Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Have My Gutters Cleaned? 

For most homes in Ontario, we recommend having gutters professionally cleaned at least once or twice per year. Properties surrounded by mature trees, especially pine, maple, or other trees that produce significant leaves and debris, may require more frequent cleaning. Spring and late fall are popular times for gutter cleaning. The ideal schedule ultimately depends on your property, surrounding trees, roof design, and how quickly debris accumulates. 

Why Is Regular Gutter Cleaning Important?

 Your gutter system is designed to collect rainwater from your roof and direct it safely away from your home. When gutters or downspouts become clogged, water can overflow and end up where it doesn't belong. Keeping gutters clear helps maintain proper drainage and can reduce the risk of overflowing water affecting your fascia, siding, foundation, landscaping, and other areas surrounding your home. 

What Do You Remove From My Gutters? 

We remove leaves, sticks, pine needles, roof granules, dirt, seeds, organic buildup, and other debris that has accumulated inside the gutter system. Some gutters contain surprisingly heavy buildup, especially when they haven't been cleaned for several years. Our technicians thoroughly clear accessible debris rather than simply removing what can be seen from the ground.

Do You Clean and Flush the Downspouts?

 Yes. Clearing the gutter itself is only part of the job. Water also needs to be able to travel through the downspouts. We check and flush downspouts when appropriate to help ensure water can properly move through the gutter system. If we discover a significant blockage or another issue preventing proper drainage, we'll let you know. 

How Do I Know If My Gutters Are Clogged?

One of the most obvious signs is water overflowing from the gutters during heavy rainfall. You may also notice plants or weeds growing from the gutters, visible debris above the gutter line, water spilling behind the eavestrough, or sections that don't appear to drain properly. However, clogged gutters aren't always obvious from the ground. Regular inspection and cleaning can identify buildup before it develops into a larger problem. 

Can Clogged Gutters Damage My Home? 

Clogged gutters can contribute to water overflowing or draining into areas where it wasn't intended to go. Over time, this may contribute to problems around fascia, soffits, siding, foundations, landscaping, and other areas of the property. Regular gutter cleaning is relatively simple preventative maintenance compared with dealing with water-related problems after they develop. 

Do You Clean Gutters With Gutter Guards? 

Yes. Gutter guards can significantly reduce the amount of large debris entering the gutter, but they don't necessarily eliminate maintenance completely. Leaves, pine needles, seeds, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on top of certain gutter guard systems and interfere with water flow. Depending on the type and condition of your guards, we can remove accessible surface debris and clean the system appropriately. 

Do You Remove the Gutter Guards to Clean Underneath Them? 

This depends on the type of gutter guard installed and the service required. Some systems can be safely accessed or temporarily removed, while others are permanently fastened or integrated into the gutter or roofing system. We assess the gutter guards before attempting removal so we don't unnecessarily damage them. 

Can You Clean Gutters on Two-Storey and Three-Storey Homes? 

Yes. Our professional equipment allows us to service gutters on many single-storey and multi-storey properties. Height, roof pitch, accessibility, ground conditions, and surrounding obstacles are considered before beginning. Our technicians determine the safest and most appropriate method for each property. 

Do I Need to Be Home During Gutter Cleaning?

No. You generally don't need to be home while we clean your gutters. As long as our technicians have access to the areas being serviced and any gates are unlocked, we can complete most gutter cleaning appointments while you're away. 

Do You Need Access to My Water? 

We may require access to an exterior water source when flushing gutters or downspouts. If water access is required for your particular service, please make sure an exterior faucet is available and turned on when our technicians arrive. 

Can You Clean Gutters in the Rain? 

Light weather may not always prevent us from working, but heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, icy conditions, or other unsafe weather can require the service to be rescheduled. Working safely is more important than forcing a gutter cleaning appointment to happen under unsuitable conditions. 

When Is the Best Time to Clean Gutters in Ilderton, Ontario? 

Late spring and late fall are two of the most common times for gutter cleaning in Southwestern Ontario. Spring cleaning can remove debris accumulated over the winter and early growing season, while fall cleaning removes leaves and other material before winter arrives. Homes surrounded by significant tree coverage may benefit from additional cleanings throughout the year. For many Ontario homes, yes. Having gutters cleared after the majority of surrounding leaves have fallen can help ensure the system isn't entering winter packed with debris. Because freezing temperatures, snow, and ice are part of Southwestern Ontario winters, starting the season with a clear gutter and downspout system is a sensible part of exterior home maintenance. 

Do You Offer Gutter Guard Installation? 

Yes. In addition to gutter cleaning, Bear Property Cleaning offers professional gutter guard installation for homeowners who want to reduce the amount of leaves and larger debris entering their gutter system. Gutter guards can significantly reduce routine debris accumulation, although periodic inspection and maintenance may still be recommended depending on the property and surrounding trees. 

Can I Have My Gutters, House and Windows Cleaned at the Same Time? 

Yes. Gutter cleaning can easily be combined with other exterior cleaning services. Bear Property Cleaning also provides house washing, window cleaning, roof cleaning, pressure washing, deck and fence cleaning, and other exterior maintenance services throughout Southwestern Ontario. Combining services can be a convenient way to take care of multiple areas of your property during the same visit.