Gutter cleaning
Not ready for guards, or need the gutters emptied before the first freeze? Get them cleaned and get an honest look at the system.
A gutter cleaning means getting the leaves, needles, seeds and sludge out of every run, flushing each downspout and confirming water moves freely. It's also the best moment to spot problems, so a good visit includes a look at hangers, corners and fascia while someone's already up there.
How often should gutters be cleaned in Blacksburg?
Most houses with trees nearby need it at least twice a year: once in late fall after the leaves are down, and again in late spring after seeds and catkins fall. Homes under pines or tall hardwoods may need it more. Timing the fall cleaning matters more here than in lower parts of Virginia. At over 2,000 feet, the New River Valley gets cold early, and a gutter still full of wet leaves at the first hard freeze turns into a trough of ice.
What's included?
- Hand-clearing every run
- Flushing downspouts and breaking up clogs
- Bagging or hauling off the debris
- Checking for leaks, sags, loose hangers and bent sections
- Pointing out fascia or soffit damage
Ask what the quote covers. Some companies charge extra for buried drains, heavy sludge or clearing the roof itself.
Should I clean my gutters myself?
Many people do, but ladder work is a real injury risk. If you go up, set a sturdy ladder on firm, level ground, keep three points of contact, have someone hold the base, stay well clear of power lines and leave two-story and steep roofs to an insured crew with stabilizers. Skip it entirely when there's frost or ice on the ladder or roof edge, which can happen here well into spring.
Cleaning or guards?
If you're paying for two or more cleanings a year, compare that ongoing cost with a one-time gutter guard installation. Many companies that clean gutters also install guards and can quote both. Guards don't end maintenance, but they stretch out the time between cleanings and keep downspouts and buried lines from clogging.
What affects the cost of a cleaning?
- Total footage and number of stories.
- How packed the gutters are.
- Roof pitch and access.
- Downspout and drain clearing.
We don't give prices. The installer prices the job after measuring each gutter run, counting downspouts and seeing how tall and steep the roof is, so a figure quoted sight unseen wouldn't mean much.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
When should I book a fall gutter cleaning?
After most of the leaves have come down, which in the New River Valley is usually from late October into November. Too early and you may need a second visit.
Can gutters with guards still be cleaned?
Most guards just need the top brushed or rinsed, and many designs unclip or lift if the trough ever needs attention.
Related services
More background: New River Valley gutter guard guide.
Tired of scooping out gutters every fall?
Call and we'll pass your address to a gutter guard installer who works in Blacksburg, Christiansburg or nearby, who can come measure and quote.