Yeah, I’m leaning toward hiring out for this stuff, too. I thought about just grabbing a ladder and clearing the leaves myself, but once I started looking into what’s actually involved (plus the cost of renting a decent ladder and harness), it didn’t seem worth the risk. My roof isn’t super steep, but it’s high enough to make me nervous—especially after hearing stories about people slipping on ice or wet shingles.
I didn’t realize that cleanup crews might not do repairs unless you ask. That’s good to know. I’d probably just assume they’d fix anything they spot, so I’ll make sure to clarify next time. The photo tip is smart—I wouldn’t have thought of that, but it makes sense if you can’t see everything from the ground.
One thing I noticed: some companies around here (I’m in the Midwest) charge extra for even small fixes while they’re up there, so it’s not always bundled in. Guess it depends who you get. Either way, paying a bit more for someone who knows what they’re doing seems like money well spent compared to a hospital bill... or a busted gutter.
Either way, paying a bit more for someone who knows what they’re doing seems like money well spent compared to a hospital bill... or a busted gutter.
That’s honestly the reality a lot of folks don’t realize until they’re halfway up a shaky ladder. I’ve seen more than one DIY job where people ended up damaging their gutters or even cracking shingles just trying to clear out some leaves. Midwest winters especially make things tricky—ice can hide under debris and it’s easy to lose your footing. Photos are a great idea, but I’d also ask about what’s included in the service before they start. Some crews will patch minor issues while they’re up there, others won’t touch repairs unless you specifically request it. It really does come down to who you hire and how clear you are about expectations.
I’m with you on the Midwest winters making things a whole different beast. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen folks slip or just plain get surprised by a patch of black ice up there. It’s not just about falling, either—sometimes you don’t even realize you’ve dented a gutter or loosened a shingle until the next rainstorm hits and suddenly you’ve got a leak inside.
One thing I always wonder: when people hire someone, do they actually ask what kind of debris removal methods they use? Like, are they using leaf blowers, hand tools, or even pressure washers (which can be a nightmare for older roofs)? Some companies swear by one method, but I’ve seen a pressure washer take years off an asphalt roof in one afternoon. Curious if anyone’s had issues with that.
Also, on the “patching minor issues” front, I’ve found it’s hit or miss. Some crews will spot a popped nail or a cracked sealant bead and just fix it while they’re up there—others won’t touch anything unless it’s on the official work order. I always ask for before-and-after photos, but sometimes you don’t know what’s been missed until the next season rolls around.
Has anyone tried those gutter guards or mesh covers? I keep hearing mixed things—some say they’re a game changer, others end up with more problems because stuff still gets stuck on top. I’m tempted to try them on my own place just to cut down on the ladder time, but not sure if it’s worth the hassle or cost.
And yeah, communication is everything. If you don’t spell out exactly what you want done, you might end up paying for just a quick blow-off when you really needed a full inspection. Learned that the hard way after a windstorm last year—thought I was covered, but nope, missed a couple cracked tiles and paid for it later.
I’ve been eyeing those gutter guards too, but my neighbor swears they just turn into a shelf for pine needles and maple seeds. I’m not wild about climbing up there every fall, but I also don’t want to pay for something that just creates a new mess. Has anyone actually found a type that works with a steep roof? Or is it just wishful thinking to hope for a “set it and forget it” solution?
I get where your neighbor’s coming from, but I’ve actually seen some gutter guards do a decent job, even with steep roofs. The trick is picking the right style for your tree situation. Those mesh or screen types can definitely collect needles and seeds on top, but the solid-surface ones with a curved edge (the kind that uses surface tension to pull water in) seem to shed debris better—at least in my experience around here (lots of pines and maples too).
That said, nothing’s really “set it and forget it.” Even the best guards need a quick brush-off now and then, especially if you’ve got a steep pitch and overhanging branches. But it’s usually way less work than cleaning out the gutters themselves.
Have you looked into any of the micro-mesh options? Some folks swear by them, but I’ve also seen them clog up if there’s heavy pollen or sap. Curious if anyone else has had luck with those on a steep roof...