Spring may be winding down, but the dirt, buildup, and hidden damage it left behind are still there. Let’s talk about the $15K disaster we helped prevent last week — and how you can avoid the same costly issue at your home.
Here’s what we’ve got for you today!
THE $15K GUTTER DISASTER WE PREVENTED
Weather Watch
Quick Tips
Dad Joke
Old School Suds
Service Spotlight
DuPage Happenings
Time Machine
Reader Question
The $15K Gutter Disaster We Prevented
Picture this: A gorgeous Colonial in Glen Ellyn. Beautiful landscaping. And a homeowner 48 hours away from a $15,000 disaster.
Sarah called us about a weird water stain on her kitchen ceiling. She assumed roof leak. We found something more common—and preventable.
The Problem: Gutters so clogged that water overflowed, ran down the exterior wall, seeped into the foundation, and worked its way UP into the kitchen through the wall cavity.
The Cost Right Now: $800 for gutter cleaning and minor repairs.
The Cost If She'd Waited: $15,000-25,000 for foundation repairs, mold remediation, and wall reconstruction.
Why do clogged gutters cause so much damage? What are the warning signs you're missing?
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Late May sun doesn't lie. It just shows you what's there. |
➜ QUICK TIPS:
5 Minute Home Wins
Ceiling Fan Direction: Flip that switch to clockwise (winter mode). Pushes warm air down. Heating bill drops 10%. Takes 15 seconds.
Outlet Insulation: Pop off outlet covers and add insulators ($12 for 10 pack). We lose 20% of heat through outlets. 5 minutes per outlet.
Dryer Vent Brush: Clean your outside dryer vent (not just the lint trap). Buy a $15 brush kit. House fires are way less fun than you'd think.
● DAD JOKE OF THE WEEK
Why don't gutters ever get in trouble?
Because they always know how to channel their emotions.
(This newsletter comes with a money-back guarantee—oh wait, it's free. Nevermind.)
● HOW THEY CLEANED BACK THEN
1920s: Gasoline Window Cleaning
Homeowners used gasoline to clean windows because it cut through grime and evaporated quickly. The only minor downsides?
Toxic fumes, fire hazards, and occasional explosions. But hey, those windows were SPOTLESS.
Modern equivalent: Vinegar and water. Boring, but your house won't explode. Aren't you glad you live in 2026?
● FEATURED SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
This Week: Scott Loomis, Loomis Construction
We grabbed coffee with Scott Loomis, owner of Loomis Construction, to get the inside scoop on gutter care.
Q: Scott, be honest—are gutter guards worth the money?
Scott: "Depends on your trees. If you've got oaks, maples, or pines within 30 feet of your house? They make a difference. They'll cut your cleaning needs from twice a year to maybe once every two years. BUT—and this is important—you still need to check them. I've seen gutter guards clogged with pine needles and maple spinners. They're helpers, not miracles."
Q: What's the weirdest thing you've found in someone's gutters?
Want to read the full interview? Scott shares the weirdest thing he's found in gutters (hint: it involves pizza), how to know if you need replacement vs. cleaning, and what homeowners can do between professional cleanings.
● DUPAGE COUNTY HAPPENINGS
May 28 — June 3, 2026
🍽️ Taste of Bolingbrook — Sat–Sun, May 30–31 · Promenade Bolingbrook. Local restaurants, live music, and community vendors over two days. A good excuse to get out before summer officially takes over.
🎵 Concerts in Your Park — Bucket Number 6 — Sun, May 31, 7PM · Century Farms Park, 715 Sigmund Rd. Free outdoor concert series — bring lawn chairs and blankets. First one of the season. Summer is officially open.
♻️ HHW Drop-Off — Sat–Sun, May 30–31, 9AM–2PM · 156 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville. The garage isn't going to clean itself. This weekend is your best excuse.
● DUPAGE COUNTY TIME MACHINE
Graue Mill, Oak Brook
This 1852 water-powered gristmill is the only operating waterwheel gristmill in Illinois—but during the Civil War, it secretly operated as a station on the Underground Railroad.
● READER QUESTION
Q: "What’s the actual difference between soft washing and pressure washing?”
Soft washing uses low pressure and a cleaning solution to kill mold, algae, and mildew at the root. Pressure washing relies on high-pressure water to blast away surface grime. One treats the cause — the other just removes what you can see.
Q: Why shouldn’t I just pressure wash everything?
Because most of your home isn’t built for it. High pressure can strip paint, crack siding, and damage roofing materials. It’s fast, but it’s also how small cleaning jobs turn into expensive repairs.
Q: When should I use soft washing?
Anytime you’re dealing with siding, roofs, painted surfaces, or visible algae and mildew. If it’s a finished or delicate surface, soft washing is the safer — and longer-lasting — choice.
Got a question? Reply to this email—you might see it featured next!
● FROM OUR CORNER
Quick question: When's the last time you walked all the way around your house? April is when winter damage shows itself—salt haze on siding, algae starting on north-facing walls, concrete looking tired.
We're Rolling Suds of Naperville–Elmhurst. We handle soft washing, pressure washing, exterior window cleaning, roof and gutter cleaning, concrete sealing, and deep exterior cleaning that makes a house feel reset.
Explore our services here
Rollings Suds of Naperville-Elmhurst
(630) 448-7014 | [email protected]
