Since the beginning of our existence, humans have always sought shelter, and the concept of a roof has been around for a very long time. Though you may take it for granted, your roof and guttering system cannot be underrated.
Still skeptical that roofs and gutters can be interesting? Well we have compiled a few facts below to give you a fresh perspective on their importance throughout history and in modern times.
1) Many years ago, before gutters were invented, gargoyles were used to direct rainwater off the roofs of Gothic Churches and some castles. Usually the downspout was designed to flow out of the creature’s mouth. As well as being architecturally decorative, they played an important role in water damage prevention. In addition to their water drainage abilities, they were also thought to ward off evil.
2) Speaking of history – Gutter-Vac has been operating for over 20 years! Gutter-Vac invented the first effective gutter vacuum cleaning machine in Australia.
3) The word gutter comes from the Latin word, gutta, meaning, “a droplet”.
4) Funnily enough, we often find leaves on the opposite side of the roof to where the trees overhang! Don’t worry, Gutter-Vac cleans your entire roof, regardless if you have trees only on one side of your property.
5) Rain gutters used to be a prominent feature on cars in the 1980s. They were designed to keep the car’s occupants dry. You can see them on styles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Troopy/Ute made in the 80s for example. With the modern designs they have been phased out in favour of more streamlined designs.
6) Did you know Gutter-Vac can carry out services without you being at home? All our team members are extremely professional and reliable, and we are mindful of onsite family pets.
7) Queensland Health recommends regular cleaning of gutters, as they are mosquito breeding grounds. In fact, it is possible to be fined for breeding mosquitos by the local council. As well as keeping the itchy bites away, minimising your mosquito population also lowers your risk of contracting mosquito-carried viruses such as Ross River and Barmah Forest, just to name a few. Find out more on Queensland Health’s website here.
8) Some of the best views in the world are seen from a rooftop! Poets and artists alike have long been inspired by good roof top view. In fact, Picasso used rooftops as a main theme in a number of his paintings. Our franchisees will attest to the stunning city scenery we often get to witness working up high, (safely of course).
9) Thatch, clay and stone are some of the oldest roofing materials in the world! Often, terracotta roofing tiles are the only surviving relics of historical structures due to their durable nature.
10) In Queensland, metal roofs are the leaders in popularity. One of the reasons behind this is that they are resistant to harsh weather conditions.
11) Metal roofs are not more prone to lightening strikes than other materials. Contrary to what we’ve been told about metal being an attractor of lightening, this does not ring true when it comes to roofs.
12) Roofs ‘breathe’ – they expand and contract depending on the temperature. When the metal is hot it expands. When it is cold it contracts.
So there you have it! We hope you enjoyed our list! Feel free to let us know of any other fun facts you have up your sleeve.
