With tidying up the garden and cleaning windows, gutter cleaning is one the chores that almost any home owner has to address. However more often than not the latter sees itself being delayed or quite simply ignored until it is unfortunately too late and expensive repairs have to be carried out.
It may not seem like much but your house guttering system is an important part of your homes weather proofing and waterproofing system. By directing rainfall away from the building it helps protect as well as maintain its appearance.
More importantly though, gutters also help protect the foundations by stopping water from saturating the soil and eventually sipping in creating further problems ranging from mould and mildew inside the property to structural damage and subsidence.
Unfortunately, while driving away rain water gutters also collect debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt. If too much of that debris collects in your gutters, there is nowhere for the water to go and the gutters becomes blocked.
Gutter systems should ideally be cleaned thoroughly in spring and autumn. At the very least gutters should be checked before winter as trapped debris and water could freeze in the colder weather putting further strain on the system. If the property or building is located close to trees more frequent cleaning may be required.
It is also important to remember that althought a regular cleaning routine can easily prevent any problems listed above this task has to be undertaken with caution as with any work from height.
Falls are the most common cause of fatal injury so if the property is higher than single story or roof access is difficult, it is strongly advised to seek the services of a fully trained and adequately equipped professional.
Ben Miles