Cleaning and general gutter maintenance are probably one of the most commonly ignored household maintenance tasks. Many often think, out of site, out of mind. However, if you don’t ensure that your gutters are regularly maintained, you could potentially be facing some expensive problems later down the line.
How Do Gutters Become Blocked?
A blocked gutter can be due to a combination of fallen leaves, moss, twigs and other debris that has fallen in and built up over time. Leaves will be blown off of the roof into the gutter, then when they become wet they stick to the walls of the gutter, blocking the rainwater from flowing freely.
Then, over time these leaves will break down causing them to turn into an incredibly fertile compost, which is also an ideal breeding ground for seeds, moss, and weeds. If left unmaintained, these can grow into invasive weeds with the potential to take over your gutter, blocking the flow of water and leading to a possible overflow.
Can a Blocked Gutter Cause Property Damage?
Blocked gutters can in fact lead to a multitude of costly property issues if left undealt with. Water damage can cause your wooden fascia boards to rot, water damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and even foundation damage. Water can also permeate through internal walls, causing damp and mould spores.
The water sitting in your blocked gutter can also create an excellent breeding ground for insects and other pests, causing a potential infestation. So before it demage your property, choose a gutter guard Hobart or any gutter or roofing professional for gutter maintance.
How Do I Know that My Gutters are Blocked?
A quick visual check that’ll hint that your gutters are blocked is to, next time it rains, simply walk outside. If your gutters are overflowing, leaking, starting to sag, or there is even water running down the side of your property, your gutters need maintenance.
If you have to clear your garden regularly in the Autumn of falling leaves, then this can be another sign that your gutters are getting blocked. So, getting them checked and keeping them maintained could potentially help you avoid expensive repairs.
How Often Should My Gutters Be Maintained?
How often you have to call in a professional to clean your gutters will depend on a number of factors such as the weather where you live and the age of your building.
For example, if your property is surrounded by trees, you should have your gutters checked regularly to ensure they aren’t blocked by fallen twigs and leaves. This is especially the case if you have recently had bad weather and high winds.
Ideally, aim to have a professional round to check your guttering and maintain it at least twice a year. Once should be in autumn, after the leaves have fallen, to ensure that your gutters are free-flowing for the winter rain, snow, and ice. Then, when the spring rolls around, get them checked again then to ensure they have not been damaged during the winter and that any leftover moss and leaves are cleared.
Ensure Gutter Maintenance for Long Lasting Guttering
Ensuring that your guttering is properly maintained is vital for ensuring that you are not faced with huge bills in the future. We hope this blog has highlighted the importance of gutter maintenance. A reputable roofing company will likely be able to give you any further advice you need and provide you with a trustworthy maintenance service.
If you are looking to have your gutter maintained, then it is important that you choose a company that you can trust, such as the roofing company Bristol, leading providers of gutter maintenance.
