Gutter Cleaning in Rockwood

Rockwood Conservation Area closes on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and that is about when the leaves begin to fall in earnest. Most come down from late October through November. Gutters cleaned in September or early October will be full again within weeks. The visit that counts is in November, once the trees are bare and before the ground freezes.

The village grew up along the Eramosa River, and lots near the river can have tall, mature trees. By November their leaves are heavy and wet. A mat of them in a gutter holds water, rots and grows moss, and the weight pulls on the hangers. Where a tree overhangs the roof, plan a lighter visit in spring for seed pods and catkins.

Then there is winter. When a full gutter freezes, meltwater cannot leave. It backs up under the shingles or spills over the edge and freezes again on steps and walls. Prices for gutter cleaning start at $125. Two-storey houses have high eaves, so the crew's Working at Heights certification comes into play. Ladders go on firm, level ground, and soft lawn near the river gets extra care.

What we plan for in Rockwood

• November timing: we suggest the main clean after the leaves are down and before the ground freezes, with a spring visit only where trees overhang.
• Wet leaf mats: we lift heavy, wet leaf layers out by hand, and check the hangers for strain.
• Spring pods: on lots with maples close to the roof, we plan a second, lighter visit for seed pods.
• Freeze risk: we flush each downspout, and flag any that will not drain, since a frozen blockage causes ice backup.
• Soft ground: we look at the lawn near the river before setting ladders, and choose firm footing.

Questions from Rockwood homeowners

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