Most of the stuff I read in the forum talks about pricing and ways to clean gutters.
my question Is do you guys sweep or blow off the roof as well or is that a separate charge. I was under the impression that if it’s not in the gutter it’s a different service. I had a customer refuse to pay until I swept the leaves off the roof.
Depends on what you agree to. Another way to look at it is, include with the bid if there is any roof debris that will blow into the recently paid for gutter clean. A job that I did two weeks ago I could not blow the roof because it was so close to the neighbors fenced in yard. I raked it down to the yard below and raked it into the garden off of their sidewalk. It wasn’t a whole lot; just what accumulated at a couple of different spots on the roof. I charged for the gutter cleaning, and $20 extra for 3 spots, each about the surface size of a small table. Easy enough to do and the customer was pleased. Always do that extra bit, even when it is rolled into the charge. 
Yes and I add for it . It usually takes an extra 10 min max
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If the roof has a lot of stuff on it the it will all end up in the gutter. Then the customer will call a few weeks later with a blocked gutter. It is also an easy way for a customer to know you did the work when they see a clean roof.
It is just like cleaning window sills on windows, something you have to do.
Definitely not included.
If there are valleys that have pile, that will make their way to my clean gutter anytime soon…
I will remove as a courtesy.
But you’re not paying me for a roof sweeping (cottonwood, whirley birds/seeds/etc…)
During “gutter season” I carry a blower, but this time of year I simply don’t have the room.
And maybe I’m more likely to go some sort of roof cleaning during thos times.
But right now, I’m gonna charge. It aint gonna be cheap. And I’m not going to negotiate.
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if you are calling me in June, you’ve got bigger/more important problems than some junk on your roof.
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I’m here to make sure your house doesn’t collapse from water damage.
I’m fair, I’m prompt, and I’m here to save your ass… don’t push me.
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Let me put it to you this way… Why would I clean out gutters and leave a pile of shit six inches away without removing it. Just to get REPEAT business I guess…
I can dig the “sticks six inches away.”
I guess I’m talking more about the dupe who expects you to sweep away the mulch
that’s piled up from his overgrown/poorly trimmed trees, that hang over his roof.
Agree 100%. I’ve always felt that the roof is expected by the customer.
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Out of curiosity, how far down below the downspout do you feel is ‘expected.’
If you have a downspout, that leads underground, maybe to a release, maybe buried in the lansdcaping.
Not calling you out, I like you… just wondering, professionally.
It was my first gutter clean and I didn’t bid the job. Work order said windows and gutters. The gutters had mulch ant piles sticks. The valley’s had mulch 5ft up 2ft wide and tree branches. Sounds like you guys look at jobs and charge for gutters and add more for valleys. Tell customers gutter clean and they feel like you went above and beyond when you clean valleys
I just do it because I’m a good guy… I want TIPS from the ladies…
Great question. I was only referring to clearing the roof of any debris in my post. I don’t go underground when it comes to gutter cleaning. If they want me to shove my pressure washing wand in a buried downspout (which I never offer because I don’t want to be covered in mud), then I have a $75 minimum to unload my pressure washer. That goes for any pressure washing job btw. I’m not unloading all that equipment for a 10x10 concrete patio for less than $75. Other than using a pressure washer for a buried downspout I just don’t carry the proper equipment to unclog it, and I’ll tell the customer that. I’ve also become more selective with my gutter cleanings this year. I’ll pass on any roofs that require a harness, have slate tile, or are over 2 stories. I’m sure there are other factors that I’m critical of, but those are the main ones. Like you said, if they’re calling you during the summer to clean their gutters then there’s usually a bigger issue. My summer gutter cleaning prices increase as well.
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That is exactly how to do it. You factor the roof cleaning into the price.
As for the comment asking about underground pipe cleaning tell them to call a plumber. If the pipe is collapsed you are just wasting your time.
ACtually it is more than “cleaning window sills.” It requires more than a brush and wipe, so it gets added into the bid. You don’t get spark plugs for your vehicle and plug wires for free.
I don’t agree with the practice of downspouts draining underground. It is extremely rare to see one that is designed for maintenance in the case of a clog. I advise customers, because of the design, that they now have a problem for a plumber. One particular property comes to mind where the drain(?) went under ground then elbowed up and over a seawall 12-15 feet from the house. Not my circus; not my monkey.
I realize I threw a different question than the one you were originally answering. Thanks for taking the time.
Your answers always seem pretty sensible, that’s why I asked. 
And since I asked, I should probably answer…
I don’t go under ground either.
I can, and I will, but not as a rule.
And very rarely as an “included thing.”
There are a couple cities that make it mandatory that you flow the downspout underground, around here.
And I know the places, so I kind of know what to expect.
(meaning I have my scripted response ready)
It’s amazing the instant level of trust some occupations draw…
Somebody, somewhere decided…
better yeat CONVINCED SOMEONE ELSE, this was a good idea.
But WE’RE the asshole, because we charge more for/pass on the job.
I usually spray down the troughs of the roof before hitting the gutters just as a gesture. If it’s a lot of stuff caked in everywhere, I charge accordingly. If there’s just a bit of debris from the gutters above, I give it a quick spray-down, but nothing over the top. Gutter cleaning. I see roof cleaning as a whole different beast that turns into gutter cleaning, then windows!
I’ll spray down a couple troughs if it’s minimal. If there’s 10 years of mud in there, that’s a whole different ball of wax.
You let the customer know it’s going to costs more since there is more work than normal
