Cleaning experts say making this mistake could lead to costly repairs. Cleaning your gutters is an important job to ensure they are not blocked, but there is one method that, rather than keeping them clear, could cause problems.
If you plan to clean your gutters (a task you may have been putting off), it is vital to use the right method. Jess Thomas, a drainage expert and director of the Drainage Centre, urges homeowners not to use pressure washers to clean their gutters, arguing that it is not only a costly repair but also a serious safety hazard.
Damage caused by pressure washers can have a huge financial impact.
The average cost of replacing uPVC gutters is £30 per metre, while cast iron systems cost double that to £60 per metre.
“Gutters are designed to manage the flow of rainwater, not to withstand the force of water applied by a pressure washer”, explains Jess.
“The force of the jet can easily split seams, loosen joints and could even rip sections of the guttering away from the home”.
Pressure washing your gutters can also damage your roof, Jess says: “If you wash them in the wrong direction, the powerful jets of water from a pressure washer can damage your roof, its underlying structure and its structural integrity.
Some guttering systems can be installed on the roof, and pressure washing can loosen roof tiles. Loose roof tiles are a safety hazard and can cost up to £500 to replace, depending on the situation.
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