Gutter cleaning 101 -What you need to know
Photo: Before and After Gutter cleaning by the Pristine Homes and Gardens Maintenance Team
Gutter Cleaning 101
Your gutters have a key role in your home, and this is to bring rainwater from your roof to your drains.
It is vital to keep your gutters clean and ensure that they are maintained.
Controlling your rainwater prevents damage to your property, and regular gutter maintenance can even boost your property value.
Whether you reside in Frankston, Dandenong, Carrum Downs, Seaford, or Cranbourne, you can benefit from professional gutter cleaning services.
In this article, you can find out more about the importance of gutter cleaning and learn some tips for effective maintenance.
Photo: Gutter cleaning by hand at a property in Seaford
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Gutters?
Many homeowners aren't particularly fond of their gutters and see them as something that is a pain to maintain.
But what would actually happen if you didn't clean your gutters?
When gutters aren't cleaned, debris and various other materials start to build up inside them.
This can cause a blockage and lead to water overflowing along the foundation of the building. After a while, this can lead to the soil softening and cracks appearing in the foundation. In rare cases, water damage can even contribute to a structural failure in a home.
The excessive moisture in your gutter can cause rot in the wood fascia, and this rot can spread to the attic, which could provide an easy entrance for rodents.
It isn't just rodents you would have to worry about since moist debris in gutters can attract all types of insects. This can lead to an infestation that is costly and difficult to remove.
Wood-eating insects are particularly attracted to the rotting leaves and branches that can accumulate in a gutter, and these pesky critters are known for creating havoc.
The overflowing water from a gutter can also get into basement walls and eventually right into a basement. If a leak occurs, then this can cause mold, serious water damage, and even flooding. The water can also kill plants and grass, which can lead to erosion in the ground underneath.
Those are only some of the major things that can happen when you don't clean your gutters.
This is why it is so important to undergo regular inspections and cleaning so that your gutter remains free from debris and so that it can effectively fulfill its function of redirecting rainwater.
Tips for Gutter Cleaning
Below you can take a look at some top tips for effective gutter cleaning.
Make Sure You Have a Sturdy Ladder.
Wear Appropriate Work Clothing, Long sleeves, Gloves
Use a Gutter Scoop to Remove Debris
Spread a Tarp Underneath Workspace to Collect Debris
Cut Back Tree Branches and Other Nearby Objects
Once the Debris is Removed, Flush the Gutters with a Garden Hose or Pressure Washer
Unclog downpipes
Take note of any damage, or repairs needed. Ie. Rusting Gutters, Broken Roof tiles, Water damage
Overall, you should make sure that you can handle the job at hand. Your body should be fully protected, and you must ensure that you are safely using equipment at all times. It can be a tougher job than it looks.
Potential Dangers of Gutter Cleaning
There are some risks and dangers associated with gutter cleaning. If you are new to this type of work, then you should always be extra careful. Here are some of the biggest risks to look out for.
Falling from Ladder
Using Equipment Incorrectly
Damaged Electrical Wiring
Infections from Bacteria, from cuts on sharp metal/jagged edges
These are just some of the risks involved with gutter cleaning, and it is essential to have the right equipment, protective clothing, and to have adequate experience. This is a job that is usually better left to the professionals.
Utilising Professional Gutter Cleaning Services
Luckily, you can hire an expert team to handle your gutter cleaning in Frankston. They can also take care of any other exterior work that may be required.
Hiring a professional gutter cleaning team in the areas of Frankston, Dandenong, Carrum Downs, Seaford, and Cranbourne has many advantages.
Firstly, it means that you are not exposed to any harmful debris, and you also don't need to worry about getting the right equipment.
A professional gutter cleaning company in Frankston will be fully insured.
They can get the job done in a swift and efficient manner, and they will be sure to clean thoroughly by reaching places you may have forgotten about or you find hard to access.
Before and after: NDIS client’s in Frankston & Carrum downs
Closing Thoughts
You should now be aware of just how important it is to ensure that your gutters are regularly cleaned.
It is vital to regularly maintain your gutters to keep your property in the best shape, but regular cleaning can be a hassle, and sometimes it is a job that is better left to the experts.
If you're looking for a reliable team of professionals to clean your gutter, then we are here to help.
Find out more about our full range of exterior and property maintenance services.
