Professional gutter cleaning is more than scooping the easy leaves from the front of the house. A proper clean covers the whole roof drainage system, so rainwater has somewhere to go when the next heavy downpour hits the Illawarra. This guide explains what Illawarra Maintenance Group includes in every gutter clean, and the questions worth asking before you book anyone.

Why a professional gutter clean is worth it

Blocked gutters overflow. In a heavy storm that water can run down walls, into the eaves, under the roof sheets and, with box gutters and valleys, straight into the house. Over time it rots fascia boards, stains walls and can pool around the footings. Many homes across Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama sit under gums, she-oaks and bushland, so gutters fill faster than most people expect.

What professional gutter cleaning should include

An inspection first

Every job starts by looking at the gutters, valleys and downpipes to see how heavy the build-up is, where water has been overflowing and whether anything needs attention.

Every gutter, not just the easy runs

All leaves, dirt and organic material are removed from the gutters, including the back and sides of the house that nobody sees from the street. The rear gutters, closest to the trees, are usually the most blocked.

Valleys and box gutters

Valleys are where two roof faces meet, and they collect leaves like a funnel. Box gutters sit inside the roof line on many older homes, townhouses and commercial buildings. When either one blocks, the water tends to overflow into the building rather than outside it, so both are cleared as part of every clean.

Downpipes checked and cleared

A clean gutter is no use if the downpipe below it is packed with sludge. Once the gutters are clear, the downpipes are checked and cleared so water flows freely.

Before and after photos

IMG takes drone photos before and after the clean, so you can see your gutters and roof without climbing a ladder. If anything is found during the job, such as a cracked tile, a lifted roof sheet or signs of possums or birds, it is photographed and reported to you.

Debris bagged and taken away

Everything removed from the roof is bagged and taken away. Paths, gardens and driveways are left tidy.

Safety and insurance

Gutter cleaning is work at height. IMG uses suitable access methods and equipment, with safe work method statements on every job, and carries $20 million public liability and full workers compensation cover. That protects you and your property while the team is on your roof. On many homes, including two-storey houses, gutter vacuum equipment lets much of the work be done from the ground. Read more in our guide to two-storey gutter cleaning.

Questions to ask any gutter cleaner

• Are you fully licensed and insured, and do you have workers compensation cover?
• Do you clean valleys, box gutters and downpipes, or just the gutters?
• Will I get photos of the finished job?
• Will you take the debris away?
• Will you tell me about anything else you find on the roof?

How often should gutters be cleaned?

For many homes the answer is twice a year, usually after autumn leaf fall and before the warmer storm and bushfire months. Heavily treed blocks can need more. Our guide How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters in the Illawarra? goes into more detail, and if you live near bush, see getting your gutters ready for bushfire season.

When gutter guard makes more sense

If your gutters fill up again within a few months, it may be time to think about gutter guard. IMG installs Karben aluminium mesh, CSIRO tested, with a 15-year product warranty and a 20-year workmanship warranty, and most installs include a free gutter clean before the mesh goes on. Not sure? Read Is Installing Gutter Guard Worth It?

Frequently asked questions

How long does a gutter clean take?

It depends on the size of the home, the roof and how much has built up. We will give you an idea when we quote.

Do you clean gutters on two-storey homes?

Yes. Two-storey homes are cleaned with the right access equipment and, where it suits, gutter vacuum equipment from the ground.

Which areas do you cover?

Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the wider Illawarra, from the northern suburbs through Dapto, Albion Park and Shell Cove to Gerringong. For homes further out, we come and assess the job first.

Book professional gutter cleaning

Illawarra Maintenance Group is a local, family-owned team with more than 15 years of trade experience, fully licensed and insured. Find out more about our gutter cleaning in Wollongong and the Illawarra.

Call 0411 389 184 or request a free quote and we will be in touch.