Have you ever stopped to consider why you have to clean your gutters so often? If the only thing that springs to mind is that they don’t look very good when not cleaned, think again. Gutter cleaning is essential to home health and safety. Here is why and how to avoid some of the most common pitfalls.
Why Gutter Cleaning is Important
Gutters direct rainwater away from your home, decreasing water damage. However, they can’t work well when clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris. Overflowing gutters allow water into the roof, walls, and foundation, leading to invasive damage and costly repairs. Water damage can be expensive and make a construction unsound.
Other problems associated with blocked gutters are pest infestations. Mosquitoes, rodents, and birds can easily access water and food through stagnant water and refuse, hence exposing you to diseases. The population of mosquitoes grows with the formation of stagnated water. There are also chances of nesting of rodents and birds, which at times results in gutter system damage and, in the worst-case scenario, roof damage.
Blocked gutters may also result in a damp situation that greatly favours the growth of mould and mildew. This affects your health and the structural capacity of your house as well. Mould and mildew can spread all over your house, thus reducing the quality of air indoors and exposing you and your family to major health risks, more so if you are allergic or asthmatic.
Common Gutter Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Although gutter cleaning may seem fairly simple, there are numerous errors homeowners commit and, more often than not, the result is that they do more harm than good. Here are some things to look out for:
Gutter cleaning is all about timing.
Most people only clean their gutters when the problem manifests, although it is advisable to do this at least twice a year—during spring and autumn. These are opportune times since they come after a time when leaves and other dirt are likely to collect. Proper yearly maintenance keeps the gutters unobstructed.
Forgetting Downspouts.
A gutter cleaning that pays no attention to the downspouts can leave them clogged and result in water damage. Downspouts are integral in the re-routing of water away from your home. Otherwise, should they become packed with debris, water will most certainly back up and overflow, rendering the gutter cleaning moot. Just make sure the downspouts are open so water can move freely. Check for clogs and clear blockages by rinsing them with water.
Gutter maintenance must be applied consistently.
Without a set routine, gutter cleaning is easily forgotten until a problem occurs. Put a reminder in place or note it down on your calendar that your gutters need to be periodically inspected and cleaned. Having a schedule of regular maintenance will enable you to take care of the possible problems at a point when less time and budget are consumed.
Putting safety first is important while cleaning gutters.
To be more specific, be sure to clean your gutter while on a nice ladder where someone can spot you. Falls from ladders are the most common cause of injuries in home situations. Ensure the ladder is on stable ground and level. Make sure it is not wobbling. Don’t reach far away or above when up on it. Better yet, wear shoes that are slip-resistant and use safety harnesses.
Wrong tools damage gutters.
Tools like pressure washers and improvised scoops may easily cause denting, cracking, or dislodging of the gutters. Always use the proper gutter scoop with a sturdy ladder and protective gloves. These manually operated devices can help you keep your gutter safe from these damages while removing the debris from it.
Why You Should Hire a Professional for Gutter Cleaning in Melbourne
Even though cleaning gutters yourself is cost-effective, there are other advantages to engaging an expert to do the cleaning. These experts are well versed in their work and thus can clean the gutters appropriately. They have all the tools and techniques for cleaning any situation besides experience in doing it right.
An expert is likely to spot potential problems that you would otherwise overlook, such as loose gutters, signs of wear, or even damage on the roof. Gutter cleaning takes a lot of time, particularly when the house is big. In short, it means the professionals can do it within no time, leaving you free to engage in more important things that matter to you. They may even go to the extent of working on services that act preventively because they will be able to see problems when they start. That saves one from costly repairs later. Dealing with small issues early will prevent them from developing into larger and costly problems.
Safety is one of the biggest concerns in this work. Professionals can work at heights, thus they follow their safety measures carefully to ensure the chances of possible injuries or accidents are low. They come with their equipment for safety during the project, and they also get insured, leaving you comfortable. With a professional, you do not have to climb ladders and work at a height for your safety.
Conclusion
If you do not want your home to look like a jungle of mould and other pests, then you should make sure you clean the gutter regularly. Avoid these common mistakes, and maybe you should consider having a professional do it, particularly because they will assure you that your gutters are functioning correctly, therefore safe for your home. Protection and assured functioning of your gutters call for proper cleaning of the gutters on a regular basis.
At Redback Guttering, we do believe in having clean and functioning gutters. Our professional team based in Melbourne will see that you receive top-notch services in cleaning your gutters to keep your home in perfect condition. We hold several years of experience and are committed to quality. That’s why we leave nothing less than spotless, fully functioning gutters.
The best gutter cleaning in all of Melbourne: Contact Redback Guttering now for your free quote. Take the headache from cleaning gutters and feel confident we will always care for your safe, beautiful home.
