Shack Shine Blog

Category Archive: Latest News

1. How This Entrepreneur Found New Opportunity in an Emerging Home Service Industry

   May 16, 2018 5:13 pm Leave a Comment

   

   David Walker is no newcomer to running a business. After an 11-year career in sales, he owned several service-based businesses where he learned the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. Now, he’s bringing his experience and passion for business to Shack Shine. Here, he tells us why he decided to join the Shack Shine family.

   Why did you choose to join Shack Shine?

   I was very impressed with their core values and customer focus. I am excited to build a strong, recurring revenue customer base. I want the majority of homes in our territory to use Shack Shine’s services.

   What was your background prior to Shack Shine?

   In my previous life, I had an 11-year career at Telus Communications where I learned a great deal in various positions, finishing off as a National Sales Manager. In 2008, I left Telus and began my entrepreneurial journey. Since then, I have owned and lead several businesses ranging from retail, car washing, bulk fuel delivery, staffing and recruiting.

   What are you looking forward to most about being a Shack Shine business owner?

   I’m most looking forward to building a phenomenal team around me to provide exceptional service to my territory.

   What are your passions outside of work?

   Coaching my sons’ (11 and 9) baseball teams in the spring. I try to get out golfing when I have time, and I love to travel with my wife and family.

   How are you involved with your community?

   I am active in the community by being involved with my sons’ sports teams. Baseball in the spring and hockey for the rest of the year. I also take an active volunteer role with my kids’ school by helping out with events and field trips.

   Do you have any role models or key motivators in your life?

   My family is my motivation in life. The root of everything I do is in an effort to better the quality of life and open up opportunities for my wife and kids.

   What makes Calgary Metro West unique?

   I am lucky to live in the Calgary Metro West territory, which offers short commutes to downtown and quick access to the mountains west of the city. West Calgary sees more climate change than the rest of the city which leads to more dirtiness, wear and tear, and opportunity to shine shacks!

   Fun facts about you, or anything else you’d like to share?

   Although a self-declared Calgarian, I was born in London, England. I have many relatives and friends there still and I visit as often as I can. However, I moved to Calgary when I was two years old, so I was not able to retain the “cool” accent.

   Please join us in welcoming David Walker to the Shack Shine family!

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2. Shack Shine Arrives in Edmonton!

   April 17, 2018 5:27 pm Leave a Comment

   Dustin Grainger’s road to business ownership was anything but typical. He worked in nuclear medicine before switching gears and starting a career in engineering technology. Then, he decided to take what he’d learned and apply it to a business of his own. When he found Shack Shine, he knew it was the perfect fit: a fragmented industry ripe for disruption that would give him the new challenge he’d been looking for. We had a chance to chat with Dustin about why he decided to join Shack Shine and what he’s most excited for in his new career as a franchise partner.

   Why did you choose Shack Shine?

   I chose to join Shack Shine for a few reasons. First, the industry is very fragmented; I knew this was a great opportunity to professionalize this service space and bring it to a new standard. I also loved the branding and the big, bold Mercedes vans and uniforms. Lastly, I loved the company values: passion, integrity, professionalism, and empathy. They aligned with many of my own values so it was a great match.

   What was your background prior to Shack Shine?

   I have a background in Nuclear Medicine and Instrumentation Engineering Technology. Although not directly related, many of the skills transfer over to running a business more than I had anticipated. With Nuclear Medicine, I was able to relate and gain trust with patients as we are injecting radiopharmaceuticals (or radioactive tracers) into a patient. As one can see, you can’t have anyone performing that on you without trust! We would then take images of disease processes and send the images over to radiologists to make a diagnosis. In my career in Instrumentation, I worked for a startup Instrumentation Analyzer company that provided real-time online measurements for midstream oil and gas companies. I’m proud to say I was employee number one and I learned quickly many facets of business, trades, and engineering that has helped me in the transition to becoming a business owner.

   What are you looking forward to most about being a business owner?

   There are so many facets of Shack Shine that I look forward to: being part of a great franchise, working outside in the summer on great homes, and mostly, meeting and servicing clients in the Edmonton and surrounding area. I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that we do a great job, and that our customer is happy with the level of service and attention to detail we can provide.

   What are your passions outside of work?

   Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, skiing and snowboarding in the mountains, golfing, and general renovations around the home.

   How are you involved with your community?

   I am actively part of BNI Edmonton. BNI is a business networking group that contains many local businesses. We network and get to know other local business owners so we all can benefit from one another. It is a great way to connect with others and be a part of the business community.

   Do you have any role models or key motivators in your life?

   The people I look up to the most are other driven, successful people. It is always good to meet hungry, happy, hard-working people in the community. If I had to pick a few people to look up to, it would be Elon Musk for his visionary and out-of-the-box thinking, Sidney Crosby for his constant professionalism and poise under pressure, and Gary Vaynerchuk for his unique realistic views.

   What makes Edmonton unique?

   Edmonton is unique because although it is cold most of the year, it is a very vibrant city in the summer. With festivals operating year round, there is always something to see and do. We have so many green spaces around the city, so there are endless trails and possibilities for exploring. Edmonton is also home to the largest mall in North America, West Edmonton Mall.

   Fun facts about you, or anything else you’d like to share?

   Fun fact: I was an undefeated chess champion in elementary school and played rugby and football growing up. Lastly, I would like to share that I am excited to get this season going and service our Edmonton clients. My goal is to have one of the best cultures for our team of young technicians and students so they want to keep coming back year after year. Please join us in welcoming Dustin to the Shack Shine family! Interested in joining him? Get more info about starting your own franchise.

3. How A False Start in Marketing Turned Into an Entrepreneurial Dream

   April 3, 2018 4:16 pm Leave a Comment

   A false start at his first marketing job out of college ended up giving Matthew Razey his first thoughts of becoming an entrepreneur. After four years building a successful marketing career with another company, he knew it was finally the right time to start his own business.

   After looking at other opportunities, Matthew decided to join the Shack Shine team. Here, he explains why he chose Shack Shine and what he’s looking forward to in his new adventure as a business owner.

   Why did you choose Shack Shine?

   I always knew I wanted to run my own business and now just felt like the right time. I looked at a number of opportunities, but ultimately chose Shack Shine. I knew that learning or creating the systems in my business was going to be a challenge. Shack Shine gave me a chance to lower a lot of those hurdles I was in for, as I transition to a new role as a business owner. With Shack Shine, I get to enjoy the limitless opportunity and unclaimed territory that typically comes with a new system, but I also get the comfort of being able to rely on the proven systems and support network.

   What was your background prior to Shack Shine?

   My first job out of college was with a marketing organization that was designed to grow by developing business owners to manage large sales and marketing teams in a “pyramid shaped” structure. The opportunity did not ultimately work out, but it taught me more about sales, leadership, and accountability in two years than most companies teach in a lifetime.

   It wasn’t glamorous, but I am very grateful to have been naive enough at the time to pursue it. It granted me the skills and knowledge to pursue a successful career in marketing with a well-known building products manufacturer. It also planted the initial seed of entrepreneurial desire, which eventually grew into this opportunity.

   What are you looking forward to most about being a Shack Shine business owner?

   I am incredibly excited to be able to grow as big or small as I want to. That’s a freedom only available to those who are willing to make the sacrifices that others aren’t willing to make. Working in a corporate job for the last couple of years has exposed me to how invaluable that opportunity really is.

   What are your passions outside of work?

   I was a stand-up comedian for a long-time. The experience is the first time I can remember saying, “Wow, I am doing something I didn’t know I could do.” Though I’m not active in it now, I’m still passionate about my jokes landing in conversations!

   How are you involved with your community?

   My new community is a whole new world to me. I am originally from Philadelphia, and traveled here with an expansion crew with my very first company to start a new territory. Once I was here, I fell in love with the culture, as well as my current girlfriend. She is originally from the North Chicago suburbs, and since we’ve met, we’ve moved to many different areas of the country, including Minnesota and New Jersey. Since I left Chicago the very first time, I always knew we would end up back here together.

   There is something special about each town here—they all have their own unique identity and culture. I quickly reached the realization that this is where I wanted my kids grow up. These are all great communities with some of the best examples of pride of their community, neighborhood, and history. I consider it an honor to contribute by offering the community a great service and employment opportunities.

   Do you have any role models or key motivators in your life?

   My dad taught me a lot and is a great example of what it takes to build your own success story. He did not have much going on when he first entered the workforce. It’s inspiring to see the challenges that can be overcome when the desire is strong enough.

   Fun facts about you, or anything else you’d like to share?

   I once entered a pizza eating contest and came in second place. Two full 18 inch pizzas was the count for me. The event was part of an anti-bullying festival that the radio station I was working for was sponsoring. I felt disgusting, but it was for a good cause!

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4. Shack Shine is Operating in Chicago West!

   4:11 pm Leave a Comment

   

   We are so excited to welcome our newest Franchise Partner: Billy Sawisch.

   Now open for business in Chicago West, Billy is offering house detailing services to the local community. His hardworking crew has hit the ground running and is ready to serve new customers today.

   We had a chance to chat with Billy to find out what made him want to join the Shack Shine family.

   Why did you choose Shack Shine?

   I chose Shack Shine over other franchises and business opportunities because of the people and the experience. I’ve always wanted to be in control and run my own business, but I wasn’t naive enough to think I could do it alone. Compared to other companies, the experience with O2E Brands and the ambitious, caring people I met are aligned with my goals and values.

   What was your background prior to Shack Shine?

   I was an options trader on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade for the last 12 years.

   What are you looking forward to most about being a Shack Shine business owner?

   I’m most looking forward to being in control of my own destiny. I take great comfort in knowing the onus is on me and how well we do will be a reflection of my work. It will also be very rewarding for me to build relationships in the community and provide a great workplace for my employees.

   What are your passions outside of work?

   My main focus is my family, which includes my wife and three sons, and whichever activities they are involved in. I am also a sports lover — particularly basketball and baseball, which I played in college.

   How are you involved with your community?

   I currently help coach my sons’ sports teams.

   Do you have any role models or key motivators in your life?

   My motivation in life is my family. I am grateful for every day and every person in my life. I also take pride in how well I do at every task, and how I approach any challenge I face.

   What makes Chicago West unique?

   The western suburbs of Chicago are unique because of our blue-collar ways. We don’t complain — we go about our work and do what needs to be done. We have a friendly approach and we all take great pride in our families.

   Fun facts about you, or anything else you’d like to share?

   I played baseball at the University of St. Francis for the legendary coach Gordie Gillespie. Also, my wife is a pediatric nurse at Edwards Hospital. Together, we have the antidote for a dirty home or a young one under the weather!

   Join us in welcoming Billy to the Shack Shine family!

5. Shack Shine is Now Operating in Barrie, Ontario!

   March 20, 2018 7:36 pm Leave a Comment

   

   For as long as he can remember, Brandon Rea has always wanted to start a business. After working for someone else for six years, he was finally ready to make his dream come true. But he knew starting a business on his own wouldn’t be easy. That’s why he decided to join a trusted brand with proven success: Shack Shine.

   Brandon is now the proud owner of Shack Shine in Barrie, Ontario. His hardworking crew has hit the ground running and is ready to serve new customers today. Below, Brandon shares what he’s most excited about in his new journey as a franchise owner.

   Why did you choose Shack Shine?
   I’ve always dreamed of being my own boss. I chose to start a business with Shack Shine and O2E Brands because I knew I would have the tools and support to succeed.

   What was your background prior to Shack Shine?
   I was a territory manager of a B2B industrial and safety supplier for six years. There, I managed large industrial accounts such as Magna and Mars Canada.

   What are you looking forward to most about being a Shack Shine business owner?
   I’m looking forward to having the ability to serve my home community of Barrie, Ontario, while doing something that I am passionate about.

   What are your passions outside of work?
   My biggest passions are outdoor activities, such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, atving, snowmobiling, hockey, golf, and camping.

   How are you involved with your community?
   I am actively involved in our local fishing community.

   Do you have any role models or key motivators in your life?
   My mom. She taught me to persevere through anything no matter how hard it is, and to never take no for an answer (even though she sometimes regrets this one). She also taught me that nothing in life is free — you need to work for everything you get.

   What makes Barrie unique?
   Barrie is unique because it is the gateway to the north! Lake Simcoe is a gorgeous lake to get to call home. In Barrie, you get the best of both worlds: you are 40 mins from Toronto but you feel like you’re at the cottage everyday, with swimming, boating and fishing at your doorstep. Barrie is growing so fast because more and more young people are realizing just how much there is to do here and in the surrounding area.

   Fun facts about you, or anything else you’d like to share?
   I would fish every day of my life if I could. I left my hometown of Burlington, Ontario, and purchased a house in Barrie to be closer to the outdoor activities I love so much, like fishing and camping.

   Please join us in welcoming Brandon to the Shack Shine family!

6. The Best Christmas Light Ideas To Top Your Neighbors

   December 6, 2017 12:37 am Leave a Comment

   The holiday season is upon us, and if you haven’t gotten around to putting up your Christmas lights yet, it’s not too late! If you’re looking over at your neighbor’s elaborate display and wondering how you’ll ever manage to top it, don’t worry. We’ve got some great ideas to help you create your best light display yet. (And it doesn’t have to be all that hard, either!)

   

   Christmas Light Decorating Ideas

   Before you get started, you’ll need to make a big decision: white lights or colored lights. If you ask around, you’ll probably find that people have very firm opinions about which is better. Of course, it all depends on your personal style.

   For those who favor minimalist designs, white lights are the way to go. The soft glow of white lights creates a truly magical look and definitely creates a winter wonderland vibe. White lights are simple, classic, and elegant.

   On the other side of the coin, we have those who love to bring colored lights into their holiday decor. Multicolored lights offer up a festive and fun look that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. With colorful lights, you have a ton of design options, too. For a more traditional look, you can go with the classic rainbow style strings of red, yellow, green, and blue. If you want a more unique design, try pairing red and white together for a candy cane inspired display. Or, you can pick strands of all one color for something a little different. The possibilities are endless!

   Keep it simple

   Not everyone is into having the flashiest house on the block, with elaborate displays featuring tons of accessories. If you want to be festive but not over the top, go with a classic outline design. Simply string lights along the roof, gutters, windows, and doors—this is a great way to show off the architectural elements of your home for the season. For the most minimal version of this look, you can simply go with the roof line on its own. From there, you can add more lights as you go if you decide you want to show off more of your home.

   The perfect porch

   Looking to build onto your basic light display? If you’ve got a front porch, it’s the perfect place to start. Highlight it by stringing lights around the edges of the roof, along the railings, and around the front door.

   Create some contrast

   If you have any particular elements of your house or yard that you want to highlight, consider using different colored lights for certain pieces. For example, you could use all white lights on your house, and multi-colored lights along a fence or on shrubbery. This creates some contrast and draws the eye to each individual element.

   Showcase your trees

   Trees look incredibly beautiful when they’re all lit up, no matter what size and type you might have in your yard. There are a couple of different ways to do it, and you can adapt these ideas to several different types of trees. For a more simple look, you can just string lights through the branches. However, if you really want to show them off, try wrapping the trees with multiple light strands. To do this, you’ll need to wrap the strand of lights around the base of the tree, and continue up, wrapping larger branches. Once your tree is wrapped, you can string additional lights through the upper branches for a truly magical design that will make your house truly stand out.

   Go Christmas crazy

   If you’ve ever seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, then you know what it means to go full Griswold. (Of course, your version won’t cause a large scale power outage!) If you’re ready to go beyond the outlines, it’s time to invest in more strands of lights. Anything is possible—if bigger is better in your world, you can incorporate pretty much all the ideas we’ve mentioned above. You can cover every inch of the front of your house in lights, and even extend them into your yard, winding around bushes and trees. It’s like turning your home into a real-life gingerbread house!

   

7. How to Get the Best Christmas Lights Display on Your Block

   November 14, 2017 6:45 pm Leave a Comment

   It happens every year. It seems like fall just started, and suddenly the holiday season is upon us! There are many things we love about this time of year, but we have to say that holiday light displays are at the top of the list.

   While you might be tempted to go full Griswold and cover every square inch with lights, there are a few things you should consider before putting up your display this year. Here’s what you need to know in order to create a beautiful look that everyone will enjoy.

   Start early

   The best way to ensure everything goes smoothly when you’re setting up your Christmas lights is to start early. (But not too early! You probably don’t have to start in September.) For most homes with relatively simple designs, it’s appropriate to start in November or early December. If you leave it until the last minute, you’ll have a hard time getting the look you want.

   If you’re hoping to create a more intricate or elaborate design, you’ll need plenty of time to plan it all out. If you wait too long, it could be hard to find the right kind of lights you need, leaving you with an incomplete look. Of course, weather plays a factor as well. As you get deeper into winter, harsh weather could make it hard for you to put up your lights. After all, you don’t want to end up trying to climb up on a ladder in the middle of a snowstorm.

   Start off simple

   Feeling inspired by an elaborate setup you saw last year? While you might be tempted to go wild right out of the gate, it’s best to keep things simple in the beginning. Start with a classic design at first and slowly add more strands of lights until you have the look you want. It’s easier to test out a couple of new elements at a time, rather than doing it all at once.

   Go green

   Christmas light displays are a wonderful tradition, but you don’t want to end up with a huge electricity bill because of your light display. Choosing the right lights can make things much cheaper in the long run. Keep things affordable by going with LED lights. They use less electricity, making them an environmentally friendly choice, and will save you money in the long run. Even though they use less energy, they shine brighter than incandescent bulbs, which makes for a gorgeous display. Another huge bonus of LED lights is that they last longer, which makes them a much better investment over time.

   Don’t annoy the neighbors

   Everyone loves the warm glow of lights in the neighborhood at Christmas time, but before you go crazy and create a display that lights up the whole entire block, it’s probably a good idea to check in with your neighbors first. This won’t be an issue for most since most light displays are pretty tame. However, if you’re adding something very elaborate that might shine extra light into their home, or draw traffic to the area, you’ll definitely want to consult them first.

   

   Be safe

   While it might seem easier just to do the whole job yourself, you really shouldn’t attempt it. It’s always nice to have a helping hand, but it’s actually a must if you’re going to be climbing up on a ladder. You’ll need someone to hold it steady for you, and offer assistance from the ground.

   If you’re installing your own lights, you should also pay close attention to the weather. You don’t want to go up on the roof or climb a ladder when it’s icy or extra slippery out. So be careful!

   Leave it to the professionals

   Putting up Christmas lights can be a lot of work. If this all sounds like too much, there’s always the option to bring in the professionals. They can work with you to create a custom design and do the installing for you. Better yet, they’ll also come back at the end of the season to help you take everything down and get it ready for storage.

   It’s a great way to keep your home looking festive without having to climb up on a ladder yourself.

   

8. I Ditched Middle Management to Be My Own Boss

   October 19, 2017 10:32 pm Leave a Comment

   

   At 35 years old, Lee Cagle was tired of middle management. He’d been working as a property manager for 8 years, but wasn’t getting ahead. He had a lot of responsibility but little authority and finally, he’d had enough.

   With a wife and daughter, going back to school and starting from scratch wasn’t an option. So he took matters into his own hands and found an opportunity that would change his life. Here, Lee tells O2E Brands how franchise ownership with Shack Shine gave him the time, freedom and reward he’d always been looking for.

   Learn More About Owning a Franchise

   O2E: Why did you decide you wanted to start a business?

   LC: In a middle management position, you get flack from both sides. In my case, from the residents of the building I managed, as well as upper management. I liked the people and the company but there wasn’t any room to advance. I’d reached the pinnacle of my career in property management and didn’t see the potential for upward progression. It wasn’t fulfilling and frankly, it was a dead end.

   I had a brief career as a real estate agent in my early 20s, so I always had the drive to run a business. I decided it was time to pursue it.

   O2E: How did you hear about Shack Shine?

   LC: I came across Shack Shine online while researching franchise and business opportunities. I loved the brand and thought the idea had great potential. As a property manager, I had hired window washers and power washers countless times. I knew there was a need for a business like Shack Shine because I had used these services before.

   I had money saved from a house I’d sold during my real estate days, and I’d also been living rent free at the building I managed. I took that money and bought Shack Shine St. Louis.

   O2E: Why did you decide to join a franchise instead of striking out on your own?

   LC: I didn’t have experience owning a business, but I had the motivation to do it. I’m systems-oriented and when I found out more about Shack Shine, I realized how easy it can be. Everything is laid out step-by-step and you have the support of a network behind you. Franchising is a perfect option for someone who wants to start a business but doesn’t know where to start.

   O2E: Tell me about the experience so far. How has your life changed?

   LC: We’re five months in and we hit the ground running. Starting up in the spring meant work took off really quickly. In fact, my wife was able to quit her job at Whole Foods and join the business as marketing manager.

   It’s been challenging to learn how to manage our time and balance the multiple hats you have to wear as a business owner. You take on a lot of responsibility and it’s all on you to hold yourself accountable. I’ve learned quickly that time is money.

   We put in a lot of hours but we also get to set our own schedule. When you own a business, you get the satisfaction of building something for yourself. It hasn’t been easy but we’ve come out of the gate strong and it’s been rewarding. You get out what you put in, so working hard and acquiring new customers is like winning the lottery!

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9. How to Prepare Your Home’s Exterior for Winter

   October 17, 2017 8:48 pm Leave a Comment

   Winter weather can be tough on all of us. Aside from being a little unpleasant for us humans, it can also be pretty hard on the exterior of homes. The good news is, there’s something you can do to keep your house happy and in good shape to handle the elements. It’s as simple as taking the time to complete a good deep clean before the season hits.

   Top Exterior Cleaning Tasks for Winter

   When it comes to prepping your home for winter, there are a few things you should pay attention to. Of course, your concerns will be slightly different depending on where you live. (You won’t worry so much about things freezing up if you live in a warmer climate.) Just follow these guidelines as they apply to where you live, and your house will love you for it.

   Gutter cleaning

   It’s very important to clean out your gutters before it gets too cold. If your gutters are clogged up with leaves and debris, they can get backed up and fill with water. When the first heavy rainstorm hits, your gutters can overflow, causing water to leak out and damage your home’s siding, roof, or foundation.

   

   When the temperature drops, any water that is trapped in your gutters can freeze, causing them to sag under the increased weight. They could even fall down or pull away from the house completely. This could result in costly repairs, which you definitely want to avoid!

   Thankfully, you can avoid these problems by making sure you clean out your gutters at the end of fall or early winter. This will ensure that water can flow freely through them, preventing damage during a rainstorm or after a snowfall.

   House washing

   Have you ever noticed the surface of your house looking a little green or extra dirty at the end of a long winter? This is likely due to the buildup of mold, mildew, moss, and algae on those outdoor surfaces. These substances can flourish in winter weather conditions, thanks to the often damp weather. Any accumulated dirt can also help create ideal conditions for them to grow during the season.

   They can grow on just about any surface, including wood or vinyl siding, stucco, and more. The good news is, it’s easy to help make these surfaces last longer. A good cleaning before the winter weather hits can help prevent it from taking hold. This can be in the form of a good scrub, or power washing, depending on the surface. During the house washing, it’s also a good time to clear away debris and clean the foundation of your home. This helps to prevent damage, and also helps you spot any existing damage.

   

   Pressure washing

   Mold mildew, moss, and algae can also grow on ground surfaces such as patios, decks, and driveways. Without regular cleaning, these substances can start to break down the materials, which could mean you’ll need to replace them a lot earlier than anticipated. Cleaning these surfaces before winter can help prevent them from building up over the cold months, which can lessen the damage over time, and ensure they last longer.

   Window washing

   Dirty windows can do more than just make your view a little less pleasant. They can actually make it harder for the light to make its way inside your home. By some estimates, dirty window glass cuts daylight by 20%, which can not only have an impact on your mood but also your heating bill.

   Sunlight reflects off of the smudges, which means it’s can’t get in to heat the inside of your house during the day. Dirt and smudges can also make windows less efficient at conducting heat in general, which means you’ll probably need to crank up the heat in order to stay warm during the winter months.

   

   Another thing to consider is that glass is porous, and over time, any dirt (or salt from snowstorms) that accumulates will start to break down the surface. Once this happens, you’ll need to replace your windows. Of course, this can be quite costly and is definitely something you want to avoid doing. Thankfully, keeping your windows clean will ensure your windows last longer and don’t need to be replaced earlier than they should be.

   Keeping up with a regular maintenance schedule will certainly save you money on repairs in the long run. So make sure to give the outside of your home a good clean before winter! You’ll be glad you did.

10. Why Fall is an Important Time to Clean your Gutters

    September 13, 2017 6:53 pm Leave a Comment

    You know you have gutters (also called eavestroughs in some areas) on your house and you know you have to clean them every once in awhile. What you shouldn’t do is leave them until they’re already clogged up before you clear them out. It’s important to make sure all that debris is gone before winter arrives. Here’s why you should make sure those gutters get cleaned out every fall, no matter where you live.

    

    Leaves Collecting in Your Gutters

    The first signs of fall are unmistakable—the air gets a little crisp and the leaves on the trees begin to change color. It’s a gorgeous sight, but it’s also a sign of a whole lot of work ahead. After all, those leaves will soon fall off those trees and many of them will end up in your gutters.

    While it’s still dry out, the leaves won’t cause much of a problem. However, as soon as you get your first heavy rain storm, the problems will start to pop up. If your gutters are filled with leaves, the rain can’t drain out properly. When this happens, your gutters will overflow and the water could cause water damage to walls, soffits, fascia, siding, basements, and even your foundation.

    If water does back up in your eavestroughs, the debris and pooling water can start to eat away at the gutter materials, which can cause holes and leaks. Once you have holes, it might not be a simple fix—you could end up having to replace your gutters entirely.

    On-going Maintenance for Healthy Gutters

    As you may have guessed, gutters are not cheap to replace. This is why regular gutter maintenance is so important. A small investment of time and money now will save you a ton in the future.

    How often you clean your gutters depends largely on where you live. If you live in an area without any trees around, you can probably get away with cleaning your gutters just once a year, since they aren’t filling up with leaves and other debris as quickly. Of course, if there is a tree close to your house that does lose its leaves, you might have to clean them more often.

    

    If you live in a place surrounded by plenty of lush, green trees, you’re going to need to clean your gutters a whole lot more often than those who live in desert climates. Most leafy trees lose leaves in the fall, which makes a fall cleaning essential. The type of trees you have nearby also makes a difference—if you have trees like pine or any tree with needles, you might need to clean them 3 or 4 times a year. If you have a tree with falling blossoms, you might need an extra cleaning in spring.

    Winter is Coming

    The risk of clogged gutters doesn’t end once the leaves have fallen off the trees. If you don’t clear them out before winter, all that debris and water sitting in your eavestroughs can freeze when the temperature drops. When it’s frozen, any water from melting snow has nowhere to go, and can seep through your roof, causing water damage.

    When the water and debris freezes, it also gets heavier, which could cause the gutters to sag. The extra weight can also cause the hardware that secures the gutters to the house to pull away from the house, or even come loose completely. In this scenario, your gutters could completely fall down, which would mean you will need to replace them or at least reinstall them.

    

    If you want to ensure your gutters last a long time, keep up with a regular maintenance schedule. Fall is the perfect time to clean them, no matter where you live. So make sure you add gutter cleaning to your fall to-do list!