Without appropriate gutter maintenance in place, the building in question will soon suffer as a whole. To prevent the risk of significant and costly repairs, keep up to date with regular cleaning.
When was the last time you had your guttering checked?
If you can’t remember, then now is the perfect time to get started.
While they’re never likely to be at the top of your to-do list, and jobs like window cleaning will most likely be a priority, don’t forget that your gutters play a vital role in the structure of the building and keeping them in great shape is the only way to avoid costly damage in the long run.
Making a start
The ultimate solution is to call in the professionals. You’ll save time, and the health and safety risks while working at height are managed by working with qualified, accredited cleaners.
An expert will advise you on how to repair gutters, along with clearing debris and other blockages. If trees surround the environment and debris is inevitable, installing a gutter guard is a sensible option. These will stop leaves piling up in your gutters and downpipes while still catching the water. Although the guards won’t put a stop to all debris from entering your gutters, (you will still need to clean them at least once a year!) they will keep the bigger, more hazardous waste from causing blockages or leakages.
The answers
When?
Prevention is better than cure. It is recommended to begin gutter maintenance at the beginning of winter, as the autumn leaves have fallen and it’ll ensure you prepare for an inclement weather ahead. Prepping for winter will reduce chances of blocked gutters later on in the year, and provides plenty of time to book in any repairs that are required. It is recommended that you double check your gutters in the spring.
Why?
A build-up of debris will put too much pressure on gutters and gutters that aren’t clear will prevent the water that falls on your roof from leaving via the gutters. Blocked gutters can lead to building leaks, poor foundations and damp along with other damage. You don’t need us to tell you how costly a significant leak into your building could be.
How?
If your gutters are full of waste, you’ll need to schedule some time to clear the debris manually. In order to ensure that health and safety requirements are adhered to, avoiding risk to you or your employees we strongly recommend outsourcing to an expert.
As mentioned, inserting gutter guards can reduce the chances of a blocked gutter. Although it requires a hefty initial investment, in the long run, gutter guards will save time and money by reducing upkeep and protecting against gutter damage.
It might seem like a small part of your general building maintenance, but like anything, proactive efforts pay off in the long run.
