Often in life the saying out of sight - out of mind can have real significance. In our hectic lives, it's easy to overlook the hidden and seemingly insignificant aspects of home maintenance. However, neglecting one particular item on your to-do list may have far-reaching consequences: your gutters. What many may not realise is that neglecting gutter cleaning maintenance often comes back to haunt homeowners, impacting their home insurance coverage in surprising and significant ways. Don’t worry we have 3 tips that could potentially save you thousands.
What's the Connection Between Home Insurance and Gutter Cleaning?
While each home insurance policy has its unique features, one common aspect that often crops up is the importance of maintaining your gutters. It may sound peculiar at first, but here's why it matters: When gutters become clogged with debris or suffer from structural issues, water starts accumulating, eventually overflowing into the roof cavity. In some cases, even plants' roots find their way into the cavity, exacerbating the water flow. The potential for damage becomes evident when you consider the immense volume of water infiltrating your home. However, here's the catch—many well-known insurance providers explicitly exclude coverage for damages caused by blocked gutters, citing a "lack of maintenance" as the underlying cause. So, what can you do if your gutters have been neglected? Don't fret just yet! We've got some fantastic tips to share that can help you rectify the situation.
3 Essential Tips For Maintaining Healthy Gutters
With over 15 years of expertise in gutter cleaning and maintenance on the Sunshine Coast, we've compiled three straightforward tips to help you keep your gutters in optimal condition:
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1. Find the Right Local Gutter Cleaner
Just like finding a skilled hairdresser, the best gutter cleaner may not be the first one you stumble upon. Look for professionals who are properly insured, possess safety certifications, employ effective gutter cleaning techniques, and have a strong portfolio showcasing their work.
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2. Maintain Meticulous Records
Insurance companies may require documentation, such as receipts and dates of your gutter cleanings. Similar to proving the care taken with a second-hand car by presenting a clear and comprehensive logbook, keep a maintenance logbook for your gutters. Additionally, ask your gutter cleaner to take photos during each cleaning session. This not only helps you provide evidence of consistent maintenance but also serves as a check to ensure the job is being done thoroughly.
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3. Request Reminder Services
Many reputable gutter cleaners maintain databases and offer reminders for cleaning schedules ranging from monthly to annually, depending on your specific needs. Inquire about their recommendations for your home and request reminders to be sent to you. This way, you'll have one less thing to worry about. Consistency is key, so make it a point not to skip cleanings regularly, demonstrating your commitment to consistent and thorough maintenance.
By following these three tips, you can ensure the health and longevity of your gutters while having peace of mind regarding your home insurance coverage.
What distinguishes cleaning my gutters from hiring a professional cleaner?
Let's draw a parallel to the example mentioned earlier about car logbooks. Imagine you come across two cars: one with a meticulously maintained logbook, diligently filled out by a reputable car mechanic shop, and another with a hastily assembled logbook documenting self-done services. Which car would you have more confidence in regarding its proper maintenance? However, if you still wish to undertake the DIY approach for gutter maintenance, there's no need to fret. Just ensure that you maintain impeccable records of every detail, including photographs and notes, and remember to prioritize your safety throughout the process.
In most cases it’s better to be safe than sorry, countless tales circulate about individuals encountering disasters when their home insurance has expired, leaving them vulnerable and unprepared. Even if no visible issues are apparent currently, if it has been a while since your gutters were serviced, it could be prudent to engage a local gutter cleaning company to restore your peace of mind. Your home—and your insurance policy—will thank you for it.
BIO
I'm Simone, a passionate woman in the trade industry. Alongside my husband, I co-manage Just Gutters, a successful gutter cleaning company on Australia's Sunshine Coast. I enjoy sharing our knowledge and writing about my love for DIY.
