Don’t let blockages cause chilling issues as the colder months arrive. Here’s why you should consider gutter cleaning in winter.
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 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.
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.
Post by Chris Ryan
Chris is Commercial Manager at Fidelis Group, a business which stays true to providing cleaning and related property services to the commercial and industrial sector. Having joined Fidelis in March 2022, Chris has a strong management background in FM and cleaning services. He works to help Fidelis become a partner of choice within the commercial and industrial cleaning sector.
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