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• Q. I have gutter guards. Why do I need my gutters cleaned?
 
• Q. Do I need gutters on my home?
 
• Q. How often should I have my gutters cleaned?
 
• Q. Do you check the downspouts?
 
• Q. Does Higher Ground install seamless guttering or perform repairs?
 
• Q. Can you clean the outside of the gutters as well?
 
• Q. Is Higher Ground a religious reference?
 
• Q. My gutters are pouring over. Is this because they are poorly pitched?
 
• Q: A corner of my gutter is leaking. Can you re-seal it?
 
• Q. I have noticed that when it rains, water comes shooting up out of the seams in the bottom of the gutter and out of the drain line connection.
 
• Q: Is there a way to clean the moss off of my roof?
 
• Q: Will the moss growing on my roof harm the shingles?
 
• Q: Will you leave a mess like the last guys that cleaned my gutters?
 
• Q: Is the flooding in my basement related to my gutters?
 
• Q: Are estimates free?
 
• Q: What is a first time cleaning fee?
 
• Q: What are the components of a proper watertight gutter system.
 
Higher Ground FAQ Page



Please feel free to email us a question it you do not see it here.
Q. I have gutter guards. Why do I need my gutters cleaned?


A. Any product that is available on the market needs to be maintained at least once a year. No matter how well they function, debris still need to be cleaned off of the roof and usually some debris needs to be cleaned off the guards to ensure there ability to function. Some solid-cover gutter guards will even need to be pressure washed periodically.
 
Q. Do I need gutters on my home?


A. In W.N.C. we get almost 50 inches of rain a year, that means for every 1000 sq/ft of roof 35,000 gallons of water runs off your roof each year. over time no mater how your home is situated you will see fascia and siding damage and possible larger foundation issues. A well installed gutter system can effectively evacuate all of the water captured by your roof.
 
Q. How often should I have my gutters cleaned?


A. Our recommendation for most home owners in the south east is to have it done at least 2 times a year. This takes place in the spring after the trees have flowered and once in the fall after the leaves fall. Our technicians will assess your home on an individual basis to determine how may recommended cleanings per year you will need. If leaves are a persistent problem on you property we suggest having our lifetime guaranteed Higher Ground Gutter Protection System installed and that should cut the maintenance schedule in half and guarantee functioning gutters.
 
Q. Do you check the downspouts?


A. Yes. Every downspout is guaranteed to be free of clogs and functioning after we perform your gutter cleaning.
 
Q. Does Higher Ground install seamless guttering or perform repairs?


A: Yes. Higher Ground installs and maintains all of the components in a rainwater system. This includes complete gutter and downspout installation, available in many styles and colors.
Be sure to check out our complete list of home services.
 
Q. Can you clean the outside of the gutters as well?


A: Absolutely. Let us know if you would like a quote on this service. It is not included in our standard gutter cleaning, but if you let us know ahead of time we will come prepared to perform this work.
 
Q. Is Higher Ground a religious reference?


A. We chose the name Higher Ground for multiple reasons. It encompasses our job description, our spirituality, and the fact that the owners of the company are rock climbers. That is how this company started.
 
Q. My gutters are pouring over. Is this because they are poorly pitched?


A. Usually the over flow is caused by a clog in the gutter or downspout, but every Higher Ground gutter cleaning comes with a full inspection of the gutters and roof. If any section seems to be out of pitch we will gladly let you know and help you remedy the problem.
 
Q: A corner of my gutter is leaking. Can you re-seal it?


A: Most of the time, no. If a gutter is leaking, then it is holding water, and it is very difficult to get a seal to adhere in a moist environment like the inside of a gutter. We are happy to attempt this repair, but the success rate is low. If your seams or endcaps are leaking, that is usually a good sign that it is time for a gutter replacement.
 
Q. I have noticed that when it rains, water comes shooting up out of the seams in the bottom of the gutter and out of the drain line connection.


A. That is usually a sign that the drain lines have collapsed or have a severe clog. We would be happy to get you on the schedule for a full drain line inspection.
 
Q: Is there a way to clean the moss off of my roof?


A: Yes. Higher Ground can remove moss from any roof surface.
 
Q: Will the moss growing on my roof harm the shingles?


A: In our opinion, no. We have never seen moss cause damage on its own. However, if the moss forms a catch that allows larger vegetation to grow, then this is a problem. Also, areas that are shady enough to be mossy will usually also be areas that are proned to gutter clogging.
 
Q: Will you leave a mess like the last guys that cleaned my gutters?


A : Absolutely not. We pride ourselves on leaving your house looking better than when we arrived. You can rest assured that, when we leave, your gutters will be in full operating condition, your decks and sidewalks will be clear of debris, and your landscaping will not be harmed.
 
Q: Is the flooding in my basement related to my gutters?


A: This is a very strong possibility. The first place to look for any basement moisture problem is up at your gutters. Your downspout could be dumping water right into your basement. The fix for this is to get your gutters, downspouts, and drainlines back in operable condition. We would be happy to come out, take a look, and give you a free estimate.
 
Q: Are estimates free?


A: Estimates are free. We can usually provide a price quote over the phone. Some estimates requiring drive time of over 25 minutes may have an estimate fee that can be credited towards your repair or installation. We will inform you of this ahead of time if applicable.
 
Q: What is a first time cleaning fee?


A: The first time cleaning fee applies to homes and businesses that have not had their gutters cleaned in years, and/or look like box planters in a garden. Our standard first time cleaning fee is $30 for most homes. If you sign up for regularly scheduled cleanings, this fee may be waived.
 
Q: What are the components of a proper watertight gutter system.


Gutters, Drip Edge, Fascia, Soffit, Roof Sheathing, Shingles
It is important that all of these components are in place and in working order. Drip edge should be in place and the gutters should be cleaned.







The singles need the sheathing to make your roof completely water proof. The gutters need to be clean so that water does not back up onto the roof decking underneath the shingles. The drip edge keeps the water rolling off your roof from flowing back under the shingles. This is caused by a property of water called cohesion. The fascia is what the gutter screws into. The soffit protects the underside of the eave. The gutters and drip edge are very important to have and maintain. If they are not present and clean water will saturate the edge of your roof causing rot. The water displaced from the roof will saturate the ground around the house and cause foundation damage.