There are so many hidden corners of our homes. Even if we are incredibly diligent with cleaning, some areas are simply much harder to keep cleaner than others. This is certainly true when it comes to our roofs and gutters.

If you go long periods without having your roof or gutters cleaned and checked for signs of damage, you’re not alone. This is one of those jobs that while incredibly necessary, is easy to ignore and difficult to carry out.

However, ignoring dirty guttering and roof cleaning for too long could see your home experience a whole host of problems. Problems that are damaging to both your home and your health.

Let’s take a look at these potential problems, their impact and how you can take steps to avoid them.

Your roof and gutters may look completely fine from the street with no visible signs of any issues on the exterior of your home. Unfortunately, many issues caused by dirty roofs and gutters are hidden and hard to spot until the damage is very advanced.

Improper maintenance of your home’s roofs and gutters could see you dealing with issues including but not limited to:

Water Damage

Water damage, whether from a sudden rush of water or a slow, steady leak, can have very serious consequences for your home.

Water can cause the structure and foundation of your home to soften and rot away or cause cracks in the walls. Your ceiling could also crack, begin to sag or fall in completely.

The presence of continued moisture is also likely to lead to issues with mould and termites which we will cover in detail below.

Mould & Mildew Growth

Mould and mildew are not only unsightly but they’re also linked with several health issues. Both produce spores that when inhaled can lead to an allergic response or more serious illness.

While mould and mildew can occur in homes with no roofing or guttering issues, they are much more likely in homes with dampness or water leaks caused by improper maintenance of these.

Simply treating the mould or mildew when visible is not effective in the long term. Finding the cause and ensuring it has been dealt with is the best way to avoid this issue in future.

Pest Infestations

Pests such as termites are drawn to moist, humid environments. If your clogged gutters regularly overflow into your roof cavity or a roof leak left undiscovered allows water to track in, you are at a much higher risk of infestation.

Worryingly, it’s not only termites that are drawn to moisture in your home, you may also have issues with:

• Cockroaches
• Silverfish
• Spiders
• Centipedes
• Ants
• Drain flies and more.

If you hate creepy crawlies, this is one maintenance job you’ll definitely want to keep on top of.

Roofing Material Damage

Every homeowner counts on their roof to keep them safely sheltered from all weather. If your roof is leaking or your gutters are clogged, water can gain access and begin to damage your roofing materials and ceiling cavity.

Likewise, your guttering, if left full of debris like leaves, twigs, pine needles, dirt or similar can cause rusting and further leaks.

A damaged, dirty roof is a weakened one and one small problem in your roof can quickly become an issue that affects your entire home. Rarely is a roof or gutter leak confined to one small area for long.

Health Hazards

If mould and mildew aren’t enough of a health hazard for you, what about waterborne bacteria?

Stagnant water in blocked gutters can harbour legionella bacteria, which is linked with Legionnaires Disease. A serious illness similar to pneumonia, this disease can cause long-term health problems and, in some cases, is fatal.

During warmer spring and summer months, stagnant water can quickly reach ideal temperatures for the bacteria to flourish. Keeping your gutters clean means no water can pool and therefore no water can stagnate and breed bacteria.

Fire Hazards

Every Australian knows the serious dangers that bushfires represent. If you live close to National Parks, Reserves or similar, bushfire safety for your home needs to be a priority.

Homes with gutters full of leaf litter are much more susceptible to escaped embers. These embers can quickly ignite in dried debris and cause extensive damage to your home.

As every fire department across Australia will tell you, cleaning your gutters and roof of materials that could easily catch alight is an essential step in bushfire season.

Voided Warranties

If your home is newly built or you have had a new roof/guttering installed, regular cleaning may be a requirement of your warranty maintenance clause.

Failure to keep your roof or guttering in good condition through regular cleaning could see your warranty voided. Meaning any replacements or repairs will be yours to pay for and manage.

Street Appeal

Aside from these considerable risks, there is also the visual appeal of your home. No matter how pristine your gardens or the exterior of your home is, if your roof or gutters are ignored, it will detract from its appearance.

Roofs can quickly and quite easily become stained, covered in lichen, bird droppings and dirt or have attached gutters that are full to the brim. Cleaning addresses this in addition to the above dangers for absolute peace of mind and enjoyment of your home.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Did you know that a dirty roof traps more heat than a clean one? This is due to the darker patches of lichen, moss or grime attracting heat from the sun which can then increase the inside temperature of your home.

Clean roofs absorb less heat and can dissipate heat more easily. This improves your home’s ability to insulate itself against heat for better energy efficiency, potentially lowering your energy bills.

The single best way to avoid all of the above concerns is to regularly clean your gutters and roof. Your roof and gutters are constantly exposed to the elements, wild winds, extreme heat, rain, hail, flying debris and more.

Just as regular visits to your mechanic keep your car running smoothly and free of serious issues, the same can be said for your roof and gutters.

Cleaning not only improves the appearance and functionality of your roof and guttering it allows you to identify any concerns and arrange for repairs.

When To Clean Your Roof And Gutters

So how often should you be cleaning your roof and gutters? This will depend on a couple of factors. Ideally, you should undertake this maintenance task at least once per year.

However, should you live in an area with a lot of overhanging trees that increase the amount of leaf litter in your gutters, you may need to do this more often. This is especially true if you live in a bushfire-prone area.

If you notice visible signs such as lichen or moss build-up, your gutters overflowing during heavy rains, damaged fascia boards or water leaks surrounding your gutters, it may also be time to book a clean.

Whether you have metal roofing or tiles, the process for cleaning your roof and gutters is much the same.

Depending on the level of buildup on your roof, a soft washing technique will be employed to lift and remove stains and grime. In some cases, higher pressure may be required, however, great care will be taken to ensure no water leaks into your home during this process.

For gutters, all debris will be scooped or blown out using specialist equipment. Gutters will also be washed and any issues with water flow noted and reported back to you.

If at any time we see evidence of roof leaks, cracked tiles, rusted guttering or broken fixtures, you will be advised immediately. This ensures you are able to arrange roofing repairs or gutter replacement as quickly as possible.

If for any reason we need to utilise cleaning solutions, there is no risk to you or your pets. We only use safe, eco-friendly cleaning products which work to prevent bacteria, moss, mould and lichen regrowth for up to 18 months.

Should you have gutter guards in place in your box gutters, we will also check these are functioning properly and clean your gutters as much as possible regardless. Do you also have solar panels? We offer an additional service to clean these too as needed.

We understand how tempting it can be to climb up and clean your roof and gutters yourself, however, this is not recommended.

Professional roof and gutter cleaners are trained to work at heights safely while also possessing all the right equipment for the job. This ensures an efficient, expertly managed cleaning that is completed to the highest standards, with no risk to your home or safety.

Family-owned and operated, Kleen Genie is a trusted local team that you can count on to leave your gutters and roof sparkling clean.

Fully insured and trained to work at heights, we can tackle even the most complex cleaning jobs with ease. We come fully equipped for every job, carefully assessing the required work and efficiently cleaning for exceptional outcomes.

We take great care to protect your home during cleaning and actively report any signs of damage as required. With our professional care and skill, your roof and gutters will remain clean and working optimally all year round.

To learn more or book your obligation-free quote, contact Kleen Genie today at 1300 296 246