The Importance of Clearing Your Gutters
Most homeowners have a long list of maintenance jobs which they know they need to get round to. Chances are that cleaning out the gutters is on that list. There’s no denying it’s an important task, but just why should you push this job to the top of your “to do” list?
Damp Prevention
The most important reason why you should keep the gutters clear is to prevent damp. The gutters on any house have only one function, and that’s to remove the water which falls on your roof as efficiently as possible. If the gutters are clear and working as they should, the water is drawn away down the pipes and into the drains. If the gutters are clogged with dirt and debris, then the water won’t flow away as it should. In heavy rain, the gutters may overflow, or drip down the walls. This build-up of water can, over time, cause serious damage to the fabric of the house. Getting your gutters cleared is a lot cheaper than drying out the house, then replastering or decorating to hide the water damage.
Is this a Job for the Professionals?
Working at height is fairly dangerous, even if you have all of the proper equipment. Unless you live in a bungalow and have the right ladders to work safely, get the professionals in to do the work instead. Clearing the gutters isn’t a skilled job, and although some roofers will offer the service, you could also contact contract cleaning companies to see if they can help. However, it’s usually best to get a company with some degree of expertise in clearing gutters as they are more likely to pick up on other issues affecting your roof which wouldn’t be immediately obvious from the ground.
Faulty Guttering
If you’ve had your gutters cleared out but are still seeing drips and leaks when it rains, then there may be other issues with your guttering. Often, these problems are things you can solve by yourself. A common fault is a loosening of the joint between different sections of the gutter. It’s just a matter of pushing them back together and making sure they are sealed tightly. This is easier to do with plastic pipes than it is with traditional metal. If a section is cracked or split, then but a new section from any large DIY store and either replace it yourself, or get a roofer to do it for you.
Finding a Contractor for Gutter Cleaning
As with all work on your home, it’s always better to get a personal recommendation than simply choosing someone at random. If you see a neighbour having their gutters cleared, ask the contractors if they would be free to do yours too. Community Facebook groups can also be good sources of information too. It’s probably best to avoid the people who advertise using colourful signs tied to lampposts and just giving a mobile number. There’s no way of establishing whether they’ll do a good job or not.
