Why It's Important To Keep Your Gutters Clean

Having your gutters cleaned is probably not at the top of your to-do list this summer, but maintaining your rainwater system, gutters and downpipes is essential and could save you a lot of money on repairs and replacement.

Although they are out of sight, your gutters should never be out of mind and it’s in your best interests to keep them clean and free from debris. After all, they collect and guide rainwater from the roof, down into the drain, and away from your property which, in turn, prevents structural damage.

Here we look at why it’s important that your rainwater systems are cleaned regularly – either by you or a professional – and what you should do if your gutters are damaged beyond repair.

TOP 3 REASONS TO MAINTAIN YOUR GUTTERS AND DOWNPIPES

• Reduce the risk of leaks and blockages

Here in the UK, we’re no stranger to wet, inclement weather. Combine this with the prolonged autumn and trees dropping their leaves, as well as gale-force winds, and it’s no wonder our gutters are prone to blockages and leaks.

The solution? Visually inspect your guttering and arrange routine cleaning to ensure that dirt and debris are removed efficiently. The last thing you want to do is forget about your rainwater system until a problem strikes!

• Prevent damage to your house

Gutters that are clogged, overflowing, sagging, or leaking can cause structural damage to your home – both internally and externally. This means that you’ll likely end up paying a fortune on repairs.

And let’s not forget the downspouts. These ensure water is kept away from your home’s foundations. But when the water is unable to flow properly through the gutters because of the blockage, it ends up gushing out over the sides and onto the foundations. If left unchecked and untreated, cracks, mould, leaks, and other problems can occur.

Therefore, your gutters must be maintained properly so that water can flow freely.

• Eliminate the need for costly repairs

Admittedly, gutter cleaning is nobody’s favourite chore, and it can be a dangerous and difficult job without the appropriate tools in your arsenal. However, you could hire a professional?

With a professional, you can relax knowing that the job will be done quickly, efficiently and safely. Not only will they save you the hassle of finding a ladder that extends to gutter height, but they can also use their finely honed skills to spot damaged or defective guttering. So, if there is a problem with your gutters, they will notify you and advise you on the best course of action – saving you money in the long run.

Is It Time You Showed Your Guttering A Little Tlc?

Ideally, you should aim to give your gutters a thorough clean in the autumn, once the leaves have fallen, to ensure they are prepared for the winter months. It’s also worth checking them again when spring arrives, in case they have been damaged in the winter.

May 2021 has seen torrential rain, heavy downpours and strong winds which might have stopped you from braving the elements and inspecting your gutters. However, with warmer weather on the horizon, now is the perfect time to have your rainwater systems, downpipes and guttering cleaned.

So, what are you waiting for?

Get in touch with gutter cleaning experts today. And if you’re planning to do it yourself to save a bit of cash, instructions can be found in our blog ‘How to clean your gutters’.

Invest In New Guttering Supplies

 If your gutters need replacing – either because they are damaged or dated – Total Pipeline Systems can help.

We stock a comprehensive range of products online, including everything from square and round downpipes to half round guttering and fittings, deep flow high capacity guttering and a host of universal accessories.

Be sure to browse our collection of rainwater systems, guttering and downpipe supplies in full and find the products you need. And if you have any questions or would like an expert opinion on which suit your requirements best, call the team on 01254 382 000.