How Often Do Gutters Need to be Cleaned?

Your rainwater system, including your gutters and downpipes, plays an essential role in protecting your home from the elements. As such, it is important to keep this system in top working order to ensure it continues to keep rain away the walls and foundations of your home. Regular cleaning of your gutters and downpipes will help to achieve this. But how often should you clean your guttering? This blog aims to answer this question and offer guidance on the best way to go about it.

How often should you clean your guttering?

We would recommend cleaning your gutters a minimum of once a year, either at the beginning of spring or after autumn. This is because during these months leaves and other debris can accumulate in your gutters and cause clogs.

What are the different types of guttering?

There are many different types of guttering, each designed to protect different types of building.

Round Gutters

Round or half round gutters are the most traditional and common design of gutter. As the name suggests, it is half a cylinder with the open side facing skywards to catch the rain. Its uniform, simple design makes it an efficient and cost-effective choice for properties with standard sized roofs.

Square Gutters

As the name suggests, square or box gutters consist of a three sided rectangular or square shaped channel. Their angular design makes them perfect for more contemporary styled buildings, whilst their slightly deeper channel provides a larger capacity that can handle higher volumes of rain or water run-off.

Ogee Gutters

The term Ogee derives from ‘Old Gothic’, a style of guttering which was most popular in the Victorian era. It is a more decorative design of gutter and features a curved profile. As they have been designed to replicate gutters used in the 19th century, they are more suited to period buildings but can be used on modern homes if you’re looking for a more decorative touch.

Deep Guttering

Deep style gutters have a very similar profile to the half round gutter, but with a much deeper channel. This makes them ideal for homes that are in areas of high rainfall, have a particularly steep roof and high levels of water run-off, or buildings with large roof areas.

Ultra Deep Guttering

As the name suggests, an Ultra or Super Deep gutter is the largest gutter available. Its high capacity makes it the perfect choice for use on commercial buildings, hotels, block of flats, or any other structure that has a large roof area.

What is the best way to clean gutters?

There are two ways to clean your guttering; with a pressure washer or by hand using a ladder. Which ever way you choose, safety should always be your number one priority.

Safety first

• If using a ladder, always ensure it is on a secure base before you start to climb. A second person to hold the ladder is also recommended.

• Ensure the area surrounding your home is clear before you start cleaning out your gutters or using a pressure washer – especially if you are using any type of cleaning detergent.

• Wearing protective clothing such as gloves, non-slip shoes and eye protection will help to shield you from dirt, grime, and detergent if you are using it.

• If your home is close to your neighbours, let them know that you are planning to clean your gutters – you don’t want to cover them in dirt and water! And you never know, they may offer to help if you do theirs at the same time!

Next, you need the right tools for the job.

If you are cleaning your guttering by hand, you will need a sturdy telescopic ladder, ideally with stabiliser arms – do not use a step ladder as these can be unstable – a bucket, garden trowel or gutter scoop, and protective gloves. You may also wish to wash down the guttering with warm soapy water and a sponge.

If you are working from the floor, you will need a pressure washer with a specially designed gutter cleaning set or long telescopic pole.

Step-By-Step Guide to cleaning your guttering

Cleaning guttering by hand

1. Firstly ensure your ladder is securely positioned and there is a second person holding the bottom of the ladder.

2. Remove any congestive surface matter, for example loose leaves and moss.

3. Next scoop out any silt which has been hiding underneath the surface debris.

4. Finally, flush the guttering out with a hose.

Cleaning guttering with a pressure washer

1. It is possible to clean your gutters without leaving the ground if you use a pressure washer. However, you will need to purchase a specialist gutter cleaning attachment set to do the job effectively.

2. Before you start, ensure there is no one in the surrounding area. It is also worth talking to your neighbours to let them know you are cleaning your guttering – as there will probably be quite a bit of mess.

3. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Ensure that any attachment is correctly fitted before you begin. Also, make sure you read the manufacturers guidelines and recommendations. Hopefully this will mean you get the job done right, first time.

Does different guttering need to be cleaned in different ways?

All guttering can be cleaned in the same way; it’s shape should not affect the way in which you’re able to clean it. However, deep and ultra deep guttering may take slightly longer to clean due to thier size and depth.

Guttering From National Plastics

If you think your guttering needs replacing or you have any queries about how to maintain your existing guttering, give our friendly, knowledgeable team a call today on 0800 22 77 77.