other types of roofing. This means that more debris can accumulate in these systems creating moist conditions that can cause rusting. You may therefore have to clean these systems more often if debris such as leaves accumulate.

Washing metal roofing annually will help to prevent oxidation caused by algae or mold as well as environmental stains. The metal sheets become very slippery when wet. Great caution is therefore required for gutter roof cleaning in these instances.

• Cedar shingle roofing

These are aesthetic roofs and can last a long time with proper maintenance. Clearing debris and leaves accumulated in drainage systems is vital to prevent rotting and staining of shingles. With proper maintenance, these roofs can last for up to 30 years.

Debris should be carefully scooped out of the drainage system. Take great care to avoid damaging the shingles. A crack in the wooden shingles can result in severe damage to the structure of the roof over time.

• Tile roofing

These roofs are attractive. However, because of the curved shape of the tiles, debris is more likely to accumulate on the roof as well as in the drainage system. It is important to trim branches of trees near the home to minimize the accumulation of debris. These roofs require more regular cleaning when the home is surrounded by trees.

In order to clean gutters from the roof with tiles, you will need a steady ladder and personal protection such as goggles and gloves. You will also need a scoop to remove debris from the tiles and drainage system. A pressure washer can come in handy to get debris off the tiles overhanging the gutters.

• Flat roofing

One of the biggest pros of cleaning these types of roofs is that they are easy to walk on. The risk of falling is greatly reduced. However, the biggest con is that more debris is likely to accumulate on the roof than on a pitched roof.

Call for Professional Gutter Cleaning Service in Issaquah

Save time, energy and money by investing in the services of professional roof gutter cleaners. Contact us, Reflection of Perfection for fast and efficient cleaning services in Issaquah. You can trust our experienced technicians to ensure safe and effective cleaning of your roof and drainage system no matter the type of roof.