HOW TO RID YOUR GUTTERS OF AUTUMN LEAVES
As the leaves begin to fall from the trees this autumn, your home’s gutters and drains are at risk of blockages.
Blocked gutters cause serious overflows during the wetter months, which can lead to damaged external brickwork, as well as damp inside your home.
These are the things you need to know about keeping your gutters clear.
Removing excess leaves and debris from your gutters
If the fallen leaves are within reach, put on your gloves and coat and get messy. All you need to do is remove the fallen leaves from your gutters and drains by hand and throw them on the compost heap!
However, if the build up is in a place that is dangerous to reach, you’ll need to call in a professional who will have the right equipment to remove the objects safely. Specialist drain jetting is also an option for ridding blocked drains of decomposing leaves.
Buying new guttering
In some cases, a blockage may cause permanent damage to your guttering and it will need replacing. The types of guttering available include:
- Cast iron gutters – Generally, cast iron gutters are found on old homes. The material is extremely durable, especially if regularly painted with bituminous paint, which helps prevent corrosive erosion and rust. Cast iron is extremely heavy and the fittings can be prone to loosening so will need regular inspections and tightening if necessary.
- PVC gutters – Newer buildings are likely to use PVC guttering, which is cheaper, lighter and doesn’t require regular painting. However, their lifespan is shorter so do watch out for leaks or cracks.
- Pressed steel gutters – Stronger and lighter than cast iron gutters, pressed steel gutters usually come galvanised, but are reasonably rare to find.
Although it’s possible to fit new guttering yourself, most people choose to hire a professional in order to reach the roof and ensure that everything is connected properly.
Preventing blockages
Gutter guards and drain guards are essential preventative methods. A guard will collect falling leaves before they get into your gutters and drains, so all you’ll need to do is empty the guards every now and then!