Sure, it's not the most exciting of jobs, but doing so will make a big difference (and save you those precious dollars!)
Cleaning your gutters is one of those jobs that's easy to put off. Out of sight, out of mind and all that. But overflowing gutters and blocked downpipes can lead to rainwater seeping into your walls and ceilings; and dried leaves can be a fire hazard, too.
While cleaning your gutters should be more than a once-a-year affair, it's important to clear any dried leaves and debris from your gutters to prepare your home for bushfire season.
Paul Axford, the inventor behind Easy Fall Guttering, a system that prevents common guttering issues that plague most homeowners, shares his expert advice on how to clean your gutters and why it's so important.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN OUT YOUR GUTTERS?
Well, that depends. If they are free from overhanging trees, you should check them for debris every couple of months. If your house is under a canopy however, Paul recommends clearing them out even more regularly. "Leafage in the gutters that is not removed will travel down the downpipes and on into the storm water drain," he says. "This can end up costing you a fortune in plumbing and excavation. Keeping on top of it is the key."
WHAT'S THE PROCESS?
Once you've established it's safe to do so, you can clean out gutters by hand or using tools that are specially designed to get under the roof tiles. "You can also use a hose or a gurney," says Paul. "But be careful! The trouble with many older guttering systems is that they're narrow and they have brackets at intervals that act like dams, so if you use a hose, the water can splash over and flood back into the eaves."
HOW HIGH IS TOO HIGH?
Safety is paramount when doing anything that involves a ladder, especially if you're also trying to hold tools and a bucket or hose. If you are cleaning gutters, you need to make sure the ladder is tied and secure. "I actually wouldn't recommend anyone does their own gutters unless they're easy to reach," says Paul. "Hospitals are full of weekend warriors. The best bet is to get someone with the right experience to do the job."
MESH LEAF GUARDS: YAY OR NAY?
In Paul's view, "Mesh leaf guards do more harm than good. What lots of people don't realise is that dirt is the worst problem for gutters. A traditional leaf guard will keep out the leaves but the dirt still accumulates. Once it's in there, it's nice and warm and moist and the birds drop in seeds and the plants grow unabated. Then you have to get the leaf guard removed before you can clean it. If you buy a good guttering system, the leaf guards should pop out and the system self cleans so the dirt doesn't build up."
Source - Homes to love