Gutter Cleaning in Wichita, KS

Why clean gutters matter

A clogged gutter is worse than no gutter. Instead of spreading water along the eave, it collects the whole roof's runoff and dumps it over the front edge at one or two spots, right next to the foundation, or backs it up behind the gutter where it soaks the fascia and roof deck. Standing water in a clogged gutter also adds weight that pulls hangers loose, and it gives mosquitoes a place to breed: the CDC lists gutters and downspouts among the places mosquitoes lay eggs (CDC, larvicides and where mosquitoes lay eggs).

In the Wichita area, the most common clog sources are predictable: cottonwood fluff and seed in late spring, elm seeds, maple "helicopters", oak leaves and acorns in the fall, pine needles, wind-blown debris from open fields, and the granules that wash off asphalt shingles, especially on a newer roof or after hail.

What a thorough gutter cleaning includes

• Removing debris by hand or scoop from every run, bagged or tarped rather than flung into beds.
• Clearing the outlets where the gutter drops into the downspout, which is where clogs usually start.
• Flushing each downspout with water to confirm it drains, and clearing elbows or underground connections that are blocked.
• Checking the pitch by watching how water moves toward the outlets during the flush. Puddles that stay put suggest a sag.
• Looking for problems such as loose hangers, open seams, rust, separated corners, gaps behind the gutter and soft fascia.
• Cleaning up the roof edge, walks and beds afterward.

Some services also clean the outside face of the gutters (the black "tiger stripes" from runoff) or clean gutter guards, which is a different job. Ask what is included before the visit.

How often should gutters be cleaned around Wichita?

Most homes need cleaning at least twice a year, and homes under large trees may need more. HomeGuide suggests 2 to 3 cleanings a year, or before the rainiest seasons, depending on climate and trees (HomeGuide, gutter cleaning cost). In practice, around Wichita that looks like:

• Late spring, after cottonwood, elm and maple seed drop and before the stormiest stretch of the year.
• Late fall, after most leaves are down and before freezing weather. Wichita's average freeze window runs from about October 25 to April 9 (Wikipedia: Wichita, Kansas (climate)), and frozen debris in a gutter is a recipe for ice buildup.
• After a big storm, when hail strips granules and wind drops twigs and leaves.

The guide how often to clean gutters in Wichita covers timing by tree type and roof.

Ladder safety: the real reason many people hire this out

Cleaning a one-story gutter from a sturdy ladder is a reasonable weekend job for many homeowners. Two-story and taller homes, steep lots and wet or windy days are a different story. CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health notes that more than 500,000 people are treated and about 300 die each year in the U.S. from ladder-related injuries (CDC NIOSH, National Ladder Safety Month). If you do it yourself, read gutter cleaning and ladder safety first.

Signs your gutters need cleaning now

• Water spills over the front of the gutter during a moderate rain.
• Downspouts trickle or stay dry while the gutter overflows.
• Plants, moss or seedlings are growing along the roof edge.
• Gutters sag between hangers or pull away from the fascia.
• Paint is peeling or wood is stained under the eaves.
• Mud splash marks or erosion appear in beds below the eaves.
• Birds, wasps or rodents are nesting in the gutter.

Gutter cleaning vs. gutter guards

If the gutters fill up several times a year, gutter guards may reduce how often cleaning is needed. They do not eliminate maintenance: fine debris and shingle grit still get through or sit on top, and guarded gutters still need periodic checking and cleaning (HomeGuide, gutter cleaning cost). See gutter guards and covers and are gutter guards worth it?

When cleaning turns up a bigger problem

A cleaning is also an inspection. Common findings include loose hangers, leaking corners, rust holes in steel gutters, sections pitched backward, downspouts crushed by mowers, and rotted fascia. Small items can often be fixed on the spot; larger ones become a gutter repair or fascia repair. Clogged underground drain lines are their own job, covered under downspouts and drainage.

Preparing for a cleaning visit

• Note any spots where you have seen overflow, and which downspouts do not drain.
• Unlock gates and move vehicles, grills and furniture away from the walls.
• Mention gutter guards, underground drains or a steep or fragile roof.
• Keep pets inside while ladders are moving around the house.

Roof type and cleaning method

How gutters are cleaned depends on the roof. On a low-slope single-story roof, cleaning is often done from a ladder moved along the eave. On steeper or taller roofs, it may be done with ladder standoffs that keep the ladder off the gutter, or from the roof with fall protection. Wood shake, tile, slate and older brittle shingles should not be walked on casually, and metal roofs are slippery when wet or dusty. Mention your roof type and height when you ask for an estimate.

What does it cost? See published national ranges for gutter cleaning in the gutter cost guide. They are general industry estimates, not quotes.

Related guides

• How Often Should You Clean Gutters in Wichita?
• Are Gutter Guards Worth It? An Honest Look
• Gutter Cleaning and Ladder Safety: A Homeowner's Checklist
• Ice Dams, Icicles and Gutters in Kansas