We all know too well the weather in Northern Ireland is unpredictable and can be very heavy. Most buildings in the Belfast area have gutters to enable water from roofs to drain properly. Gutters that are correctly built may significantly affect the quality of your roof and building walls.
Your gutter system is built to direct rainwater away from the roofline and away from your house to avoid structural damage. Check out Belfast Roofing Services’ cleaning tips and find out why it’s essential to keep your gutters free from debris.
Why Should You Clean Your Gutters?
Fallen leaves and other clutter will eventually reach your gutters over the year. There will be so much muck that it will cause a blockage in the gutter system. When this happens, rainwater doesn’t have anywhere to go and will start to flow over. The water reaches the ground right beside the wall, allowing the formation of puddles and floods.
It’s easy to not prioritise cleaning your gutters. After all, they are out of sight, out of mind. However, clogged gutters can be highly damaging to your home. They can be the route of headaches such as mould and mildew and wreak havoc on your property.
When Should You Clean Your Gutters?
Gutter cleaning is typically recommended twice a year. However, that should be determined by your own circumstances. Each yard and neighbourhood is unique. Do you have any pine trees towering above your roof? Pine needles are infamous for clogging gutters, so you will need to often brush them out if this is the case.
Rainfall is heavier in some areas and less in others. The more rain that runs into your gutters, the more you need to check them. This will allow the water to flow naturally into your downspout system, carrying it farther away from your house.
How Should You Clean Your Gutters?
Having your gutters cleaned by a specialist is always the safest option. However, if you would prefer to do them yourself, we have some tips:
- Using a gutter scoop to clear material that is difficult to clean by hand or takes a long time to remove. You can also make one out of an old container to clear the debris from your gutters.
- Make use of a pressure washer. You will easily blow away the dirt and debris left behind by using one of these. If you don’t want to rent or buy one, you can use your garden hose instead, but the more pressure, the better.
- Use a plumber’s snake tool to remove sticky debris from the elbows of your downspouts. It’s not only good for cleaning out your plumbing pipes, but it’s also great for cleaning out your gutters too.
Cleaning your gutters is dirty work that must be completed. However, if you take precautions to cover your gutters, you won’t have to clean them as often. Getting a professional in to do the dirty work for you is the best way to save yourself the hassle. Why not get in touch today for a free no-obligation chat and quote?