March 24, 2020 - Gutter-Vac

How you can use your gutters to collect rainwater.

Posted on March 24, 2020August 20, 2020 by Phillip Valencour

Thinking of your water bill with dread? There is a simple and free alternative.

Especially if you are in area where water shortages are on the rise, it is always good to have a back up plan.

Why not invest in rainwater? It is possible to be self-sufficient, eco-friendly, and reduce your mains water bills by 100%.

The easiest way to harvest rainwater is by installing a water tank.

The initial outlay of a tank may be a tad expensive, but it pays off in the long term. After all, we use water everyday, and every little bit can make a difference. Rainwater has a multitude of uses. It can be used for the garden, laundry, and home cleaning.

Garden lovers rejoice

Have you ever noticed how lush and green the garden is after a good drenching of rain? Natural rainwater isn’t chlorinated, and is higher in nitrogen than regular tap water. These factors are great to boost your buds, according to leading green thumbs. Your indoor plants will love it too.

Cut costs

The comforting sound of rain pattering on your roof can also be music to your budget.

The quality of water flowing from the gutter can affect filtration costs. Filtration technology is largely simple and easy to maintain. Yet, when rainwater flows down into the tank – the dirtier the water, the quicker the filtration system needs to be changed. It all starts with a good gutter!

Have you checked out Gutter Guard yet? It keeps leaves and debris out of the rainwater collection system. If there is a lot of organic matter going into the rainwater tank, it will break down, and cause smelly rancid water.

Another budget-friendly benefit is that rainwater is naturally ‘softer’ than tap water, which may lesson the need for fabric softener when washing clothes. However, you need to make sure the harvested rainwater is suitably filtered to prevent discolouration on laundry items.

Is it safe to drink?

With the right filtration system, rainwater can be used for drinking. Some say it is even tastier than tap water.

There are options when it comes to choosing a filter system. For instance, some people opt for a “first flush” device to divert the initial few litres to the garden to eliminate any coarse debris. Not to mention, a well-maintained roof is key to optimise water purification.

Refer to the Australian Environmental Health Committee for further advice on water quality and testing.

Most filter canisters should be changed every six months or so, depending upon the amount of sediment they collect. If you notice the water pressure dropping in your system, it is a sign that your filter needs changing.

How to choose a tank

If you have decided to install a rainwater tank, the next step is to find one that best suits your needs.

Firstly, estimate how much rainfall is expected in your area. Search the Bureau of Meteorology to get an idea. The tank size will also vary depending on where you live. You may want a larger tank for more security in scarce rainfall areas.

Consider what purpose you are using the water for. A large garden irrigation project will obviously need more water for example.

Next, calculate how much water your roof can harvest. Multiply your rainfall (mm) by roof surface area (m2). Here is a handy calculator by Tankulator.

Depending upon the size of your backyard, you may want to consider whether an underground tank, or above ground tank is best.

Once you have established this, it is important to stay within council guidelines to prevent flooding issues, and correctly manage overflow.

Did you know Gutter-Vac also offers a tank cleaning service to leave your water crystal clear, and ready to go? Get in touch for a free quote.

How mould in your home can be a health risk

Posted on March 24, 2020August 20, 2020 by Phillip Valencour

It is no secret mould thrives in damp environments, and Queensland has been experiencing a high level of rainfall in the last couple of months. However, did you know hidden mould may be posing a potential health threat to you and your family?

There are a number of ways this unsightly, unwanted visitor can creep its way into your home, and it all starts with damp, ill-ventilated areas.

If your house has insufficient roof drainage, it is quite common to find a coating of mould on roof tiles. This can then weaken the structure, and may make your roof more vulnerable to leaks.

Also, left untreated, mould on the roof has the potential to spread to other areas in your home. Mould spores produced outside can easily transpire into the home through the air.

Walls and ceilings are prone to mould growth due to poor insulation or rainwater leaking through the roof.

Mould in your home has associated health problems such as asthma, even if you do not have a pre-existing allergy. Pregnant women, children, and those with pre-existing allergies, respiratory conditions, or immune disorders are most susceptible.

The Australian Allergy Centre recommends cleaning your gutters on a regular basis to minimise mould risk. They highlight the importance of keeping your house structures dry by ensuring adequate roof drainage.

Symptoms of mould allergy include:

Sneezing, coughing
Eye irritation
Itchy eyes, nose and throat
In some cases, fatigue
Asthma
Eczema
Dry skin

You can identify mould by tell tale splotches, spots, streaks, or ‘fuzz’. It can be a variety of colours such as grey, black, brown, green or white. It is also often accompanied by a musty odour.

It should be removed as soon as it is noticed to prevent further structural damage and minimise potential health risks.

It is recommended to get your roof inspected and gutters cleaned at least once a year to stop the problem before it starts. Mould feeds on organic matter such as decaying leaves, and dust. Damp matter lying around in the gutter is a smorgasbord for mould.

Other ways to prevent interior mould include making sure damp areas such as the kitchen and bathroom are well ventilated by opening windows regularly and maintaining general cleanliness. Repair leaking plumbing as soon as the problem presents. Also, make use of exhaust fans if applicable. A natural vinegar solution works quite well to clean areas inside. Pop some vinegar in a spray bottle and spray onto mouldy areas. Wipe off with warm water after an hour. Exercise caution when using commercial bleaching solutions as this may cause tiles to become more porous, which in turn can make them more prone to mould. Also, sometimes bleach just changes the colour of the mould, without eradicating it.

Externally, if the mould problem is covering a large area, or if members of the household are sensitive to mould, it is best to call in the professionals.

Mould overgrowth on your driveway or other concreted areas can be a serious slip hazard. However, this is easily resolved through pressure cleaning, which is a service we also offer.

Get in touch if you would also like to learn more about EnviroClean, which is a safe and environmentally friendly strategy for exterior surfaces. It is fantastic for roofs, paths, driveways and walls. Best of all, it reactivates every time it rains so you can keep mould off your mind.

Don’t wait for the leaves to fall to get your gutters cleaned.

Posted on March 24, 2020February 27, 2020 by Warren Ballantyne

We are coming into the thick of autumn and it is common to hear customers say they want to ‘Wait for the last leaves to drop’ before having their gutters cleaned, but this could be a mistake… a costly mistake!

When did you last have your gutters cleaned? If it has been awhile, you might just tip the scales of what is in your gutters because they could already be full and the ‘last leaves of this season’ could push them to the limit, causing blocked gutters so even the smallest amount of rain could end up in your property, not flowing out of your gutters away from your property.

The common myth of gutter cleaning is that it is the leafy matter falling now that will cause blockages in your gutters. This isn’t necessarily the whole truth. In fact, when this leafy matter (and all the other stuff that has blown or fallen into your gutters over the last year) is in your gutters for a period of time, it breaks down into a sludge type of mud at the bottom of your gutters. This sludge not only causes your gutters to rust, it is also full of nutrients so any seeds that are blown or dropped by a bird into your gutters can be the perfect garden bed for plant life to grow, forming root systems and plants that you may not even be able to see growing in your gutters yet.

Waiting for the last few leaves to drop could be a mistake if your gutters are already full of sludge, roots, gutter growth. If the rain comes before winter, then you could be leaving your property susceptible to overflowing gutters and water damage.

So instead of ‘assuming’ that you are going to get the best value for your dollar by waiting for every leaf to drop, maybe you need to give Gutter-Vac a call on 1300 654 253 and speak to your local owner/operator about whether you need to find out the state of your gutters now, rather than leaving them to the end of autumn.

For more information, visit our website at www.GutterVac.com.au

Call 1300 654 253

How you can use your gutters to collect rainwater.

Day: 24 March 2020

How you can use your gutters to collect rainwater.

How mould in your home can be a health risk

Don’t wait for the leaves to fall to get your gutters cleaned.

Call 1300 654 253

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