One of the best ways to prevent the spreading of bushfires is to keep your home clean of dried leaves and organic matter. This includes clearing out front and backyards, pathways and gutters. Preparing for a bushfire is necessary in Australia, and learning how to clean gutters is the first step to fire-proofing your home.
Not only that, untidy gutters during the colder, wetter months can mean water damage or harmful overflow. A clean gutter is also essential to preventing structural damage to your roof and house exterior.
We’ve written up a comprehensive guide to follow for cleaning out your gutters no matter the season, including how often they should be cleaned, a step-by-step process and any safety precautions to consider.
How to clean gutters
Gutters are a vital component of your home’s exterior, helping the flow of rainwater and debris and protecting the roof, walls and foundations. Blocked gutters can cause problems in three main ways:
- Providing leaf litter and natural matter for bushfires
- Causing water damage from wet decomposing natural matter
- Providing shelter for rodents and pests to inhabit
This means that regular gutter cleaning is imperative throughout the whole year, but especially during months when bushfires are prone to occur.
How often do gutters need to be cleaned?
It is recommended to clean out your gutters at least twice a year, during spring and autumn. This helps curb any leaf litter before rainy weather in winter, and hot, dry weather in summer.
However, more regular cleaning may be required depending on how many trees surround your property. If your home sits under lots of deciduous trees that lose their leaves seasonally, you will need to clean your gutters more frequently. This is also the case if you live in an area that is prone to harsh winds or storms.
Safety precautions for cleaning gutters
Safety should never be compromised when clearing your gutters, because you will most likely be situated high above the ground.
Before setting out to clean your gutters, it is always best to inform someone of your plans, in case an accident occurs. Safety gear should include non-slip shoes, gloves to protect from harmful debris (and potential pests) and safety glasses.
If you’re going to use a ladder, make sure it is placed in a sturdy and reliable location. It is recommended to have an accompanying person at the bottom of the ladder to ensure stability. When on the ladder, it is important to always have three points of contact with the ladder, for example, two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot. If you’re using electrical equipment, such as a pressure washer or leaf blower, ensure they are fit for outdoor use.
Finally, take your time! If you rush the job or skip safety steps, it can increase your risk of accident.
Steps to cleaning your gutters
Step 1
Clear out the leaves from your gutters. Use a gutter scoop to keep your hands clean and away from the roof edges. If you have dry leaf matter, a leaf blower may get the job done quicker.
Step 2
Hose out the gutter to get rid of debris and fine silt that will hold moisture, even without the leaves. This can be done with a normal hose or a pressure washer. Use the force of the water to push out any silt and caked-in mud from your gutter.
Step 3
To stop leaves from clogging your gutter again, install a gutter screen to block them. There is a wide range available – just make sure your selection matches your gutter and roof type.
What cleans gutters the best?
Pressure washers clean gutters the best, as they use a good amount of force to remove debris, including any built-up silt. The extendable wand on a pressure washer also allows you to get into the small cracks, crevices and corners to force out caked-in mud and leaves.
What is the best time to clean gutters?
The best time to clean gutters is is spring or autumn, as the weather is milder. It is recommended to clear out your gutters at least twice a year, before the wet weather starts in winter and the hot, dry weather in summer.
