03/09/2021

Why is Gutter Cleaning so Important?

Keeping on top of your gutter and roof health is an important part of home maintenance and improvement. Regular inspections, gutter repairs and upkeep will ensure your property weathertight on the outside – but also prevent possible damage to the inside.

Gutters might be out of sight but should never be out of mind. To find out more, read our handy guide to all things gutters!

What is gutter cleaning?

The main purpose of gutters and guttering is to safely remove rainfall from the properties and whisking it away, into the drainage system. Gutters and roofs are not designed to hold standing water for lengthy periods of time.

Clogged gutters, caused by a build-up of debris, can hamper effective rainwater drainage and long term can cause expensive and preventable damage to your property.

Gutter cleaning is the process of removing debris that builds up within the gutters, to ensure the free movement of water into the downpipe. Using a powerful wet and dry gutter cleaning vacuum, such as the skyVac® Atom or Industrial, your local cleaning specialist can harness the immense suction power and air flow to unclog gutters and downpipes. High reach carbon fibre suction poles provide easy in gutter access, all from the safety of the ground.

Why do gutters get blocked?

Blockages are caused by a mixture of falling debris – such as leaves, twigs, moss and tile sediment, along with unwelcome plants.

Plants? Yes, gutter gardens are more common that you think!

Over time leaves and moss will breakdown into a fertile peat and provide a welcome compost for airborne seeds and spores. With perfect growing conditions – ample rainwater and bouts of sunshine, before you know it, your down pipe is plugged with deep rooted weeds.

Oh, and then there’s the roof moss to consider as well… as if high level weeding wasn’t enough to worry about.

Why does moss grow on the roof?

Moss, lichen and algae thrive in damp, dark and shady areas – with the UK’s inclement weather providing the ideal growing conditions. Overhanging trees, shaded north facing roofs and chimney stacks, stop the sun from drying out the frequent rain and allow the moss to take root.

Water droplets that cling to the edge of roof tiles create a safe growing space for moss. Before you know it, that moss spore grows and coats the lip of the tile, and left unchecked, just keeps on growing… Acting like a sponge, moss absorbs and retains water, preventing tiles from drying out.

Can moss damage your roof tiles?

Come the winter, this moisture freezes and thaws, expanding and contracting, causing tiles to chip and shatter. Raised tiles allows rainwater to penetrate the roof structure with the potential to cause damp, mildew and rotting roof beams.

Let’s not forget the birds! Moss is a haven for insects, attracting hungry birds on the lookout for a free meal and a safe place to nest. Their aggressive food foraging loosens or dislodges the moss crumbs, causing it to tumble down the roof into the gutter, or onto the pavement below.

During heavy downpours, loose moss gets displaced and combined with the rain can overwhelm gutters and downpipes, causing “gutter Waterfalls”.

All in all, roof moss is not your friend.

Can blocked gutters cause property damage?

Yes, absolutely! Roofs and gutters are designed to swiftly remove water and not to retain it. Trapped rainwater provides a fertile soup for airborne grass seeds and before long, your own high level gutter garden forcing water to spill over the edges, and cause fascia boards to rot. Seeping down building walls, rainwater can cause rising mould spores to form on internal walls, insulation, windows, and ceilings. In extreme cases, property foundations can become compromised as trapped water – which should be making its way into the drains – starts to pool around the building.

Keeping your gutters free flowing, whether they are old style cast iron, pressed steel box gutter, or plastic (PVC) types, is an essential part of property maintenance.

How do I know that my gutters are clogged?

Well, with obvious blockages, you will see tell-tale plant growth peeping over the top of your gutters and during showers, rainwater spilling over the gutter edges is definite sign of an overhead issue. Other things to look for are leaking, sagging or a build-up of algae in any of the joints or around the side of the building. Next time you are out and about, don’t just look down at your driveway, but make a point of looking up as well down.

And those annoying moss crumbs that tumble onto the patio and driveway, they’re also dropping into the gutters…

For ladder-less inspections, gutter clearing professionals will use a high access inspection camera attached to a telescopic pole. The camera monitor provides quick and easy eyes on, and eyes in, all from the safety of the ground. So, give your local specialist a call today to be reassured about your gutter health.

How do I get my gutters cleaned?

Leave the ladders in the garage and give your local specialist a call!

He (or she) can inspect and clean you gutters all from the safety of the ground using specialist equipment. skyVac’s pioneering gutter vac’s have revolutionised gutter clearance, to a quick and effective one-man project.

High access to gutters up to four storeys high, and over obstacles such as conservatories, garages and porches is possible thanks to lightweight carbon fibre suction poles. The gutter vacuum systems have been engineered to cope with the rigours of gutter cleaning and can power through a property in quick time. No mess, as the debris is captured in the drum, and no ladder required.

If you’ve never seen a guttervac in action then it’s worth a quick trip to youtube, to experience the awesome suction power that these powerful motors can rustle up.

So, if your gutters need some TLC, then give your local gutter cleaning specialist a call!

How often should I get my gutters cleaned?

We typically recommend spring and autumn for gutter clearance, but this very much depends on the property.

· Spring, as this is the growing season, when grass seeds spring to life in any residual gutter sediment lurking in the pipes.

· Autumn, to keep of top of those falling leaves, along with moss and twigs that are being washed down with the autumnal showers. It also protects gutters through the winter season as standing water can freeze and thaw causing joints to split, causing leaks.

However, if you have a property plagued with overhanging branches, has aggressive wall climbing plants, or a north facing roof with moss build up then regular check-ups are advisable. It’s especially important to check after bad weather or strong winds as larger chunks of debris can become lodged and cause gutter blockages.