Gutters may be above your head but that doesn’t mean that they should go over your head. Your gutters work to protect your home from water and guide it away from the structural elements of your home that are not waterproof. We’ve heard a lot of people use the phrase, ‘out of sight, out of mind’, but this kind of thinking can be dangerous when it comes to home upkeep. If you turn a blind eye to the maintenance of your gutters and avoid gutter cleaning, they can become dirty or blocked very easily and cause damage to your home very quickly.
How Do Gutters Get Blocked?
As your roof and gutters are exposed to all kinds of weather conditions, there are a number of factors that can cause blockages in your gutters. Some of these include:
- Fallen leaves
- Twigs
- Moss
- Rust
- Other debris
Over time, your gutters can collect a lot of debris and even begin to rust due to Brisbane sun, rain, and wind. If this debris is not cleaned out, it can cause your gutter and downpipes to become blocked. This slows the water drainage and can result in excess water leaking into your walls or roof. Regular gutter cleaning can prevent issues like this and save you some much greater expenses in the long run.
Can Dirty Or Blocked Gutters Cause Damage?
Should your gutters become rusty or blocked, you can end up with water seeping through the structure of your home, which can cause damage to your:
- Guttering and roofing
- Fascia boards
- Walls and ceilings
- Insulation
- Windows
- Foundations
Water damage can also cause rotting and mould, which can not only be harmful to your health but also risks deterioration of the very foundation of your home. No matter what kind of guttering you have at your property, it is crucial that you are having them checked and cleaned regularly to prevent blockages and damages, and ensure that water can flow freely through.
How do I know if my gutters need cleaning?
If you find yourself whipping out the leaf-blower on your front porch, this is a sign that you may also need to check on the state of your gutters. It is a good idea to have a look at your gutters every few months, but especially during Autumn and after storms when leaves are falling or have been blown around. If you have an umbrella, go outside next time it rains and check on your gutters. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is water pooling in certain spots and not flowing freely?
- Are they overflowing?
- Are they leaking?
- Are they sagging anywhere?
- Is water running down the side of your home?
If you tick any of these boxes, it’s likely your gutters are blocked and need to be cleaned as soon as possible. Gutter cleaning is a necessary part of home maintenance and one that can prevent damage and save you more money long-term.
How To Clean Gutters At Home
To clean your gutters at home, you’ll need a ladder, a bucket, gloves, a brush, and a scraper or similar tool to help you clear out jammed debris. The first priority at all times should be your safety, so it is a good idea to have someone hold the ladder at the bottom or purchase a “Ladder’s Little Helper” which keeps it in place for you. Starting at one end of your guttering, use your gloved hand to pull out all the debris and pop it into your bucket, with your other hand holding on to the ladder. Use your scraper where necessary, and finish with the brush once most of the debris is removed.
At Right Roofing, our expert team of professionals are equipped to service your gutters and have them purged of all debris safely and efficiently. If you do not feel comfortable getting up on a ladder at home or do not have the right equipment, call our friendly team on 0431 962 819 today or use our contact form here to organise your gutter clean and maintenance today.
