From fascia gutters to box gutters, clogged gutters can lead to a number of issues for your home, so it’s important to know how to keep them clean!
If you don’t like the idea of cleaning gutters, you might put this chore to the side, but not doing it can cause bird nesting, pest infestations, severe water damage, structural decay, and frustrating problems across the board.
Often, clearing blockages requires the removal or alteration of the gutter or downpipe, which must be carried out by a licensed or registered plumber and come with a compliance certificate if the work is valued at over $750! In any case, you don’t want to deal with non-compliant roof plumbing when you’re due to clean your gutters.
This article will help you understand what to avoid when cleaning gutters and the benefits this has for your home. Don’t wait until winter to get started! Follow these tips to keep your gutters in tip-top shape.
Why Are Cleaning Gutters Important?
Why bother with gutter maintenance? A functional drainage system helps to ensure that water–such as rainfall—flows away from your home, not inside it. Let’s go into a little more detail about why it’s so important to keep your gutters clean:
- Cleaning prevents pests (such as insects, cockroaches, birds, mosquitos and rats) from infesting your home.
- Water can seep into roof tiles, rotting wood, or parts of your roof collapsing!
- In autumn, trees and shrubs shed their leaves in preparation for winter, so leaves, twigs, and other debris can clutter your roof.
- Clogging can cause gutters to become heavy, dammed, and give overflowing water nowhere to drain.
- Extra weight from blockages can cause sagging, rusting, tilting, or detaching, and this replacement isn’t always cheap.
- Cracks can form in foundation materials such as concrete, wooden stumps, and an unstable house.
- Cleaning reduces health risks. For example, leaf mulch can breed dampness, mould, mildew, and bacteria, which can spread into your home.
Gutter Cleaning: Mistakes to Avoid!
Whether this is your first time cleaning your gutters or you’ve done it before, let’s quickly explore some mistakes you need to avoid.
Not having a stable ladder setup
If you don’t consider ladder safety precautions, you could be at risk of serious accidents or injury. A wobbly ladder will result in a dangerous fall, so what do you need to consider?
Your ladder should always be stable, on level ground, and secured against a sturdy surface. Never rush or overextend your reach: you can use ladder stabilisers or standoffs for security!
It is recommended that you keep at least one foot and two hands, or two feet and one hand, firm on the ladder at all times and always face it.
Do not climb a ladder in wild weather. Slippery surfaces, rain, or wind can double your chances of falling or breaking a bone. If you do decide to use your own ladder, follow the ladder safety rules on the WorkSafe website.
Unsure of how to proceed? Always call a professional roofing contractor who knows what they’re doing! If you’re in need of roofing repairs, check out the ultimate guide to roofing extensions and replacements.
Not wearing appropriate protective gear
If you decide to take out the ladder and scoop up leaves, you must wear protective gear!
Since gutting cleaning involves dealing with dirt, debris, or harmful organisms, refusing to wear appropriate gear increases your chances of sustaining injuries, such as slips, bacteria, or sharp objects.
Wear sturdy gloves, safety goggles for eye protection, a dust mask, rubber-soled shoes, and avoid loose-fitting clothes.
Not using specialised gutter cleaning tools
If you’re using the wrong tool for gutter cleaning, you might struggle with stubborn debris or clogs! Tools such as vacuum attachments, a plastic gutter scoop, gutter brushes, and a reliable ladder can save you a lot of effort and time.
Always use tools that match your comfort level so gutter cleaning is easier (you don’t want to use a tool you’re unfamiliar with!), and you’ll avoid unnecessary risks along the way.
Not paying attention to downspouts
Have your downspouts been misplaced? Downspouts protect your property and direct water away from your home. However, if they are positioned too closely to your house, siding, foundation, or windows, water damage becomes a higher risk.
Your downspouts need to be placed at least three feet away from these areas to push water away from vulnerable places and stop moisture from getting into your home and causing structural problems! The last thing you want to deal with is mould or mildew!
Not having a gutter cleaning schedule
Homeowners must have a gutter cleaning schedule, as leaves and debris can accumulate over time. If you do not want clogging and potential gutter issues, plan routine maintenance twice a year–during spring and autumn–as a general guideline.
If you have many trees nearby or experience heavy rainfall, you may need to check and clean your gutters more often. Establishing this schedule for your home prevents expensive repairs and helps rainwater flow smoothly through your guttering system.
Not having gutter guards
Much like shields that protect your gutters from leaves, debris, gutter damage such as corrosion, and unwanted elements such as excess water (causing them to overflow) or water damage to the foundation of your property.
Gutter guards reduce the need and frequency of intense gutting cleaning, helping rain flow freely. Whether you need help with roof restoration in Cheltenham, Toorak, Doncaster, Bayswater, Ringwood, or anywhere across Melbourne, our roofing contractors aim to deliver outstanding results for both residential and commercial properties!
Cleaning gutters if they aren’t installed properly
If your gutters aren’t installed correctly, you should never attempt to clean them. For example, are your gutters sloped incorrectly? This is important for proper water drainage! Gutter slopes stop water from pooling or overflowing, preventing the risk of corrosion or water damage.
As stated in the National Construction Code, gutters, downpipes, and flashings must be manufactured in accordance with AS/NZS 2179.1 for metal. Gutters must be installed with a fall of not less than 1:500 for eaves gutters (unless fixed to metal fascias) or 1:100 for box gutters. Eaves gutters must be supported by brackets securely fixed at stop ends and no more than 1.2-metre centres.
Never ignore leaks or damage (leaks, holes, or sagging), even if they seem minor! If you need support with regular gutter cleanings, structural issues, or professional gutter cleaning, Xclusive Roofing helps with gutter replacements, fascia & gutter repairs, downpipes, and roofing for Frankston, Carrum Downs, Pakenham, Dandenong, and Narre Warren homes.
Why Hire Gutter Cleaning Professionals?
Gutter cleaning can often involve risks and mistakes, so hiring a professional can be a safer option without the hassle. What are some of the risks of cleaning your gutters?
- You’re at risk of falls. Falling from heights is one of the most common accidents when using a ladder, and it can result in serious injury.
- You’re at risk of electrocution. If your gutters are near fixtures or power lines, you can be electrocuted by live wiring.
- Gutters can contain bacteria and mould, which can pose many health hazards. DIY gutters can put you at risk!
- There’s the risk of falling debris. Sometimes, sharp objects or animal nests hide in gutters, which can cause cuts or infections. If you do choose to do it yourself, make sure you’re wearing safety gear.
Although cleaning gutters can sound like a simple task, professionals like those at Xclusive Roofing can ensure your safety and prevent accidents. To learn more, read about how to keep your Colorbond gutters in good condition!
Roofing Restoration in Melbourne: Call Xclusive Roofing!
Do you want your home to look its best? As a passionate family-owned business, Xclusive Roofing can offer guidance on gutter cleaning, gutter replacements, and transforming gutters for Mornington, Carrum Downs, Cranbourne, and Berwick properties across Melbourne. If you’ve noticed recent damage, you don’t need to stress.
From metal roofing such as Colorbond roofing, custom made flashings, klip-lok roofing, or roof tiling extensions and roof replacements, countless homeowners choose us for roofing needs.
Contact us today for obligation-free quotes and after-hours emergency support, or visit our store in Cranbourne South!
