Top 10 Tips on How to Clean Your Strata Property’s Roof and Gutters
Owning and managing strata properties comes with its own set of responsibilities. One of the most critical tasks is maintaining the roof and gutters. Neglecting this essential aspect of property care can lead to costly repairs and a decrease in property value. Here are ten expert tips on how strata property owners and managers can keep their roof and gutters clean while safeguarding their investment.
1. Schedule regular inspections
This will help you identify any issues early on, such as loose shingles or clogged gutters, to prevent more extensive and expensive problems down the line. Hire professional outdoor cleaning services for regular roof inspections. Aside from cleaning the roof and gutters, they can also spot issues like damaged shingles, cracks, or leaks that might not be visible to the untrained eye.
2. Use proper safety gear
If you intend to perform this task on your own, make sure that you’re using the appropriate safety gear by wearing the right gloves, safety glasses, and non-slip shoes. Reduce the risk of accidents by contracting a reputable strata cleaning company that’s certified to work at heights with the proper equipment.
3. Clear debris promptly
Dried leaves, twigs, animal waste, and other environmental debris can accumulate on your roof and in your gutters, leading to blockages and potential water damage. Use a leaf blower to remove the dried leaves and twigs on the roof. Use a garden trowel to scoop out debris from the gutters. Dispose of the dirt in a bag or compost bin. After removing the bulk of the debris, flush the gutters with a hose to ensure they are clear of smaller particles and to check for proper water flow. Strata roof cleaning services can clear all the dirt on the roof and inside the gutters completely to ensure that rainwater flows freely and doesn’t find its way into your property.
4. Check and clean the downspouts
Inspect the downspouts for any clogs or visible damage. Clear any blockages by using a hose or plumbing snake to flush out debris. Consider adding downspout extensions to divert water at least a meter away from your property’s foundation to keep it safe against potential water damage. Strata gutter cleaning services have the necessary tools to keep the downspouts clog-free.
5. Install gutter guards or gutter whiskers
Gutter guards or gutter whiskers are a worthwhile investment. They act as a barrier to prevent debris from entering the gutters while allowing water to pass through. This reduces the frequency of gutter cleaning and minimises the risk of clogs that can cause damage to your roof. Experienced outdoor cleaners can recommend the right gutter guard or gutter whisker for your roof.
6. Reduce water accumulation on flat roofs
Water pooling is a prevalent problem on flat roofs, due to inadequate drainage or the roof’s gradual settling. This can cause further deterioration to the roof’s structural integrity. Observe areas where water collects for more than 48 hours following rain. You might want to add extra drains or create sloped regions to encourage efficient water runoff. Consult with strata roof cleaning services to help you address this concern.
7. Inspect and repair flashings
Flashings play a crucial role in flat roofs, creating a watertight seal around vents, chimneys, skylights, and other roof openings. As time passes, flashings may degrade or loosen, increasing the risk of water infiltration. Conduct regular inspections of the flashings and repair or substitute the damaged ones right away.
8. Trim overhanging trees
Overhanging trees can shed leaves, debris, and even cause damage during storms. By keeping these trees in check, you reduce the risk of clogged gutters, moss growth, and potential roof damage. Regular tree maintenance ensures a cleaner, sturdier roof for your strata property.
9. Remove moss and algae with high-pressure washing
Moss and algae not only look unsightly but can also damage your roof over time. A professional strata cleaning crew can apply high-pressure washing to blast away moss and algae in no time. For roofs with shingles, they can switch to soft-pressure cleaning techniques to remove moss and algae without leaving any damage to the roof.
10. Re-paint the roof to complete the clean look
Weathered roof tiles can absorb water and lead to costly leakage problems. This can also impair the roof’s capacity to deflect the intense sunlight, potentially causing increased indoor temperatures and elevated energy costs. The paint on flat roofs can also flake off in time from constant exposure to the elements, making it look patchy and unattractive. After having it cleaned, consider re-painting the roof to spruce up its appearance.
The experts in roof and gutter cleaning services in Sydney
With regular inspections, maintenance, and the help of trusted professionals, you can keep your roof and gutters in excellent condition. At Outdoor Cleaning Specialists, we understand the importance of maintaining your strata property. Our team of experienced and accredited professionals can provide a wide range of strata cleaning services in Sydney, including roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, gutter whisker installation, hard surface sealing, and roof painting, among others.
Contact us today or call 1300 870 626 to schedule an appointment for your roof and gutter cleaning service. Let us help you protect and preserve your strata property investment for years to come.
Related blogs:
How to Choose the Right Cleaning Company for Your Strata Property
