Winter time: time to clean the gutters

Category: Exterior building cleaning, Gutter cleaning

Do I need to clean my gutters?

Absolutely. One of the most challenging tasks in building maintenance is gutter cleaning, but it’s an essential one. It’s a reoccurring issue that’s worse in winter, when wind and rain force leaves and other debris into the gutter. When they become clogged, excess water can overflow or pool on the roof, putting your building at risk of flooding or damage to its structural foundations, as well as rot and damp.

Relatively inexpensive, it should be near the top of your regular maintenance schedule as a preventative measure. It’ll save you money on costly repairs in the long run.

Should I use a professional gutter cleaner?

If your facilities department doesn’t have the capability, enlisting the help of a professional service is a sensible choice. A professional gutter cleaner has all the right tools for the job, including pressure washers and ladders or access platforms. You can arrange for them to do the job biannually or when the need arises, such as after heavy storms.

Signs your gutters require professional cleaning:

• Nesting birds and growing plants

Animal and plant activity around your gutters is a surefire sign that there’s stagnant water, leaves and other debris building up in them.

• Overflowing water

Water that overflows from your gutters means your drainage system is blocked. What should be draining away could pool and leak through to your interiors, causing internal water damage that’s costly to repair.

• Sagging gutters

Full guttering becomes incredibly heavy and sags under the weight of debris and water, which can result in leaks or broken gutters that fall off the building, posing a risk to whoever is on the street below. You may not be insured for this if your gutters aren’t regularly maintained.

• Stained siding

Water that escapes your guttering will run down the façade of your building, which is unsightly and can cause damage to the surface, as well as encourage damp and mould growth inside.

Where does OneFifty come in?

We specialise in all kinds of commercial exterior cleaning, including gutter maintenance. We provide an efficient service with tried-and-tested cleaning systems that ensure the best possible outcome. Fully IPAF qualified and insured, we use high-level access equipment to get to even difficult-to-reach places. While we’re up there, we can examine your roof and walls for other potential problems – like algae and moss growth, or water stains – and report back to you so you can take action quickly.

Take a task off your to-do list and let us do the hard work for you. To find out more about gutter cleaning, call Max Morris on 0333 234 1445, or email your enquiry and we will get back to you as quickly as possible. You can also use our online enquiry form to send details of your project for a quote.

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