Gutters are something that many property owners put to the back of their mind. After all, they’re just troughs draining rainwater, right? Wrong. Gutters play a vital role in keeping your property safe and structurally sound. But despite their importance, homeowners still cut back on the cost of gutter cleaning.
In this post, we’ll discuss why having your gutters cleaned should be at the top of your to-do list – and how it could even pay for itself in the long run.
Gutter function
To understand the importance of guttering, it’s best to explain exactly what gutters do for your property. Essentially, the pipes surrounding your property act as a protective tool, keeping rainwater and debris away from your home. The primary function of gutters is to collect rainwater from the roof and guide it safely away from the foundations of your property.
So, if your gutters have a blockage, whether that’s leaves, a tennis ball or even a dead animal, the water simply won’t have anywhere to go. The gutter will then fill up with rainwater, eventually overflowing onto the foundations of your property, leading to serious complications.
If the water level is excessive or your foundations are weak, the water could get into your basement or roof space. At this stage, wet floors are the least of your problems. Foundation repair is extremely expensive, and leaks open you up to the risk of mould, leading to further health and property complications that are costly to fix.
Cleaning frequency
Getting your gutters cleaned is extremely important to protect your property. With further issues coming at a much higher cost, you could save yourself thousands with regular maintenance. But just how often should you ring the professionals for a clean?
The frequency of gutter cleaning is dependent on a number of factors. If you have a number of trees hanging over your property, for instance, you’ll need to increase how often you clean your gutters as they may get clogged up more frequently. Typically, however, most professional roofers and guttering companies will recommend you get your gutters properly cleaned twice a year – once in the spring/summer and again in the autumn/winter.
DIY or professional?
For some, the cost of hiring a professional to clear their gutters may seem redundant. But attempting to go it alone can be risky for those without experience. Gutters tend to be high off the ground, putting you at risk of a fall, or even leaving your gutters in a worse state than they were to begin with.
Hiring a professional will save money in the long run. At DPR Roofing in Leeds, we can clear your gutters quickly, effectively and without breaking the bank. With our years of experience and knowledge, we can repair any damages and ensure your gutters and roof are in great shape for the upcoming seasons.