We’re at the end of winter after months of trees shedding their leaves in the colder, windy and wet weather. Before we know it bushfire season will be upon us so there is no better time to clean your gutters. You should clean and maintain your home’s gutter system on a regular basis to avoid major damages. We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions that should provide you with some general gutter maintenance advice:
When your gutters are clogged with twigs, dirt, or debris, it’s time to clean them out. Cleaning your gutters at the end of each of season is a good idea to make sure you’re not putting too much strain on the gutter fasteners, which might cause them to pull away from your property, which is a much bigger problem.
If you don’t have an effective leaf gutter guard installed then yes absolutely. Not only may dirt impose undue strain on your gutters and gutter fasteners, but clogged gutters will not effectively divert water from your roof away from the house. Basement leaks, fractured wall foundations, moisture damage to your home’s siding and roof, and other issues can all be caused by clogged gutters.
If your gutters are merely clogged with debris, you’ll need to set aside some time to unclog them manually. This can be as simple as utilising gloves, a hose, and a ladder, but depending on your home’s structure, this could be a dangerous and time-consuming project.
Gutter guards prevent leaves and sticks from clogging gutters and downspouts. While gutter guards demand an initial investment, they will save you time and money in the long run by reducing gutter maintenance and protecting your gutters from harm. When you’re cleaning your gutters, think about putting gutter guards. Newcastle Plumbing Kings can install a Leaf Stopper Gutter Guard as a long term solution to keep your gutters clean and unblocked without having to pay professionals to clean your gutters or risk your own safety. The Leaf Stopper provides a mesh shield that covers your gutters and roof valleys to keep our leaves and debris.
Gutters that aren’t functioning properly put your home’s foundation at harm. One of the most important functions of any gutter system is to drain water away from the foundation. Every homeowner wants to avoid expensive foundation repairs as much as possible.
Water entering the basement is more likely when there is more water landing at the base of your property. Mould problems can be avoided by preventing water from entering this area.
Mosquitoes love clogged gutters as they provide an ideal breeding site. Because mosquitos prefer stagnant water, clogged gutters are perfect breeding grounds. If you have mosquitoes flying around your house, your gutters may be the source of the problem. Keep an eye out for standing water containers, such as rain in pots, a kiddie pool, a sandbox cover, a tire, or a wheelbarrow. Mosquitoes carry and If you take care of mosquito breeding sites on your property, little children and older adults will be much safer.
Protecting driveways, sidewalks, and patios with a solid gutter system is also a wise investment. Soil is significantly less likely to be disturbed or degraded by rain/snow flowing off the roof if water is being transferred from these paved areas.