Gutters play an important role in protecting our home’s structural integrity by directing rain water away from its walls, foundation and landscaping. Over time, gutters often become blocked with leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris. When this happens, it prevents them from directing rain water away and can lead to a whole range of problems. Regular gutter cleaning ensures that they perform at their best, keeping properties safe from potential water damage.
What damage can blocked gutters cause?
When gutters become blocked they can no longer direct rain water away from your property and so overflow when heavy rain falls. Overflowing gutters can lead to water seeping into the building's walls, causing damage to the structure and damp - which can have serious health implications. In winter, blocked gutters can also lead to the formation of ice dams, which can damage the roof and lead to water entering the home. Water damage can be expensive to put right, regularly cleaning your gutters can save you money in the long run by avoiding these costly repairs.
Not only can blocked gutters cause potential damage to your home, they can also be an eyesore, they can lead to staining of the external walls as well as damage to landscaping around your property. Blocked gutters can also be a haven for pests, providing a perfect habitat for insects and small creatures. Regular gutter cleaning not only keeps your property safe from water damage, it also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property.
How do professionals clean gutters?
Safety is always top priority for professional gutter cleaning companies, making sure that they, you and your property are safe whilst completing a thorough clean. Professional gutter cleaners will either clean gutters by hand, for which they have extensive training working at height, or by using a powerful gutter vacuum which means they can work from the ground. Before starting the cleaning process, they will complete an initial inspection to gauge the condition of your gutters and understand the extent of debris causing blockages, at this point they will also identify any potential issues or damage.
Cleaning gutters by hand
This method starts by removing larger obstructions like leaves, twigs and debris, using either gloved hands or specialised scoops. Once the majority of the debris is removed, they will flush out the gutters with water to remove any remaining debris and test the gutter's flow. They will also check that the downpipes are clear form blockages too, tools ranging from plumber's snakes to specialised downpipe cleaning instruments are used to unblock them. This is followed by a second round of flushing to ensure that no blockages remain and water can flow easily away.
Cleaning gutters with a vacuum
Modern technology has provided professional gutter cleaners with tools that not only improve the efficiency of their work but also ensure greater safety and precision. Gutter vacuums allow professionals to clear out blockages and debris from gutters without constantly climbing up and down ladders, therefore eliminating the risks associated with working at height. The strong suction of the vacuum pulls out leaves, twigs and debris, ensuring a thorough clean. Gutter vacuums also create very little mess as all debris is collected into a containment unit, ensuring that your property is left in the same condition as it was when they arrived.
Most gutter vacuums are also equipped with high-resolution cameras which have added a new dimension to gutter inspection. Before professional gutter cleaners would need to manually check each section of the gutter, now they have a bird's-eye view of the guttering. This method allows professional gutter cleaners to easily spot blockages and damage, meaning that they can target problem areas efficiently. Professionals can also share these images with you to show you before and after photos of your gutter clean and explain any damage or wear that has occurred.
There are many benefits to using a gutter vacuum:
1. Safety - this high reach system eliminates the need for ladders, therefore reducing the risk of falls and injuries from working at height.
2. Speed - cleaning with a gutter vacuum is very efficient, it can clear debris faster than the traditional method of cleaning by hand.
3. Less mess - all debris collected goes straight into a containment unit, so there is very little to clean up after.
4. Improved access - gutter vacuums can be used to clean all types of gutters, even ones that would be difficult to reach with a ladder.
5. Reduced risk of damage to gutters - sucking out the debris poses less risk of damage to gutters than cleaning by hand which can be more abrasive.
Final touches and repairs
After a thorough cleaning, professional gutter cleaners will perform a final inspection, looking for any signs of rust, damage or areas in need of repairs. Most professionals are able to carry out minor repairs to gutters, leaving them in perfect working order after cleaning.
When is the best time of year for gutter cleaning?
Although gutters can be cleaned at any time, there are certain times of year that are better for gutter cleaning. Unfortunately we are often called in for gutter cleaning when homeowners realise they have a problem and can see the results of a blocked gutter. Prevention is always the best option and regular gutter cleaning can avoid expensive repairs caused by blocked gutters. In the UK, the timing for gutter cleaning is largely influenced by the weather and the shedding of leaves from deciduous trees in Autumn. We recommend an annual gutter clean to stay on top of maintaining your gutters. Here are the optimal times of year for gutter cleaning:
Late autumn - after most of the leaves have fallen, but before the really cold weather sets in. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn, and these leaves often end up in people’s guttering causing blockages. Cleaning your gutters after the leaves have fallen is a good idea, just before the cold winter weather sets in and we experience heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures.
Early spring - cleaning at this time ensures that any debris which has accumulated over the winter is cleared out, preparing the gutters for the oncoming rain of spring.
In between these two main cleaning times, it's a good idea to regularly check your gutters, especially after heavy storms, to make sure that they're functioning properly and there are no minor blockages.
Looking for a professional gutter cleaning company in Croydon or Bromley?
Rinse & Shine has years of dedicated service under our belt, we've continued to develop our skills and expertise, ensuring that residents in this area receive nothing less than impeccable service. We clean gutters throughout Croydon and Bromley using both traditional techniques (cleaning by hand) and modern technology (gutter vacuum). Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted name in both Croydon and Bromley for gutter cleaning, take a look at our 5* reviews on Google! Homeowners and businesses alike rely on Rinse & Shine for effective and thorough gutter cleaning solutions. Rinse and Shine is the go to company in Croydon and Bromley for gutter cleaning. So if you notice your gutters are leaking or overflowing, give us a call!
