Roofing and Guttering Services by Dickson Plumbing and Gas Fitting

At Dickson Plumbing and Gas Fitting, we offer comprehensive roofing and guttering services to repair, replace, or install new gutters and roofing sheets in a variety of materials and colours. We also handle downpipes to ensure your property is well-protected from water damage.

The gutters and downspouts attached to your roof are two of the most essential yet often overlooked components of your home. If they are improperly installed or damaged, they can lead to costly repairs.

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The Importance of Gutter Maintenance

If you’ve recently purchased your first home, you might be discovering the responsibilities of homeownership. One important but frequently overlooked task is routine gutter maintenance. While it may not seem urgent, maintaining your gutters is critical to avoiding expensive repairs in the future.

Clogged gutters caused by leaves and debris can lead to water damage, mould, and even structural issues with your home. Overflowing gutters can allow water to seep into basements, crawl spaces, or even cause foundation problems. Regular gutter cleaning can help prevent these issues.

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When to Clean Your Gutters

Experts recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year as a general rule of thumb. However, your location and surrounding environment will influence how often this task should be done. For instance:

• Near Pine Trees: Clean every three months as pine needles shed year-round.
• In Cold Climates: Watch out for ice dams or leaks during freezing conditions.

Choose a dry day for gutter cleaning, as debris is easier to handle when dry. Additionally, cleaning before a storm ensures your gutters are in top condition to manage heavy rainfall.

If working at height isn’t your forte, contact Dickson Plumbing and Gas Fitting for professional roofing and guttering services.

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Tools You’ll Need for Gutter Cleaning

Before you begin, gather the following:

• A sturdy ladder
• Gloves
• A garden hose with a water spigot
• A small shovel or trowel for debris
• A bucket or tarp for disposal

If using an extension ladder, consider standoff stabilizers to prevent the ladder from damaging the gutters. Avoid performing maintenance or repairs from the roof, as this poses significant safety hazards.

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Gutter Replacement Tips

When replacing gutters, it’s essential to assess the water catchment area of your roof and the number of downpipes. You may need to install additional downpipes for better water flow. Properly adjusting the fall (slope) is also critical:

• Too little slope: Water will pool, shortening the gutter’s lifespan.
• Too much slope: The gutter may appear uneven or expose the roof edge.

Incorrectly installed gutters may not handle heavy rainfall, causing overflow and water damage.

Material Options: Common materials include Colorbond, galvanised steel, Zincalume, copper, and polycarbonate.

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Gutter Maintenance Tips

Follow these steps to maintain your gutters effectively:

1. Start Near a Downspout: Remove large debris like leaves and twigs with a small shovel or trowel.
2. Flush Out Small Particles: Use a garden hose to clear out smaller debris, starting at the opposite end of the downspout.
3. Unclog Downspouts: If water doesn’t drain, use a hose with a narrow nozzle or a plumber’s snake to remove blockages.

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Gutter Repair Tips

If standing water remains in the gutter after cleaning, the slope may need adjustment. For every 10 feet of gutter, ensure a quarter-inch decline toward the downspout. Detach hangers and reposition them as needed, working in small sections for accuracy.

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Key Considerations for Roofing and Guttering

• Coastal Areas: Unpainted zinc and galvanised steel may have a shorter lifespan in salty environments.
• Electrolysis: Avoid mixing incompatible metals, as water runoff between metals can cause rusting.
• Double-Storey or High-Rise Homes: Working at height may require scaffolding, which can increase costs.
• Roof Leaks: Locating a leak can be challenging. Water often travels before entering the building. Testing with a hose or inspecting during rain is the best way to pinpoint the issue.

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Need Roofing and Guttering Assistance?

For professional roofing and guttering services, including repairs, installations, and maintenance, contact Dickson Plumbing and Gas Fitting today. Whether it’s cleaning gutters, replacing downpipes, or fixing roof leaks, our team is here to help.

If you need to colour-match your Colorbond roof, click here.