Nature has a way of finding its place in unexpected locations. An example of this is the growth of plants on buildings and gutter lines. While it may seem harmless or even aesthetically pleasing, the presence of these plants can pose significant damage to the structure they inhabit. Let’s talk about the potential hazards this can cause and what you can do to prevent such harm.

Structural Damage
Plants have an incredible ability to adapt and find their way into the tiniest crevices. Unfortunately, this adaptability can result in significant structural damage to your buildings. As plants grow, their roots can penetrate cracks in walls, causing them to expand over time. Not to mention the weight that plants hold, putting extra stress on the foundation. This can weaken the structural integrity of the building which may lead to costly repairs.  

Surface Damage
Plant growth on the exterior of buildings can also cause damage to the fascia and other surfaces. As vines or ivy cling to walls, they can create small cracks or loosen the mortar in between bricks. Over time, this can lead to moisture seeping into the building, causing mould and mildew growth.

Gutter Issues
Plants growing in the gutter lines can lead to a host of problems. Leaves, twigs and other debris from the plants can accumulate in the gutters, blocking the flow of water. This can result in overflowing gutters, which can damage the roof, fascia, and even the foundation of the building. Moreover, clogged gutters can create breeding grounds for pests and insects, leading to further complications. In some cases, when there is overgrowth of plants, it makes access to gutters difficult resulting in the inability to be able to clean them.

Fire Hazards
Dry plant material, such as dead leaves or branches, can pose a significant fire hazard when they accumulate on buildings. If a fire were to occur nearby, these plants could easily catch alight and spread the fire to the building, thus increasing the risk of property damage as well as endangering lives.

Have a look at the damage the ivy is doing to this building. We spent the day removing the growth from the gutter line.

Now you know the risks involved, let’s discuss how you might mitigate the potential damages.

Regular Maintenance
Conduct routine inspections to identify any signs of plant growth on buildings or gutter lines. Promptly address any issues to prevent further damage.

Pruning and Trimming
Regularly prune and trim any plants growing near the building and gutter lines to prevent them from attaching to any surfaces or obstructing gutters.

Cleaning Gutters and Downpipes
Clean your gutters and downpipes regularly to prevent accumulation of debris to ensure proper water flow.

Plants can bring life and beauty to our surroundings, but when they grow on buildings and gutter lines, they can impose a significant threat. By implementing preventative measures and practising regular maintenance, you can protect your building and still have a lovely garden.

If you are seeking help to get your gutters cleaned, you can call 1300 654 253 or request a free quote by clicking here. We look forward to hearing from you!

“Extremely helpful support from Fleur to expedite the visit due a blocked downpipe. Operator was also excellent – highly efficient and pleasant to deal with.”

Greg of Snug, Tasmania

If we have a cancellation, we can move work forward to accommodate the needs of our customers. For instance, Greg had a blocked downpipe which hindered the flow of debris flowing out of his gutters. We were able to complete his job sooner than expected. Our team strives to provide efficient and pleasant assistance to all our customers. We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to write a review for us, we look forward to seeing you again next year.

If you require a gutter clean, you can click here to get a free quote or give us a call on 1300 654 253 to book in.

“We are very impressed by the quality of service received. Everyone very friendly and professional. Gutters clean and solar panels sparkling!”

Lesley and Peter of Kingston, Tasmania

Thank you for taking the time to share your positive feedback with us, it is always a pleasure to read. We are delighted to hear how impressed you were with the quality of service you received from our team.

We understand the importance of clean gutters and solar panels. Our goal is to ensure that your gutters are clear of any debris and your solar panels are in optimal condition to maximise their efficiency. 

If you need a gutter clean and/or a solar panel clean, give Gutter-Vac Northern and Southern Tasmania a call today on 1300 654 253.

“Our white guttering is looking fantastic after Chris and Joe’s hard work. No longer fearing sudden downpours will overflow into the roof space – thanks!”

Joanna of Kingston Beach, Tas

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your positive feedback. We are thrilled to hear that your white guttering is looking great after the hard work completed by our technicians.

At Gutter-Vac Northern and Southern Tasmania, we take pride in delivering high-quality results and providing peace of mind for our customers. Thank you for using our business and we look forward to hearing from you in the future.

If you are worried about your gutters and downpipes overflowing, why not click here for a free quote today?

Moss is a type of small, non-vascular plant that typically thrives in moist and shady environments. It has certain adaptations that allow it to grow and survive in such conditions. Here are some reasons why moss tends to grow:

Moisture
Moss requires a significant amount of moisture to grow. It is commonly found in areas that have high humidity, frequent rainfall, or consistent moisture levels. Moisture provides the necessary hydration for moss to carry out its physiological processes and absorb nutrients from its surroundings.

Shade
Moss prefers shaded areas where direct sunlight is limited. Excessive sunlight can cause moss to dry out and become less viable. Thus, you often find moss growing in shaded areas under trees, in forests, or on north-facing slopes where sunlight is less intense. Gutters are the perfect place for moss. The overhang of the roof on a winter day can provide the perfect condition. Gutters with gutter guard are an ideal spot for moss to grow.

Lack of competition
Moss tends to grow in areas where there is minimal competition from other plants. It can colonise bare or disturbed surfaces such as rocks, soil, tree bark, and even man-made structures, such as gutters.

Acidic or nutrient-poor soil
We tend to find moss growing in gutters that are less full of nutrient-rich decomposed matter. Gutters that have minimal or nutrient-lacking dirt with the other conditions can contain moss. In areas where the soil pH is low or lacking in essential nutrients, moss can still thrive. They can extract and utilise nutrients efficiently from these environments, which gives them a competitive advantage over other plant species that require more fertile soil.

Spore dispersal
Mosses reproduce by releasing spores, which are lightweight and can be easily dispersed by wind, water, or animals. This allows mosses to colonise new areas and establish themselves in diverse environments. Once spores land on a suitable substrate, they can germinate and grow into new moss plants. Wind and birds play a part in the dispersal of moss from gutters. Birds tend to pick the moss out of the gutter and fling it to the ground. There the moss can establish a new colony.

It’s important to note that moss growth can also be influenced by factors such as temperature, air quality, and local microclimates. Each species of moss may have specific requirements and preferences regarding its growth conditions. It is safe to say that gutters are the perfect environment for moss to grow. Each year we return to the same gutters and there is the moss ready and waiting for us to vacuum clean away.

If you have moss in your gutters and require a gutter clean, you can click here for a free quote or call 1300 654 253 to book in. We look forward to hearing from you.

“This is a highly professional, friendly service. The team went out of their way to fit us in and get the job finished, despite the unreliable weather. They are all responsive and helpful in person and on the phone. In addition to clean gutters, I appreciated their capacity for minor repair work, and their condition report, complete with photos.”

Anne and Peter of West Hobart, Tasmania

Thank you to Anne and Peter for taking the time to share their positive feedback with us. We are delighted to hear that you found our services highly professional and friendly. Our team takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service, and your kind words serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication.

We understand all too well the challenges posed by unpredictable weather conditions, and we are pleased that our team was able to accommodate your schedule and successfully complete the job.

We are so happy that you appreciated our capacity for minor repair work and the report we provided. We believe in going the extra mile to ensure our customers are fully informed.

Thank you again for sharing your experiences with Gutter-Vac Northern and Southern Tasmania. If you are looking at getting your gutters cleaned, why not get a free quote today!

Did you know that we had a feature in the ‘Winter Garden’ section of the Kingborough Chronicle and Huon News? Gutter-Vac Southern Tasmania offers a professional and courteous vacuum cleaning service for commercial and domestic gutters, roofs, solar panels, downpipes, stormwater drains, and lots more.

Gutter cleaning is a task that is required all year round. Different areas require a clean at certain times of the year due to weather conditions, trees in the vicinity and the type of tree it is. Winter in Tasmania is a busy time for us with the rain and the Autumn and Winter leaves falling. It is not just trees though, moss builds up in the gutters due to the significant amount of moisture and limited sunlight that gets into the gutters.

Here are a few snippets from the article:

• “To clean your gutters, we use a specialised vacuum system that gets rid of leafy debris and removes mud, dirt and sludge that sits in the bottom of your gutters.”
• “The sludge can cause serious problems, not only with overflowing or blocked gutters but also with rust and long-lasting irreparable damage.”
• “We remove and clean it all, which means your gutters can do the job that they were intended for!”
• “In recognition for their dedication to customer satisfaction, Gutter-Vac Southern Tasmania were presented as winners for Franchisee of the Year 2018 and the Customer Service Award 2022, from a total of more than 80 other franchisees Australia-wide.”
• “For the Dobson’s and their team, safety is always key when it comes to working at heights on potentially dangerous surfaces.”
• “It might seem like a good idea to grab a ladder and clean your gutters yourself, but without the required training, it can be dangerous.”
• “Many accidents around the home occur on a ladder, saving a few dollars on professional gutter cleaning isn’t worth the risk of injury.”            

Don’t risk a fall, give Gutter-Vac Southern Tasmania a call at 1300 654 253.