Gutter Cleaning – Why It Is So Important

The last thing most people want after a heavy down pour is to have to spend a fortune replacing damaged plaster and paint work on ceilings or repair roof tiles. However, it is possible to save ourselves a lot of money simple by understanding the requirements of regular gutter cleaning. Most home owners view gutters as “out of sigh, out of mind” but gutter cleaning is a vital part of any home maintenance routine and should be overlooked or avoided.

Many years ago, homes and building were not fitted with gutters, and designers and old time architects never considered the usefulness of an effective gutters system. However, rooftop drainage was usually achieved by homes and buildings having very steep and large over hanging roofs fitted in such a way that rain water was routed into a specially designed demarcated area.

But the standard for modern day buildings all over the world is an effective guttering system – and it makes good sense. When the heavens open-up and we have a heavy down pour, the water is effectively guided down the roof, into the gutter system and down the downspouts leading the water away from our valuable homes. Most standard homes are usually fitted with downspouts on each corner of the house to ensue water is carried away quickly and with minimum risk of overflowing.

Some people, from an environmental view point prefer having gutters which lead directly into a specially designed water catchment container for later use in the dry months. Separate water catchments systems are not only considered friendlier for our environment but can also have significant savings on house hold water bills.

But, regardless of whether the water is stored or led away through an underground drainage system having a blocked gutter system can be a costly affair. You will have rain water unable to flow to the nearest downpipe which will inevitably overflow and come gushing down your walls, from there it is only a mater of time before it starts to penetrate through your outside brickwork through to the inside of your home. As internal damp and wet patches start to form within your rooms internal paintwork and decorations will rapidly start to deteriorate.

Flooding can happen in a very short period of time depending on the size of the downpour and so another costly exercise is when your gutter system becomes so blocked that rain water starts to soak through your roof tiles, though your attic area and down onto your internal ceilings. Apart from the costs to replace broken tiles internal plaster and paint work on your ceilings may now require some attention.

Whether you get your gutters cleaned out by a professional gutter cleaning service or you choose to do it yourself. In the long run it can only help you avert a pending disaster and save you a considerable amount of money. Most property experts will recommend that you should get your gutter system checked at least once a year, as twigs, roof moss, leaves and dead birds tend to block your gutters after a heavy down pour.

So the next time you see rain water overflowing from your gutter system, take action immediately, and have your gutter cleaned by a competent gutter cleaning company before the internal damage to your home becomes a very expensive affair.