Gutter cleaning is something you need to take care of regularly in order to maintain a safe home or business. With a wide selection of professional gutter cleaners on hipages, you can get your gutters cleared of junk and protect your property from potential water damage or other hazards. Here’s what you can expect from a gutter cleaner.

What does a gutter cleaner do?

Gutter cleaners are professionals who specialise in the cleaning and maintenance of residential and commercial gutters. Because gutters are designed to collect rainwater and divert it away from the roof and foundation of the building, they can also become clogged with leaves, dirt and various other debris, which if left alone may cause damage to the property.

A gutter cleaner will be able to remove any debris from your gutters. They will use specialised tools such as a high-pressure water hose, leaf blower, vacuum or simply clear the gutters by hand. Once the gutters are cleaned, your gutter professional will then inspect them for any damage or issues that may cause problems in the future.

In addition to clearing debris, a gutter cleaner may also offer repair and replacement services for damaged gutters, as well as be able to install gutter guards to prevent future clogging and even install rainwater harvesting systems to make use of any collected water.

What are the different types of gutter cleaning services?

Most gutter cleaners you can find on hipages will provide the following services. Make sure you get quotes from professionals who offer exactly what you need, including:

• Removal of debris: A gutter cleaner will remove any accumulated leaves, twigs and other debris from your gutters, roof and downpipes to ensure the free flow of water. This will prevent future damage to your property’s structure and foundation caused by water build-up.

• Flushing of gutters and downpipes: Flushing the gutters and downpipes with water helps remove any remaining debris, although it may incur an additional cost.

• Ceiling cavity cleaning: Cleaning the ceiling cavity will remove build-up that has accumulated over time. This can help improve indoor air quality and reduce the health threat of mould and mildew.

• Maintaining the roof: Some gutter cleaners will be able to clear your roof from debris and identify damaged tiles which could lead to leaks or water damage.

• Waste removal: Once the gutters have been cleared, your tradie will be able to remove and dispose of any waste properly. Not only does this make your property cleaner, but it will reduce the risk of fire hazards.

• Supply and installation of gutter guards: Gutter guards can stop debris from accumulating in your gutters. A gutter cleaner will be able to supply and install gutter guards to reduce the need for ongoing gutter cleaning and prevent damage caused by clogged gutters.

• Bird proofing the gutters: Some birds will naturally nest in secure places like gutters, which can cause blockages and damage to your property. A gutter cleaner can install bird proofing measures to stop this from being a problem.

• Tile repairs: Because broken tiles can cause leaks and water damage, your chosen gutter cleaner may be able to provide tile-repair services – or refer you to someone who can – to ensure your roof is in optimal condition.

Why is it important to clean your gutters?

Your home or business’s guttering system is designed to catch the most water possible from your roof – whether that water is disposed of through the stormwater system or is stored for use around the property. If the gutters or downpipes are clogged at any point, the water cannot drain away as it should, causing it to flow over the gutters or underneath the foundation. This water may eventually find its way into the ceiling, foundation or inner walls, not to mention inside the windows, which can result in structural damage to your property.

Gutter cleaning is necessary to reduce the risk of hazards, particularly in fire-prone areas. It also extends the life of your gutters and downpipes, because clean gutters eliminate environments where insects, especially mosquitoes, tend to breed. Your gutters should be cleaned at least once per year, but in areas where the number of trees are higher, it may be necessary more frequently.

Some gutter cleaners will also clean your ceiling cavity, reducing the risk of allergies caused by dust mites and also removing the breeding grounds for vermin.

Is it safe to clean your own gutters DIY?

While it might seem like a simple task, cleaning your own gutters can be highly dangerous, especially if you don’t have experience cleaning gutters or don’t have the right equipment for the job. Climbing high ladders and working at heights for extended periods can also pose significant risk of injury – or worse. Plus, your gutters might be filled with sharp objects and other dangerous debris which may cause personal harm.

That’s why hiring a professional gutter cleaner – one who has the necessary training and equipment to safely and effectively clean your gutters – is highly recommended. They will be able to inspect your gutters for any potential issues and provide the necessary repairs and maintenance.

How much does it cost to hire a gutter cleaner?

Gutter cleaners will generally charge based on an hourly rate, with the size of the job being the key factor in the final cost. Essentially, the more guttering you have, the more you can expect to pay and the base rate will vary depending on where you live and your gutter cleaner’s level of experience.

What to ask when hiring a local gutter cleaner

When hiring a gutter cleaner from hipages, make sure you ask a few essential questions to get the right fit for your job:

• Are you fully insured?
• Will your staff always follow strict safety guidelines?
• Can you provide an obligation-free quote?
• Will you remove the mess from the property?
• Do you provide a satisfaction guarantee?
• How long is your response time and do you provide an emergency service (if necessary)?

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.