Colorbond roofing and guttering looks good and is arguably the best material for your home in the four seasons in one day we have in Melbourne. As well as being hardy protection for your home, Colorbond steel roofing and Colorbond guttering looks good. It gives your home an uplifted curb appeal and increases the value of your home.
To keep up this beautiful exterior you need to clean and maintain your Colorbond guttering and downpipes. Some simple cleaning and checking every six months can keep your gutters looking special and have them working to their full potential.
The Roofing Options Centre are your exclusive Colorbond roofing supplies in Melbourne. We know how good this product is, and in this article we’re going to show you how you can take care of your gutters so they look good and last for years to come.
Cleaning Tips
Step 1. Safety First
You’re going to be up high to clean and maintain your gutters so you need to ensure your safety.
- Have a sturdy ladder. Place it on stable ground ensuring a 3-point contact rule. If you can have a second person as your spotter, that is even better.
- If your gutters are higher than normal, look at getting a clip on point to prevent falling.
- If you can, don’t clean and maintain your gutters if it is too windy. It can make you unstable on the ladder, and you could get more debris blown into the gutter as you go.
Step 2. Remove Debris
- Using gloves, manually remove the debris that has washed down into the gutters. Don’t reach too far either side of your position as you don’t want the ladder to tip over. Be patient.
- Gutter cleaning companies use modified vacuums to gather up all the debris in your gutters. You could hire one of those if you’d like.
- Use a brush to sweep debris that is just on the tip of your roof into your gutters to clean. It can be frustrating to clean your gutters and days later it gets full of leaves and twigs again.
- The debris should be packed into garden bags or a green bin for disposal.
Step 3. Wash Gently
- Use a soft cloth and a microfibre towel. Don’t use harsh fabrics as you may risk scratching your Colorbond guttering.
- Use warm soapy water, with mild dish soap, or a 1 part vinegar 1 part warm water solution.
- Wash gently. If there is hard to remove dirt or grime,don’t scratch it off, work at it patiently.
Step 4. Rinse Thoroughly
- Rinse the soapy residue off your gutters using clean water.
- Soapy residue will leave streaks and marks if left unrinsed.
Step 5 Clean Downspouts
- Use a hose and good pressure to flush your downpipes.
- Keep doing this until the flow is constant to ensure there are no blockages.
Maintenance Tips
Frequency
Generally we recommend cleaning your Colorbond guttering every 6 months. If, however, you live in high pollution areas, or near the coast with onshore salty breezes, cleaning more often may be required.
Avoid Damaging Further
Don’t use harsh chemical or abrasive cleaners when cleaning your gutters. Nor use harsh tools that can scratch the protective coating on your gutters.
Inspect Further
As well as cleaning your gutter, take the time to inspect them for signs of leaks or rust. Doing this just as regularly as you clean means you will catch problems early and have a smaller repair bill.
Water Tanks
If your guttering and downpipes are connected to a water tank, disconnect this before you start cleaning. You don’t want detergents or cleaning products getting into your tank water, especially if you are drinking it.
Stubborn Stains
If you have dirt or grime that won’t come off with a gentle wash, use a soft bristle brush with your mild soapy solution. Immediately rinse the area once you’re finished. The same applies if you’ve discovered moss or lichen. The soft bristle brush to scrape them off and remove the remaining stain.
We don’t recommend cleaning or repairing your Colorbond roof yourself as the chances for accidents while climbing around your roof are higher. We’d recommend getting in touch with our team to arrange an inspection of your roof where we inspect for any damage and provide a thorough clean .
If you want more advice on how to keep your Colorbond guttering and roofing clean and maintained and looking good for years to come, drop us a line on 03 9702 3301.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a pressure washer on my Colorbond gutters?
It’s generally not recommended to use high-pressure washers on Colorbond gutters, as the intense water pressure can potentially damage the paint finish and Zincalume® steel substrate. A standard garden hose with a nozzle attachment is sufficient for most cleaning tasks.
Q: How do I safely access my gutters for cleaning?
Always use a stable ladder positioned on flat, firm ground. Never lean over the edge of the roof. For multi-storey homes or steep roofs, it’s safest to engage a professional gutter cleaning service. Roofing Options Centre can advise on appropriate gutter profiles for easier maintenance access.
Q: How can I prevent leaves and debris from blocking my Colorbond gutters?
Gutter guard mesh systems can be installed over your gutters to minimise debris build-up. While not entirely maintenance-free, they significantly reduce the frequency of manual cleaning required.
Q: What causes staining on Colorbond gutters and how do I remove it?
Tannin stains from leaves and bark, as well as dirt and general grime, are common causes of discolouration. These can typically be removed with a soft cloth and a mild detergent solution. Rinse thoroughly with clean water when done.
Q: After cleaning, is there anything I should apply to protect my Colorbond gutters?
Colorbond steel has a built-in protective coating and generally doesn’t require additional sealants or waxes. However, inspecting and re-applying gutter sealant at joints and end caps after cleaning is worthwhile to maintain watertight performance.
Q: What is Colorbond steel?
Colorbond is a pre-painted steel product manufactured by BlueScope Steel in Australia. It is specifically engineered to withstand Australia’s harsh climate conditions, including extreme heat, heavy rain, and bushfire-prone environments. Roofing Options Centre stocks a full range of genuine BlueScope Colorbond products.
Q: How long does Colorbond roofing last?
When correctly installed and maintained, Colorbond roofing and guttering is highly durable and can last for several decades. Its steel substrate combined with its multi-layer paint system provides long-term resistance to corrosion, chipping, and peeling.
Q: Can I order Colorbond roofing and guttering online?
Yes. Roofing Options Centre offers an online store with home delivery available across Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs. Products are shipped safely and securely. Customers can also visit in-store at Campbellfield or Clyde North for pick-up and expert advice.
