Ultimate Gutter Cleaning Guide – NZTS Auckland
Welcome to the Ultimate Gutter Cleaning Guide
Gutter cleaning is a vital part of property maintenance that many homeowners overlook. At NZTS, we recognize the importance of properly maintained gutters in safeguarding your home or commercial building. This guide outlines the process of cleaning gutters safely and effectively, highlights common issues caused by blocked gutters, and provides practical advice for New Zealand homes, especially those in Auckland. Most importantly, it reinforces the need to prioritise safety at all times. If your gutter cleaning situation is unsafe or difficult to access, it is best to contact a professional.
Why Gutter Cleaning is Important in Auckland
Auckland’s climate and environment make gutter maintenance especially important. Frequent rainfall, dense vegetation, and leaf fall lead to faster gutter blockage. If not managed, this can result in:
- Water damage to roofs and walls.
- Structural issues due to foundation erosion.
- Growth of the mould and mildew.
- Pest infestations from stagnant water.
- Damage to landscaping and external surfaces.
Keeping gutters clear ensures water is properly directed away from the building, helping protect both the structure and its surroundings.
Plants and debris clogging a house gutter
Key Safety Measures for Gutter Cleaning
Ladder and Fall Risk
Gutter cleaning often involves working at height, and removing your hands from the ladder while cleaning increases the risk of losing balance and falling. Falls from ladders are a leading cause of serious injuries.
Injury Statistics
- New Zealand spends over $17 million annually on ladder-related injuries.
- In 2013, there were over 9,000 ACC claims involving ladder use.
- One-third of these involved individuals aged 50 to 64.
Sources:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When cleaning gutters, always use:
- Gloves – for protection from debris and bacteria.
- Goggles – especially when using a hose or water blaster.
- Sturdy, non-slip footwear – for ladder and roof safety.
Ladder Safety
Ladders should be used with care:
- Inspect the ladder for wear, rust, or damage.
- Ensure it meets AS/NZS standards.
- Use on level ground and secure at the top and bottom.
- Always have someone foot the ladder if possible.
- Do not overreach.
Roof Access and Risk
Roof access to clean the gutters should be avoided unless you have appropriate training, experience, and safety equipment. If any area of your gutter system is unsafe to reach from a ladder, it is recommended that you hire a professional.
Gutter Cleaning Using Key Safety Measures
Effective Gutter Cleaning Techniques
Cleaning by Hand
This is the most basic and reliable method. Wear gloves, scoop out debris by hand, and drop it to the ground for clean-up after. Avoid carrying buckets or bags while on a ladder, as this increases the risk of imbalance.
Gutter Scoopers
Although scooping tools are sold as convenient, they are often too large to fit narrow gaps near roof edges and are obstructed by gutter brackets. Manual cleaning is usually quicker and more efficient.
Hose Rinse
After removing large debris, rinse the gutters with a hose to flush out remaining dirt. This prevents new blockages from forming quickly.
Water Blasting (For Trained Users Only)
This method is suitable for heavily blocked gutters. Use a water blaster with a zero-degree nozzle aimed only down the length of the gutter. Never point it at walls, cladding, or paintwork as damage is likely.
- Use a straight lance for better control.
- Ensure the ladder is fully stabilised or tied off.
- Test the blaster pressure on the ground to avoid dangerous kickback
This method is ideal when gutters are narrow or the debris is compacted and cannot be removed by hand or vacuum.
Step-by-Step Gutter Cleaning Guide
- Clear Debris – Scoop out leaves, twigs, and muck using a gutter scoop, garden trowel, or spatula.
- Collect Debris – Place debris on a plastic tarp on the ground to prevent it from scattering on your lawn or landscaping.
- Flush the Gutters – Use a garden hose to flush out any remaining dirt, starting at the end opposite the downspout.
- Check the Downspout – Ensure water flows freely from the downspout. If it’s slow or blocked, it may require more thorough cleaning or professional help.
- Inspect for Damage – After flushing, check for leaks, sagging, or other damage so repairs can be made to extend gutter life.
How Often Should You Clean Gutters?
The general recommendation is:
- Once every year at a minimum.
- Twice per year (autumn and spring), if trees surround your property.
- More frequently, if gutter guards are installed or your roof sheds material.
Tools and Equipment for Gutter Cleaning
Extension Tools
Ground-based extension tools and hose attachments usually do not work well, as you cannot see inside the gutter, and force output is often insufficient.
Downpipe Diverters
Highly recommended for:
- Detecting blockages.
- Diverting water during cleaning.
- Reducing stormwater contamination during roof washes.
Gutter Guard Considerations
- Only effective if maintained annually.
- Moss, dirt, and plant growth will still occur underneath.
- Screw-fixed guards complicate cleaning and may require tool removal.
Roof Types and Their Impact
- Concrete Tile Roofs: Shed sediment like mud that collects in gutters.
- Decramastic Tile / Asphalt Shingles: Shed stone chips that stress gutter joins and brackets.
Additional Read :- Gutter Guard Guide – NZTS Auckland
Gutter Types That Need Extra Care
Internal Gutters
Often mistaken for external gutters due to visible flashing, but the tray sits behind and above the eaves.
- When blocked, they often overflow internally, causing undetected rot, mould, or structural issues not covered by insurance.
- Must be inspected and cleaned regularly.
Rolled Asphalt / Butynol Gutters
- Typically internal systems.
- Use lower pressure with a fan nozzle for cleaning.
- If lichen growth occurs, use a soft wash.
- Maintain regularly to preserve gutter membrane integrity.
Asbestos Gutters
- Rare, but found in older Auckland properties.
- Never scrub, blast, or disturb asbestos.
- Use PPE, gently remove loose debris, and lightly hose dirt.
- Severely degraded asbestos gutters = call professional removal experts.
The Dangers of Clogged Gutters
Blocked gutters can cause:
- Rusting of brackets and metal roofing.
- Structural roof damage.
- Water overflows into eaves, walls, and cavities.
- Gradual damage is not detected until costly replacements are needed.
When to call in the professionals for Gutter Cleaning
If access is difficult or safety is a concern, it is always best to hire a professional. NZTS offers professional gutter cleaning as part of our wide range of property maintenance services across Auckland. Keeping your gutters clear is not just routine maintenance; it is a wise investment in the long-term health of your property.
