It’s New to Us by Jean Stratton

KEEPING IT CLEAN: “The work is satisfying. We’re helping people out and fulfilling a need.” Paul Iski (left) and Wayne Barnett, owners of Gutter Services LLP, emphasize the importance of regular gutter cleanings and want to introduce more customers in Princeton to their complete gutter service.

Cleaning, Installation and Repair Offered by Gutter Services LLP

Die-hard do-it-yourselfers may continue to climb up the ladder to clean out the gutters and downspouts, but most people prefer leaving it to the professionals.

It can be risky, too, as Paul Iski, co-owner with Wayne Barnett, of Gutter Services, LLP, points out. “People should know that there have been a lot of very bad accidents with homeowners climbing on ladders and trying to clean gutters themselves. We are licensed and insured, and we have the knowledge and experience to take care of your gutters.”

The Lawrenceville-based company has many regular customers throughout the Princeton area and beyond, including Mercer, Somerset, Burlington, Bucks, and Monmouth Counties. Its focus is residential, but the company has also worked for schools and churches, as well as commercial services.

“It’s very important to have the gutters cleaned regularly,” explains Wayne Barnett, who handles the administrative end of the business. “If leaves and debris get clogged up, water can work its way behind the gutter and cause a lot of damage. If it freezes in the winter, it can create weight, and may even cause the gutters to fall down.

Regular Cleaning

“When we install a new gutter, we sometimes find that the fascia board is rotted because of water getting behind the gutter. This can be avoided with regular cleaning.”

In a worse-case scenario, he adds, water that gets behind the fascia board may get into the interior walls of the house, eventually causing damage to windows, walls, flooring, as well as mold build-up.

In addition to cleaning, the company provides repair work and installation of new gutters and downspouts.

“Repair can include tightening up the gutters, and making sure they are in good condition,” reports Mr. Iski, who does the hands-on work and had previously worked in all areas of contracting. “We also do a full check with each cleaning, including the downspouts, and we clean off the roof and patio.”

Gutter Covers

New gutters are high quality and have a warranty of 20 years, he adds.

Also available are gutter covers. “We only offer covers with a proven track record,” says Mr. Barnett. “We have a new gutter cover, LeafFilter, which is a combination of plastic and wire mesh. This keeps out everything — leaves, pesky pine needles, seeds, twigs, even sand. Everything.”

Gutters should typically be cleaned twice a year, in the spring and fall, he adds. It depends on the amount of foliage near the house. Areas with fewer trees may need a cleaning only once a year; those with many trees near the house could benefit from a cleaning three times a year.

“Some houses need a cleaning at mid-fall,” explains Mr. Barnett. “Between when the leaves start to fall and when the trees are bare. There can be a big build-up at that time.”

Selling Point

Gutters that have not been cleaned regularly can produce all kinds of surprises, adds Mr. Iski, who has found tennis balls, baseballs, birds’ nests, dead squirrels, and hornets’ and wasps’ nests in the gutters. “If there is an infestation of insects like hornets and wasps, the owner needs to get an exterminator,” he says.

In these days of an uncertain real estate market, with more unsold houses than in the past, he and Mr. Barnett emphasizes the need for regular gutter cleanings. “It is very important that realtors make sure that the gutters are clean and in good shape in the houses they are trying to sell. People may not always think of this, but it is an important selling point.”

Mr. Barnett and Mr. Iski try to think of everything to ensure that homeowners can be worry-free about their gutters. “We at Gutter Services take great pride in our professional approach to our work, and we obtain the highest level of customer satisfaction. We and our experienced crew are always available to meet your gutter needs.”

Prices are competitive, and a seasonal preventative maintenance contract, with a minimum of two cleanings, is available, which offers a cost savings. Emergency services are also available.

“We work seven days a week, dawn to dusk, and I like the fact that we’re providing a necessary and healthy service,” says Mr. Barnett. “We look forward to the opportunity to work for you.”

Gutter Services LLP can be reached at (609) 947-4667.

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