How to Maintain Your New Gutters: Essential Care for Lasting Protection

maintaining new gutters

 

New gutters can greatly improve your home’s storm water management. Proper function of your new gutters and downpipes ensures your property is storm ready and not at risk of sustaining water damage to other elements of the home during significant rain events.

Regular maintenance is key to making your gutters last longer and work better. This mainly includes cleaning them out and ensuring downpipes are not blocked with leaves and debris.

Understanding Gutter Functionality

Gutters essentially catch the rainwater from the roof surface and distribute the rainwater runoff into downpipes and ultimately into a storm water system. Most houses in most regions of the world will use gutters and downpipes however in some areas where monsoonal rains with extremely heavy showers are frequent will actually have no gutters and downpipes at all and just allow the roof surface to be drained to the ground where it is managed.

Routine Gutter Maintenance

Gutters last much longer if frequently cleaned out. When debris like leaves and plant matter are left to sit in the gutters the debris often combines with dirt and dust and make a kind of sludge that sits in the base of the gutter. This sludge often remains damp long after the last rains have come and gone and therefore the base of the gutters remain permanently damp and wet

Regular Cleaning and Debris Removal

Depending on what area of Adelaide and Australia you live in, gutters need to be cleaned out quite regularly. In areas with significant bush surrounding especially with Gum-Trees gutters can really need to be cleaned out every week. In areas like these it’s best to invest in some form of leaf screening and gutter protection rather than spend several hours every week chasing your tail, cleaning out gutters.

Unclogging Downpipes

Areas with a significant leaf problem are much more prone to blocked downpipes. Often leaf matter is passed into the underground stormwater system and causes a blockage. In these cases a plumber may be required to Hydro jet the storm water system. Again a good leaf screening system and reduce or eliminate the risk of blocked downpipes.

Guard Systems to Prevent Blockages

Gutter guards can be a game changer in the world of cleaning out of, and maintaining gutters and downpipes. Also referred to as gutter mesh of gutter leaf mesh or screens, this investment can make a problematic set of gutter into a maintenance free system. A quality gutter guard system will consist of a high quality colour matched fine aluminium mesh system. The mesh ensures no debris such as leaves, seed pods of pollen can enter the gutters and downpipes. The only occasional maintenance needed with the system is to blow the leaves off the mesh occasionally with a leaf blower.

Preparing for Heavy Rainfall and Storms

Clean your gutters before the rainy season starts. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris. This stops clogs that can cause overflow.

Again, with a gutter guard or gutter leaf mesh system already installed the gutters and downpipes will be constantly storm ready.

Gutter Replacement Indicators

A typical set of gutters and downpipes on a typical Australian or Adelaide home will last around 40 years depending on local factors. If the inside of gutters are heavily rusted and gutter join visibly corroded and or leaking, it may be time to invest in a new set of gutters and downpipes. Often the replacement gutters will have a slightly larger cross sectional area than the older version and this helps with water flow. In most cases small sheet metal downpipes will no longer be used and instead 90mm round PVC downpipes put in place, significantly increasing the water flow capacity of a roof and gutter system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Proper gutter maintenance is key to keeping your drainage system working well for years to come. These common questions address important aspects of gutter care and upkeep.

What steps can I take to extend the lifespan of my gutter system?

Clean your gutters regularly. Remove leaves, twigs, and debris at least twice a year.

Trim overhanging tree branches to reduce debris buildup in your gutters.

What are the best practices for keeping gutters in prime condition?

Install gutter guards to reduce debris buildup. This can make cleaning easier and less frequent.

Ensure proper gutter slope for good drainage. Aim for a slope of about 1 cm for every 3 metres of gutter length.

Use a garden hose to flush out your gutters after cleaning. This helps spot any leaks or blockages.

What are common issues to look out for that may affect gutter performance?

Watch for sagging gutters. This can lead to poor water flow and potential damage.

Check for rust spots or corrosion, especially on metal gutters.

Look for signs of pest infestations like birds’ nests or insect hives in your gutters.

Can the installation process affect the durability of gutters?

Yes, proper installation is crucial for gutter longevity. Ensure gutters are securely fastened to your roof.

Use the right size gutters and downpipes for your roof area and local rainfall.

Make sure there’s a proper slope to allow water to flow freely towards downpipes.

 

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