Intro
Handy man advice to landlords on gutter cleaning: Recently, we were tasked with inspecting and cleaning the gutter guards on a substantial property located in the Perth suburb of Balcatta. Upon thorough examination, it became evident that the installed gutter guards were significantly underperforming. To effectively eliminate the moss proliferating within the gutters and to clear the accumulated leaves on the exterior of the gutter guards, it was necessary to dismantle the guards. This process required additional labor and time.
Assessment
Our professional assessment, grounded in extensive experience, leads us to recommend discontinuing the use of gutter guards entirely. Instead, we advocate for the implementation of a routine annual gutter cleaning schedule. This preventative maintenance strategy is demonstrably more efficient and cost-effective over the long term, ensuring that gutters remain clear and functional without the added complications introduced by gutter guards.
Regular Maintenance
In this specific instance, the box gutters situated at the rear of the property were severely obstructed, to the extent that they were entirely concealed by debris, with grass growing amidst the leaf accumulation. The removal process was extensive; we extracted five 75-litre bins full of leaves from this single section alone. Based on the state of the gutters, we estimate that they had not been cleaned for approximately three years or more. Compounding the issue, the downpipes were also blocked and required removal to be thoroughly cleared.
Neglect
Moreover, the neglect of regular maintenance had led to additional complications. Several of the eaves had suffered water damage as a result of the overflowing gutters and will now necessitate repair. This situation underscores the critical importance of regular maintenance to prevent such extensive damage.
Action
To mitigate these issues and avoid similar scenarios in the future, we strongly advise landlords and real estate agents to arrange for a handyman to conduct annual gutter cleanings. The reliance on gutter guards is both financially imprudent and counterproductive, as they ultimately increase the labor required for their removal and subsequent cleaning. Consistent maintenance of the gutters will preclude the need for costly repairs and ensure the efficient functioning of the property’s drainage systems.