Is Gutter Cleaning The Most Underrated Home Maintenance Task?

Getting rid of those pesky leaves that fall into your gutters from your neighbour’s eucalypt trees is a time-consuming but surprisingly important roof maintenance exercise.

Why do so many home maintenance experts consider gutter cleaning to be the most important property maintenance job? What are the financial implications of neglecting gutter maintenance? What are some tips to help maximise the benefits of regular gutter cleaning?

What Is The Function Of Roof Gutters?

There is no doubt that a well-maintained gutter contributes to an attractive exterior.

Whether they complement your roof's colour scheme or provide a striking contrast, gutters can significantly enhance your home's overall aesthetic appeal.

But more than just providing good looks, roof gutters play a vital role in directing rainwater off your roof. When you consider the large catchment zone of a roof’s surface area, it helps you to realise why having clean gutters is so important.

To put it into perspective, think of this:

The average roof area of a family home in Sydney is 300 square meters.

During heavy rainfall, there can be about 50 millimetres of rain pouring down in an hour.

So in just 30 minutes of heavy rain, there can be 7,500 litres of water in half an hour.

Now if your gutters and downpipe are blocked, where do you think that 7,500 litres of water will go in that half hour?

It will create waterfalls that can flood your yard and cause damage to your home’s foundation. In addition, water can flow into the roof cavity and down through the internal structures of your home. This can cause massive water damage to both the walls, electricals and internals of the property. That can be a big headache when you consider that it could be prevented by simply cleaning your gutters.

How much damage?

In general, the cost of repairing water damage in a Sydney home can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the damage.

Are willing to risk that your home insurance will cover all of the repairs?

It's important to note that home insurance policies may cover water damage caused by blocked gutters, but there may be deductibles or limitations. So in the end you are going to be left with financial loss as well as the frustration and inconvenience of having to handle the repairs.

Sydney experiences a significant number of storms each year, particularly during the spring and summer months. So it is especially vital that homeowners ensure their gutters are clean and clear before these risky months. Other damages can include mould and mildew growth as well as pest infestations.

So to avoid having to repair water damage, fix foundation issues, incur expensive mould remediation charges and undertake pest control, just make sure that your gutters are cleaned regularly.

An interesting financial comparison is comparing the cost of having your gutters cleaned twice a year, versus having minor water damage repaired from leaking gutters.

There are a lot of factors that are involved in calculating the cost of having gutters cleaned, but it is safe to say that the average cost of having gutters cleaned in Sydney is about $400. Twice a year and we have the cost of regular gutter cleaning sitting pretty at $800 annually.

Now let’s imagine some low-impact water damage from leaking gutters. It leaks through the ceiling cavity and drains out through power outlets and ruins some drywall. A basic quote from some tradesmen for this simple repair will put you at $5000. And that is with a two-month wait! Remember that this is for the very simplest damage that can occur.

It really rams home the point. Cleaning your gutters regularly is one of the most financially responsible home maintenance tasks that a homeowner can undertake.

Interestingly home maintenance professionals, firefighters and insurance companies all recommend explicitly that property owners in Sydney should have their gutters cleaned semi-annually. Especially should properties that are located in more rural areas with lots of trees saturated close to the rooftop have their gutters cleaned. Leaves that settle in gutters and dry out provide an excellent fuel source for embers to start fires during bushfire season in the intense heat waves in Summer. Unfortunately, many property owners in the Blue Mountains lost their homes to fires that started on their roofs during the Black Summer of 2019-2020.

So if you are convinced with the calculations and agree that having your gutters cleaned regularly is a savvy decision for a homeowner, what are some tips to help extend the lifespan of your gutters?

Gutter Maintenance: Practical Tips for Homeowners

Regular Inspections

• Frequency: Inspect your gutters at least twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn. This will ensure your gutters are ready to provide maximum drainage efficiency for the expected heavy rainfalls in these seasons.
• What to look for: Check for clogs, leaks, damage, and signs of water overflow.

Proper Cleaning Techniques

• Safety equipment: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy shoes to protect yourself from debris and potential falls.
• Tools: Use a gutter scoop or trowel to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris. For stubborn clogs, a garden hose can be helpful.

Trimming Overhanging Branches

• Tree maintenance: Regularly trim back any branches that overhang your roof or gutters. Overhanging branches can shed leaves, twigs, and other debris into your gutters, leading to clogs and potential damage
• Professional help: If you're unsure about tree trimming or if the trees are large or hazardous, consider hiring a professional arborist.

Words of Warning

Safety First: Always prioritise safety when inspecting your gutters. Use a sturdy ladder and wear appropriate safety gear.

Avoid Gutter Guards: Even though they seem like a great idea, there is still no bulletproof design to keep all of the debris out of your gutters. Many property owners and gutter cleaners have noted that installing gutter guards can shorten the lifespan of your guttering system.

Home maintenance can be extremely rewarding. Not only can you have the satisfaction of knowing that you are properly maintaining for what most people is your most expensive investment, but you can also avoid the pain and frustration of having to undertake expensive and annoying repairs.

Follow the advice of industry experts and clean your gutters twice a year and enjoy the benefits of undertaking the most underrated home maintenance task.