Every house has a roof or gutter that collects rainwater and drains it through a funnel and a downpipe. This type of roof drainage is important to avoid damage to the building structure or disruption to passing traffic. The water can also be collected in a barrel – for example, for watering flowers.
However, the drainage process can only work if the gutter is intact and not blocked. Otherwise, the water will find another way and can end up in the house. To avoid this, you must take care of your gutter regularly. We have put together the best tips for you here. Of course, you can contact us at any time if you need professional cleaning.
Gutter cleaning also depends on the material
Gutters are made of different materials. This must be taken into account when cleaning and maintaining them. Maintenance and inspections should also be carried out more frequently for vulnerable materials. For example, older houses have wooden gutters that do not last long.
Important: “Residential roofing services in Liverpool, NY, offer reliable roof installation, repair, and maintenance. Our skilled professionals use high-quality materials to ensure your home’s protection and longevity, enhancing its safety, energy efficiency, and overall value for years to come.”
Even gutters made of shaped bricks are possible. They were popular in the Middle Ages and ended in a gargoyle, from which they were then directed away from the masonry in a high arc. Gargoyles, small demonic figures that can still be admired in many old churches, are well-known examples. The drains in the modern and old gargoyle figures also have to be checked, of course.
What materials are used for gutters?
In addition to the different shapes (round, semi-circular, box-shaped) and structures, the gutters are made of different materials. These differ in terms of their durability, their appearance, the purchase price, and the material (or its sensitivity or requirements determine the type of care).
Popular in New York City, for example, are:
- Titanium zinc (weathered grey), is the most commonly used and is durable and inexpensive.
- Galvanized sheet steel (weathered grey).
- Copper (changes from light red to dark brown or black, and develops a green patina), is slightly more expensive but very durable and can also be recycled.
- Stainless steel is available in various alloys and can even be colored. However, the installation must be carried out by a specialist company.
- Aluminum, durable but expensive, is available in various colours but is not ideal ecologically. Aluminum is soft and can sag over time. It is also sensitive and therefore easily damaged. Careful care is therefore required when maintaining it.
- PVC, plastic gutters are cheap and easy to install, but not ecologically optimal.
- Wood (on farmhouses and garden houses, more modern wooden houses)
What should you keep in mind when cleaning gutters?
You should follow these tips for cleaning:
1 Regular checks
It is important to check the gutter regularly so that blockages (e.g. caused by branches) or deposits (moss, leaves) can be removed promptly. As soon as the water finds another way due to a blockage, the masonry becomes damp and you will quickly have mold in your house.
2 Annual cleaning
A thorough cleaning is recommended twice a year, preferably in spring and autumn. Don’t forget to check the downpipe as well. It is important to have suitable cleaning equipment and a safe, stable ladder when cleaning.
3 Right accessories
You will need the following things for gutter cleaning:
- Construction gloves
- brush
- Bucket
- Hand broom
- rag
- Director
- shovel
Procedure: First, you should slowly loosen the dirt manually and then collect it in a bucket using a broom or shovel. Alternatively, you can buy a gutter cleaner with a telescopic handle for quick and easy cleaning. A large PET bottle with the bottom cut off can also be used as a broom and dustpan in one. It collects leaves and rubbish directly and you only have to empty the bottle into the bucket. To clean the downpipe , you have to open the drain and clean the pipe with a pipe cleaning spiral.
4. Prevention
To prevent blockages, you can use leaf guards or a gutter sieve. These can be easily removed for cleaning and sprayed clean with a garden hose.
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5. Professional cleaning and inspection
If for some reason you are unable to clean the gutters yourself, get professional help. A specialist company has all the necessary cleaning equipment for all gutters and can clean them quickly and safely. Professional inspection also has great advantages: the first cracks and holes are discovered rapidly and can be repaired immediately by an expert.
Thank You!