Spring Cleaning: Have you checked your gutters lately?

While winter has passed and warmer weather is starting to grace us with its presence, it is important to ensure your home is ready for summer's hot and sunny days ahead.

To help you make a start on your spring cleaning (if you haven't already), we've put together a few small jobs that can help you take care of now, to ensure your home and family are safe in the upcoming months. Here's some guttering tips and advice you should look into this weekend.

How often should I clean my gutters?

The primary task of gutters is to remove rainwater from your house and property through to the storm water drains, and from there, onto the street or mains. To ensure they are performing their job, your gutters should be checked and cleaned at least once a year. If you have trees close to the house, then cleaning every fee months may be required. As a rule of thumb, cleaning your gutters at the start of Spring and during Autumn will help ensure your house can handle all conditions, along with your gutters lasting longer.

Gutter Maintenance

Gutters require timely cleaning and maintenance in order to function correctly and protect your home from excess water damage, flooding subsidence, and fire. Here are some warning signs that your gutters need work:

• Birds and other animals are making a home in them
• Plants are growing in them
• When it rains there is spill over
• Leaking from corners or joints
• Starting to sag, or have visible holes and/or other damage

How long will new gutters last?

The lifespan of your gutters is dependent on the type of gutter and the application. For example, aluminium gutter gutters with gutter guard can last for decades in any situation, however zinc or Colorbond gutters that are installed close to the beach may only last several years.

What will happen if my gutters fail?

During winter, you may face flooding in the house, mold, damage to your footings or household structure, and subsidence. Water beneath your house from a broken down pipe also creates dampness, that may then become an ideal environment for pests to thrive in, for example white ants.

Alternatively, during summer you may find that the house becomes a literal tinderbox. Your gutters serve a huge purpose in the health of your home, and we encourage everyone to keep them free of debris and overflow.

Do you recommend gutter guard?

Depending on the type, gutter guard is a simple and cost effective solution that will reduce the maintenance needed and ensure your gutters remain free and flowing correctly. It can be installed quickly and provide fantastic peace of mind.