I’ve been cleaning gutters around Chicago for almost 30 years now. Started Prime Time Window Cleaning back in 1996, and let me tell you – the damage I’ve seen from clogged gutters is unbelievable.
People call us all the time asking about window washing services. But here’s the thing. Your gutters and windows work together. When gutters fail, your windows pay the price. Your whole house does.
So today I’m gonna walk you through exactly what happens when you skip gutter cleaning. These aren’t scare tactics. This is real stuff I see every single week across Chicagoland. And trust me, the cost of prevention is way cheaper than fixing these problems later.
Why Gutters Matter More Than You Think
Your gutter system does one job. It moves thousands of gallons of water away from your house. That’s it. Sounds simple, right?
But when gutters get clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, all that water has to go somewhere. And that somewhere is usually places you really don’t want it. Your foundation. Your basement. Your walls. Inside your home.
We’ve personally cleaned gutters on over 100,000 homes since we started. The homes that get regular maintenance? They’re fine. Beautiful. The ones that don’t? I’ve seen foundation repairs costing $15,000. Basement flooding causing $30,000 in damage. Rotted fascia boards. Destroyed siding.
All because someone didn’t want to spend a couple hundred bucks on gutter cleaning.
At Prime Time, we’re fully bonded and insured. We’ve earned a 4.5-star rating on HomeAdvisor because we show up, do the work right, and protect your home. But the best protection? That comes from understanding what you’re preventing.
Problem #1: Foundation Damage That Costs Thousands
This is the big one. When your gutters overflow, water pours down right next to your foundation. Week after week, month after month. All that water saturates the soil around your foundation.
What happens next isn’t pretty. The soil expands when wet and contracts when dry. This constant movement puts pressure on your foundation walls. Cracks start forming. Small ones at first, then bigger.
I’ve seen foundations with cracks you could stick your whole hand through. Water seeps into basements. The foundation settles unevenly. Doors stop closing right. Floors become unlevel.
Foundation repair in the Chicagoland area runs between $5,000 and $25,000 depending on severity. Sometimes more. Way more than rain gutter cleaning near me would cost you annually.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety reports that foundation issues are among the most expensive home repairs. They recommend keeping water at least 10 feet from your foundation. Guess what does that job? Clean gutters.
Your neighborhood roof and gutter care matters. It protects the biggest investment you’ll ever make.
Ready to protect your foundation before it’s too late? Call Prime Time for fast, professional gutter service – we’re local gutter specialists serving Chicago and surrounding suburbs!
Problem #2: Basement Flooding and Water Damage
Clogged gutters cause basement flooding. I see it all the time. Water overflows, pools against your foundation, and finds every tiny crack or gap to get inside.
Your basement floods. Carpet gets ruined. Drywall soaks up water like a sponge. Furniture destroyed. Photo albums, holiday decorations, kids’ toys – all gone. And the smell? Musty, moldy, horrible.
But here’s what really gets expensive. Mold remediation. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mold can start growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Professional mold removal costs $500 to $6,000 or more depending on the extent.
Insurance might not cover it either. Many policies exclude damage from “lack of maintenance.” That includes not cleaning your gutters.
I had a customer in Wheaton who ignored gutter cleaning for three years. One heavy spring rain, their basement flooded with four inches of water. Total damage? Over $18,000. They called us crying, asking if we could’ve prevented it.
Yes. Absolutely yes. Regular gutter maintenance would’ve kept that water flowing away from the house where it belongs.
Our trusted gutter cleaners handle this stuff every day. We know what to look for and how to prevent these disasters.
Problem #3: Roof Damage and Ice Dams (Big Problem in Chicago)
Clogged gutters don’t just hurt the bottom of your house. They destroy your roof too. Here’s how it works.
When gutters clog, water backs up onto your roof. It sits there. Seeps under shingles. Gets into the roof deck. Before you know it, you’ve got roof leaks, rotted wood, and damaged insulation.
In winter? Even worse. Chicago winters are brutal. When gutters fill with ice and snow, they create ice dams. These are ridges of ice that prevent melting snow from draining properly.
Water backs up under your shingles. Leaks into your attic. Drips down into your living space. Ruins ceilings, walls, insulation. The National Roofing Contractors Association says ice dams are one of the most preventable causes of winter roof damage.
Preventable. That’s the key word.
A full roof replacement in Illinois costs $8,000 to $20,000 or more. Compare that to affordable gutter cleaning nearby – usually $150 to $300 for a typical home. The math isn’t hard.
We offer combined services at Prime Time. Window washing and gutter cleaning together. Because clean gutters mean cleaner windows too. When water overflows from gutters, it splashes all over your windows and siding. Dirty windows. Extra window cleaning needed.
Problem #4: Landscape Erosion and Property Damage
Your landscaping wasn’t cheap. Professional landscaping costs thousands of dollars. Plants, mulch, decorative stones, careful grading – all designed to look beautiful and protect your property.
Overflowing gutters destroy all that work. Water pours down in concentrated streams instead of being directed away properly. It washes away mulch. Erodes soil. Kills plants from overwatering. Creates deep channels in your yard.
I’ve seen gorgeous landscaping in Highland Park completely ruined by one season of neglected gutters. The homeowner spent $12,000 on landscaping. Then spent another $8,000 fixing erosion damage and replacing dead plants.
All preventable with basic gutter maintenance.
Best-rated gutter cleaning services don’t just clean gutters. We check for proper water flow. We make sure downspouts direct water away from landscaping and foundations. We treat your property like our own.
Protect your landscaping investment! Contact Prime Time today for same-day or next-day gutter service throughout Chicagoland. Check our coupon page for current specials!
Problem #5: Fascia and Soffit Rot (Hidden Until It’s Too Late)
Your fascia boards are the boards that run along the edge of your roof. Your gutters attach to them. When gutters overflow constantly, water runs down behind the gutter and soaks the fascia.
Wood rot sets in. Slowly. Quietly. You don’t see it happening until it’s advanced. The fascia gets soft, starts deteriorating. Eventually pieces fall off. The gutter system loses support.
Replacing fascia boards isn’t cheap. You’re looking at $6 to $20 per linear foot installed, plus painting. For a typical home, that’s $1,500 to $3,000 or more. Sometimes you need soffit replacement too – that’s the underside of the roof overhang. Add another $1,500 to $3,000.
Compare that to hiring licensed gutter cleaning contractors who prevent the problem in the first place. We remove all debris, check for proper drainage, and inspect for early signs of damage.
I’ve replaced thousands of feet of rotted fascia over the years. Every single time, the homeowner says the same thing: “I wish I’d just cleaned the gutters regularly.”
Don’t be that homeowner.
Problem #6: Pest Infestations (Mosquitoes, Termites, and More)
Standing water in clogged gutters creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. One clogged gutter can produce thousands of mosquitoes per week during summer. Thousands.
But mosquitoes aren’t even the worst part. Wet, rotting debris attracts termites. Carpenter ants. Wasps build nests in the protection of overgrown gutters. Rodents use debris as nesting material.
Termite treatment costs $1,000 to $3,000 on average. If they’ve caused structural damage? Add tens of thousands more. Carpenter ants can be just as destructive. Pest control for a serious infestation runs $500 to $1,500 or more depending on the extent.
According to OSHA safety guidelines, proper maintenance reduces pest-related hazards around homes and workplaces. Clean gutters are part of that maintenance.
When we clean gutters, we remove all the organic material pests love. We eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Our local home gutter service includes bagging up all debris and hauling it away. Nothing left behind to attract critters.
Over in Crystal Lake, we had a customer whose clogged gutters led to a massive carpenter ant infestation. They’d been living in the rotted fascia for months. Exterminator bill: $2,800. Fascia replacement: $3,200. Total cost: $6,000.
Our gutter cleaning? Would’ve been under $300.
Problem #7: Damaged Siding and Exterior Paint
Your home’s exterior siding isn’t designed to handle constant water exposure. Whether it’s vinyl, wood, fiber cement, or brick, overflowing gutters cause problems. Serious problems.
Water streaks down your siding every time it rains. Algae and mildew grow in the constant moisture. Paint peels. Wood siding rots. Even vinyl siding can warp and crack from repeated freeze-thaw cycles when it stays wet.
Siding replacement costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed. For a typical home, that’s $10,000 to $25,000. Repainting costs $3,000 to $6,000 depending on size and prep work needed.
And here’s the kicker – dirty siding makes dirty windows. All that algae and mildew? It splashes onto your windows during rainstorms. Now you need more frequent window cleaning too.
That’s why so many customers ask us about combined services. “Hey, since you’re cleaning gutters anyway, can you handle window washing too?” Absolutely. We do it all the time.
Our window washers near me are experts at both. Clean gutters mean less splash-back. Less splash-back means cleaner windows that stay cleaner longer. It all works together.
Want both gutters and windows sparkling clean? Prime Time offers comprehensive exterior maintenance. We’re your nearby exterior maintenance pros for complete home care!
The Real Cost Comparison: Prevention vs. Repair
Let’s talk numbers. Real numbers based on what I see every week in the field.
Annual gutter cleaning (2x per year): $300-$600 Single emergency gutter repair: $200-$800 Fascia board replacement: $1,500-$3,000 Foundation crack repair: $5,000-$25,000 Basement waterproofing: $3,000-$10,000 Roof repair from ice dams: $1,000-$5,000 Full roof replacement: $8,000-$20,000 Siding replacement: $10,000-$25,000 Mold remediation: $500-$6,000 Landscape restoration: $3,000-$12,000
Add it all up? You’re looking at potential costs of $50,000 or more in repairs. All from neglecting a $300-$600 annual maintenance task.
How much does window washing cost when you bundle services? Less than you think. How much is window washing plus gutter cleaning? Usually $400-$700 for a complete exterior service package.
Best money you’ll ever spend on home maintenance.
Our community gutter cleaning company has seen every scenario. We know what prevention looks like. We know what disaster looks like. Trust me, you want prevention.
How Often Should You Clean Gutters in Chicago?
Chicago weather is tough on gutters. We’ve got big temperature swings, heavy spring rains, tons of fall leaves, and brutal winters. Your gutters take a beating.
I recommend professional cleaning at least twice a year. Spring and fall minimum. If you’ve got lots of trees near your house? Three or four times might be better.
Spring cleaning removes winter debris and ensures gutters are ready for heavy spring rains. Fall cleaning gets rid of leaves before they cause ice dam problems in winter.
Some of our customers in Arlington Heights get quarterly service. Their homes are surrounded by oak trees. Leaves fall constantly. Quarterly cleaning keeps everything flowing perfectly year-round.
The investment protects your home. Simple as that.
Why Choose Professional Gutter Cleaning Over DIY
I get it. You’re thinking “I can just clean gutters myself, right? Save some money?”
Here’s what you need to know. Ladder falls send over 500,000 people to the ER every year. Thousands die. Gutter cleaning from ladders is legitimately dangerous, especially on two-story homes.
Professional gutter cleaners have:
- Proper safety equipment
- Insurance that protects you if something goes wrong
- Experience spotting problems before they become major
- Tools to clean thoroughly and safely
- Training on proper techniques
We’re fully bonded and insured at Prime Time. If someone gets hurt on your property while cleaning gutters, our insurance covers it. If you or a friend gets hurt doing DIY? Your homeowner’s insurance might not cover medical bills.
Plus, we don’t just scoop out leaves. We:
- Clean downspouts completely
- Check for proper slope and drainage
- Inspect for damage or leaks
- Test water flow after cleaning
- Bag and haul away all debris
When you search window washing companies that also do gutters, you’re looking for one-stop service. We handle both because they’re connected. Clean gutters protect your investment. Clean windows let you enjoy the view.
Don’t risk injury or incomplete work! Call Prime Time’s experienced team – we’ve safely cleaned over 100,000 homes since 1996!
Signs Your Gutters Need Immediate Attention
Sometimes you can’t wait for scheduled maintenance. Here’s when to call us immediately:
Water overflowing during rain – Obvious sign of clogging Sagging gutters – They’re too heavy with debris or water Plant growth in gutters – Yes, this happens more than you’d think Visible debris piling up – Don’t wait until it overflows Water stains on siding – Already causing damage Mosquitoes around your house – Breeding in standing water Birds or wasps nesting in gutters – Common problem we handle
Spotted any of these? Don’t wait. The longer you wait, the more damage accumulates. We offer same-day and next-day service throughout Chicagoland.
Call us right now. Seriously. Stop reading and call. We’ll come out, give you a free estimate, and usually can start work within 24 hours.
The Prime Time Advantage: Why We’re Different
Almost 30 years in business. Over 100,000 satisfied customers. 4.5-star rating on HomeAdvisor. These numbers didn’t happen by accident.
We show up on time. We do quality work. We clean up completely. We treat every home with respect whether you’re in a small ranch in Geneva or a mansion in Highland Park.
Our team consists of trained professionals. No day laborers. No inexperienced workers. Every person on our crew knows what they’re doing.
We carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers compensation. You’re protected. We’re protected. Everyone’s protected. That’s just smart business.
And we don’t just clean and leave. We educate. We explain what we found. We point out potential problems. We help you understand your home’s maintenance needs.
That’s the difference between just any service and a company that actually cares about your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gutter Cleaning in Chicago
How much does gutter cleaning cost in the Chicago area?
For a typical single-family home in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, professional gutter cleaning runs $150-$300 per visit. Larger homes, homes with multiple stories, or homes with extensive gutter systems cost more – usually $300-$600. We offer free estimates so you know exactly what to expect with no surprises. The investment is minimal compared to the thousands in damage prevention.
Can gutters be cleaned in winter in Chicago?
Yes, but with limitations. We can clean gutters during Chicago winters as long as temperatures are above freezing and gutters aren’t completely iced over. However, we strongly recommend getting gutters cleaned in late fall before winter hits. Prevention is easier than dealing with ice-filled gutters. If you’re already in winter with clogged gutters, call us – we’ll assess what’s possible.
Do I need to be home when you clean my gutters?
Not necessarily. Many customers give us access to clean gutters while they’re at work. We just need clear access around the house perimeter. If you want us to check anything specific or show you what we found, being home is helpful but not required. We’re flexible and work around your schedule.
How long does professional gutter cleaning take?
For a typical home, gutter cleaning takes 1-3 hours depending on size, height, and how clogged the gutters are. Really neglected gutters with years of buildup take longer. We don’t rush. We clean thoroughly, test drainage, and make sure everything works properly before we leave.
Will cleaning gutters also help my windows stay cleaner?
Absolutely! This is one reason we recommend our combined window washing services and gutter cleaning packages. Clean gutters prevent overflow that splashes mud and debris onto windows and siding. Your windows stay cleaner longer between professional cleanings. It’s all connected – healthy gutters mean a healthier, cleaner home exterior overall.
Take Action Today – Your Home Can’t Wait
You’ve read about the problems. You know the costs. You understand what’s at stake.
The question is: what are you gonna do about it?
Every day you wait, debris accumulates. Potential damage increases. The risk grows. I’m not trying to scare you – I’m trying to help you avoid the nightmare scenarios I’ve seen hundreds of times over nearly three decades.
At Prime Time Window Cleaning, we’ve built our reputation on protecting Chicago-area homes. Your neighbors trust us. Your community trusts us. Now it’s your turn.
We make scheduling easy. Call us or fill out our online form. We’ll respond within an hour with a free estimate. No pressure, no obligation. Just honest information about your gutter situation and what it’ll take to fix it.
We service all of Chicagoland including Chicago, Wheaton, Crystal Lake, Highland Park, Orland Park, Arlington Heights, Geneva and surrounding suburbs. Wherever you are, we can help.
Don’t let clogged gutters destroy your home. Don’t risk tens of thousands in repairs. Don’t climb ladders and risk injury.
Let the professionals handle it. Let nearly 30 years of experience protect your biggest investment.
Call Prime Time Window Cleaning right now for your free gutter cleaning estimate. Same-day and next-day service available. We’re ready when you are!
Your home deserves protection. Your family deserves a dry, safe, damage-free home. We’re here to make that happen.
Prime Time Window Cleaning has provided professional window washing services, gutter cleaning, and exterior maintenance to residential and commercial properties throughout the Chicago area since 1996. As one of the top-rated window washing companies in Chicagoland, we’re fully bonded, insured, and committed to protecting your home. Contact us today to experience the Prime Time difference!