Cleaning and maintaining gutters
In short: Clogged gutters can lead to significant moisture damage to the house, since rainwater no longer drains away properly. Regular cleaning and maintenance prevent costly follow-up damage.
In more detail: Leaves, moss, and small twigs collect especially in autumn in the gutters and block water drainage.
In detail
- Cleaning interval: Gutters should be checked at least twice a year, ideally in spring and after leaf fall in autumn.
- Working safely: A stable, secured ladder and, if possible, a second person for support are essential when working at height.
- Tools: A trowel or gutter scoop, gloves, and a bucket for the removed leaves make the work significantly easier.
- Checking downpipes: The vertical downpipes can also clog and should be flushed with water to detect blockages.
- Seals and joints: Leaky spots at seams and joints should also be checked for cracks or rust while you’re at it.
- Leaf guards: Special mesh guards or brushes over the gutter significantly reduce the amount of leaf debris and extend cleaning intervals.
- Winter readiness: Before the first frost, gutters should be free of water and blockages to avoid ice damage to the gutter (fenster-und-tueren-abdichten, rollladen-reparieren-grundlagen).