As winter approaches, it is important to get on top of home maintenance, especially outside of the house. With falling leaves and increasing rainfall, it’s crucial to check and clean guttering to keep everything in good order and free of debris.
Many homeowners do not realise that neglecting the guttering on their property can be a costly mistake. Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water leaks which can damage your property. Cleaning and maintaining guttering is one home improvement which should be carried out in winter to save money on repair bills for your home. Follow our simple guide on how to maintain your guttering, so you don’t need to pay for expensive repairs.
Safety
Before getting started, always ensure you are confident and able to use a ladder, Place the ladder in a safe position on the building and if you do not have a self-footing ladder which will not slip when you start to climb it, enlist someone to stand at the bottom of the ladder to hold it in position.
Equipment for cleaning
Ladder
Hosepipe with adjustable nozzle
Gutter scoop or hard-bristled brush
Goggles to protect your eyes from falling debris
Gloves to protect your hands from bacteria
Cleaning
Before cleaning the guttering, it’s a good idea to hose off the roof, as any dirt and debris on the roof will eventually fall into the gutters after you have cleaned them. Use the hose on the gutters and downpipes, flushing them through and then use a scoop or brush to remove the stubborn detritus in the pipes.
Maintaining
By checking your gutters thoroughly, you can pick up issues before they start to cause problems. As well as cleaning out blockages, you can maintain your gutters by tightening any loose fittings and replacing any cracked or damaged sections.
Pipe protectors can protect all types of household pipes and can help prevent weathering and limit damage. Various size pipe protectors are available and can be found online at sites such as https://www.meterbox.co.uk/pipe-protectors.
It’s not difficult to clean and maintain your guttering, but by putting in a little effort a couple of times a year, you can prolong the life of your gutters, prevent damage which can cause problems with your property, and save yourself money on repairs.
