As the wintry conditions begin to bite, thoughts inevitably drift towards an upturn in the weather, when the climate allows us to get outside and perform maintenance tasks on our homes and business premises.
One area that is often overlooked is the upkeep of guttering. Given that guttering is high up on the property, it can be an area that falls into the “out of sight, out of mind” category.
A Clear Gutter is a Happy Gutter
Guttering can become weighed down with debris over time, which can impede the flow of water to the downpipes. The weight of debris and any standing water which can accumulate can place extra strain on the brackets which attach the guttering to your property.
In addition to the issues potentially caused by excess weight in the guttering, there are a number of problems that can arise if periodical maintenance is not carried out.
Taking a look at the guttering after the pummeling it can take during the winter is a great way to inspect any parts which may be worn or loose. These parts should be replaced promptly.
Likewise, it is wise to check the joints between sections of guttering, as leaks in guttering are a very common cause of localised damp in properties.
If You’re Going to do it Yourself
Ensure you are wearing suitable clothing, including rubber gloves. Powered access equipment is best for getting to the gutters safely, rather than a ladder. Your cleaning up will be made far easier if you spread out a tarpaulin underneath the area in which you are working. As with any DIY jobs, take your time and work systematically, in the direction that water flows along the guttering.
If all of this sounds like too much, specialists such as UK Commercial Group are able to perform maintenance on guttering and other property work, nationwide.