Winter Gutter Cleaning: Prevent Blockages and Costly Repairs

Don’t let blockages cause chilling issues as the colder months arrive. Here’s why you should consider winter gutter cleaning.

Gutters aren’t a problem until there is a problem. They quietly channel rain water down to the drains without issue during spring and summer, but when autumn arrives – BAM! Obstructions galore. Fallen leaves, twigs and organic debris quickly create blockages. Add to that the frosts of winter and this sodden congestion becomes an ice block that cracks the pipes, causing ghastly leaks. There are multiple other complications which demonstrate why winter gutter cleaning and maintenance should be high up on the to-do list.

Common issues caused by blocked gutters in the winter

1) Health and safety risks

Compliance with H&S legislation, plus a duty of care to employees and/or customers, is an essential, constant pressure. Overflowing gutters can cause both physical hazards and invisibly impact health:

• Vermin, pigeons and pests love blocked gutters, resulting in horrific infestation and an unhygienic mess.
• Stagnant water breeds stomach-churning bacteria – including Legionella.
• Seeping rainwater creates damp patches and black mould – a dangerous,
  potentially litigious issue that can trigger respiratory illnesses and worse.

Attempting these jobs in house can also present a lot of health & safety concerns.

These matters can be prevented simply by booking a gutter clean.

2) Property damage

More frequent, extreme weather conditions are an ongoing battle for many and blocked gutters exacerbate the situation:

• Overflowing water, pooling on the ground, ends up in a building’s foundation basements and lower levels.
• Leaks cause damage to the building’s structure, equipment and furnishings, hiking-up insurance premiums and costing thousands in repairs.
• H&S concerns arise due to the inevitable damp and mould. Preventing gutter blockages allows water to flow where it should, into the drain.

3) The cost of blocked gutters

Managing property maintenance costs while preventing downtime caused by avoidable damage is a fine balancing act. We recommend that any planned preventative maintenance includes gutter care. We can help you keep your building safe and dry this winter with a plan that’s tailored especially for your premises.

4) Damage to your reputation

A building’s aesthetics are vital for encouraging customer loyalty and ensuring employee welfare. BUT, throw in a blocked gutter, then dripping water, discoloured walls and unsightly plant growth can ruin the effect. No one wants to eat in a café covered with damp or risk being hit by pigeon droppings when entering the workplace. Blocked gutters can have a serious effect on your curb appeal and subsequently, your brand.

The benefits of professional gutter cleaning

Now that winter’s here, the threat of blockages magnifies, and we know cleaning gutters is a job most people don’t want to climb a ladder and tackle themselves. The good news is that professional gutter cleaning is a fast, safe and effective task. Our operatives use a Gutter Vac, an HSE-recommended, cutting-edge tool which cleans even the most inaccessible areas from ground-level up to 50 feet- no need for disruptive, costly scaffolding.

The nights are drawing in; there’s condensation on the windows and soon Jack Frost will be nipping at your nose. Now’s the time to show your gutters some love before the cold weather causes expensive issues.

Fidelis provides buildings and grounds maintenance services which cover gutters and drainage. Talk to us about your challenges and let’s find a bespoke solution. Call us before it’s too late on 01283 550 503. Alternatively send us an enquiry or ask us about our full winter building maintenance package- we’d love to help.