GUTTER CLEANING FAQs

How do gutters get clogged?
Debris which lands on the roof may accumulate in gutters, eventually obstructing water drainage. Leaves are a major source of debris, as well as pine needles, seeds, and small branches. If birds perch on the roof, then their dung may add to the accumulated debris.

Why should I clean my gutters?
Gutters play a vital role in the maintenance and protection of your home. They are part of the rainwater drainage system that helps prevent:
water penetration into the foundation
deck and foundation damagetermite, mosquito and rodent infestations landscape destruction mold growth Any of these problems can be costly and time consuming to fix. Consistent maintenance is critical to keep your gutters clean. Let Greenforce Gutter Cleaning professionals give you peace of mind when dealing with your gutters.

How often should I clean my gutters?
Answer: To protect your home and keep safe from water penetration, it is crucial to clean your gutters on a regular basis.  We recommend that Bay Area property owners clean their gutters annually at a minimum but ideally twice during the year:  in the spring to clear out the branches, dirt and other winter debris so that they are ready for the summer months and again in the Fall to clean out all the oak tassels, seed pods, ragweed, “helicopters” and other wind-blown debris that land all over our properties (sometimes we find birds nests, wasp nest and baseballs).

What kind of buildings do you work on?
We can service any building from residential to High rise including; single family, apartments, condos, townhouses, businesses, schools, government buildings, places of worship (churches, temples, etc.) commercial buildings and industrial buildings.

Do I need to be home when my gutters are cleaned?
Answer: No, after you call to schedule your job, we’ll automatically come out without further notice, do a great job, and leave a receipt in your door (we are not allowed to leave it in your mailbox) or mail it to you. We bring our own ladders and equipment  to the job and ordinarily do not need to enter the house.

What Major Credit Cards do you take?
We take Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Do you recommend screening or gutter guards?
For years we have been searching for and experimenting with all types of products which can be sold to home owners to prevent gutter clogs. However, our years of experience have taught us that there is no such thing as a "no clog" gutter.  Even the best gutter guards unfortunately, allow water to pour off the top of the gutter and allow some small and even large debris into the gutter. This collection of debris, over time, leads to clogs, which leads to backed-up leaders, overflowing gutters, and water penetration into the home. Beyond debris, we have learned that small animals and birds tend to nest inside the gutter, as they are attracted to the shelter and fresh water supplied by the Gutter Guard. Because the Gutter Guard is permanently fixed to the gutter, the gutters cannot be cleaned with the guards in place, and so, once the debris and animals get in, the only alternative is to remove the guard entirely. This is an expensive proposition and almost cost the same as the price of the installation in the first place. Therefore we do not recommend gutter guards to our clients.

What happens when gutters get clogged?
If the drainage function of gutters is compromised, water will spill over and drip down the sides of the house. Eventually, this may damage the siding, windows, and doors; and compromise the building seals that keep your house watertight, resulting in water leaks.

How much does it cost to have gutters cleaned?
Our rates are very reasonable, and start at $130 for most average sized, one-story houses. Rates will be correspondingly higher for larger houses, higher houses, and situations where access to the gutters is difficult. If your house is unusual, we will gladly furnish you an estimate.

Can you determine if my gutters are damaged?
While cleaning the gutters, we’ll inspect them and report any damage we find, or wear that will soon require attention. If minor repairs are required, we usually can take care of it. If more extensive work is needed, we can refer you to someone who specializes in those repairs, or give you a report of the problem which you can pass on to whoever handles your house repairs.

In what areas does Greenforce provide services?
We service the entire Bay area. Call if you are not sure.

How much water lands on my roof in a rain storm?
A home with a 1,500-square-foot roof sheds 1,000 gallons of water for every inch of falling rain. It is essential for your home’s foundation and to prevent water from penetrating into the home, that this rain is gathered and channeled away from these areas. Gutters serve just that purpose. Because of how important a properly flowing gutter system is to your home, you must keep them clean, all year round. The best and least expensive method to do so is routine gutter cleaning. The easiest and most convenient way for you to clean your gutters on a proper maintenance schedule is through our popular service plans. These plans are described in detail in the "Service Plan" section of this website or can be discussed with any of our phone operators at (415) 673-3266.

What is the purpose of gutters?
Gutters and downspouts prevent water that falls on the roof from dripping down the sides of the house and collecting near the foundation. They also prevent water from sheeting off the roof and falling directly onto people in entrances, driveways, and walkways.

Underground Drains
What is an underground drain?
An underground drain is a pipe which is buried in the ground that drains the water from your gutters either out to the street or to a dry well (buried put in your yard)

What is the purpose of an underground drain?
The purpose of an underground drain is to allow rainwater to drain below ground to avoid eroding and flooding.

How do I know if my underground drains need to be cleaned?
Your underground drains require maintenance when the water runs slow or backs up. Some signs that these drains are clogged, will be gutters that are clean and overflowing. In addition clogged drains can lead to wet basements, eroded dirt around the drains or leaks inside the wall or ceiling closest to the gutter which drains into the drain. If we do gutter cleaning at your home, our crew will automatically check any underground drains for proper flow. If they are clogged you will promptly be notified. 

What is the procedure for cleaning underground drains?
We offer snaking of these drains, which helps remove roots and settled debris. 

What if my underground drain is clogged and cannot be cleaned?
Not all snakings are successful. Sometimes the drain has collapsed or roots have grown through it preventing any possibility of success. In these situations a temporary fix is to re-route the water flow away from the building by removing the leader pipe and adding an above ground extension. We would need your permission to do this re-routing. The other option would be to contact your plumbing service to rebuild your drainage system.