Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about gutters, gutter guards, roof moss, solar panels, windows, washing and working with Nor-Cal Maintenance.
FAQ
Gutters
How can I tell my gutters need attention?
Watch them in the next real rain. Water pouring over the front edge, dripping behind the gutter or puddling at the foundation means a clog, a bad pitch or a failed seam. Plants growing out of a gutter, or a run pulling away from the fascia, are tells you can spot on a dry day.
Should I clean, repair or replace my gutters?
Clean first if the gutters are sound and just full. Repair when the trouble is one corner, a seam or a few hangers. Replace when the runs are rusted through, split in many places or were sized and pitched badly from the start. Sorting out which is what the estimate visit is for. See gutter repair.
Do gutter guards mean no more cleaning?
No cover makes a gutter maintenance-free. A good one keeps the big debris out so the gutter keeps flowing, but fine grit and needles can still build up on or under it over time. How often a covered gutter needs a look depends on the trees and the cover. See gutter guards.
FAQ
Roofs, moss and solar panels
Is moss on a roof a problem or just ugly?
It’s more than looks. Moss holds water against the shingles, lifts their edges as it grows and sheds bits that wash into the gutters. On shaded, north-facing slopes it can spread fast in a wet winter, so it’s worth taking off before it gets thick. See roof moss removal.
Can you clean a roof that has solar panels on it?
Yes. Reviewers have had the roof, gutters, skylights and solar panels done in one visit. Mention the panels when you call so the crew plans for them. See solar panel cleaning.
FAQ
Windows and washing
Do you clean windows inside and out?
Yes, inside and out, plus screens and tracks when you want them. Several Google reviewers had windows and screens cleaned along with their gutters, and one wrote that her screens hadn’t looked that clear since the windows went in. See window cleaning.
Will a pressure washer hurt my siding or roof?
It can when it’s done carelessly. Dave’s point is that the distance from the surface, the angle of the water and the cleaning solution all matter. Siding, decks and roofs each need their own approach, which is why some surfaces get a soft wash instead. See pressure washing.
FAQ
Working with us
Which areas do you serve?
Sonoma County from offices in Santa Rosa and Windsor, plus Napa County and Marin County. See service areas for the town pages, or call (707) 940-7875 with your address and we’ll tell you whether the crew gets out there.
Do you send photos of the work?
Many customers get them. Reviewers mention before, during and after pictures of their gutters, and one said the photos showed her just how worn the old gutters were. If photos matter to you, ask for them when you book.
Talk to Dave's team
Still have a question?
Ask us directly at (707) 940-7875.