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Author: Warren Ballantyne

Got mould ?

Posted on by Warren Ballantyne

When you stand on the curb side in front of  your property, can you see mould growing on your property?  On the roof?  On the walls?  On the pathways?

Mould can not only be unhealthy to have growing on your home, it is often unsightly as well.  Mould, moss, lichen – they all love to grow on your property, but the question is not how does it grow, but how do we get rid of it, right?

We have a solution for you… in fact we have two!

It all depends on how fast you want a result and how much you are willing to invest.

If you are happy to wait for a result and invest less, then having your local Gutter-Vac franchisee apply our environmentally friendly product ‘EnviroClean’ to your property is the best solution.  EnviroClean will kill off the mould, moss and lichen and the spores so not only does it clean the surface, it will also prevent further growth. 

This solution can take up to 12 months to be fully effective because as each time it rains, the EnviroClean – that will remain on your property – will be ‘reactivated’ to continue to kill off the spores that grow the mould, moss and lichen.

See this video that explains EnviroClean:

Now if you are looking for an ‘instant’ result, we recommend that we firstly pressure clean the surface.  This will remove the mould, moss or lichen, but not the spores that allow it to ‘regrow’.  After we have pressure cleaned the surface, we then apply the EnviroClean, that just as it does above, will continue to work and reactivate with every rain fall to continue to kill off the spores to prevent the mould, moss or lichen from regrowing.  Off course this is an additional investment, but if you want an instant result, it will require this additional step.

So the choice is yours.  If you are unsure which is the best option for you, then contact your local Gutter-Vac franchisees on 1300 654 253 or request a quote online and they can assess your property, give you a free, no obligation quote and then you can make the decision that is best for your property…. And for you!

What would you rather be doing this weekend?

Posted on by Warren Ballantyne

Things are certainly warming up and believe it or not, it will be summer next month.  So we have a simple question for you today….

What would you rather be doing this weekend?

Would you like to be cleaning your gutters?

Would you like to be scrubbing that mould or lichen off the exterior surfaces of your home?

Would you like to be scrubbing your driveways and pathways trying to get them clean?

Would you like to be cleaning your solar panels?

OR

Would you rather be …..

Playing golf?

Spending time with your family?

Netflix?

Going to the beach?

Don’t spend your weekend doing those tasks that we could be doing for you…. Take them off your to do list and put them onto ours!

Will you have water when you need it?

Posted on by Warren Ballantyne

When a fire is approaching and you property and family is under threat, often times, the garden hose will simply not make the grade at offering you the water you need to protect and in some cases defend you home from a fire.

Now is the time to be fire prepared and you fire protection systems should NEVER miss the list. 

Here are top 7 suggestions to check or do:

  1. Check and replace as required any broken hoses and fittings.  When required, you want everything working.
  2. If you have a fire pump, then make sure it has been serviced and is in full working order. Remember your power is likely to be cut in a fire situation so you will need a petrol or diesel-powered pump, sized to run your fire hoses. If you don’t have a pump, could this be a good investment?
  3. Will you have the water supply when you need it?  In the event of a fire, the mains water supplies are often diverted to high pressure fire services units/trucks, so not only do you need to consider the pressure of your water supply in such an event, but whether you will be able to access water at all.  Consider your water supply such as water tanks.
  4. Where are your hoses placed?  Having access to your hoses and taps is essential when a fire is approaching.  Don’t have just a single hose on one side of your property because you may not be able to access it when the time comes.  Having hoses and taps at multiple locations will ensure having water when you need it most.
  5. Do you have the correct nozzle fittings to your hose to be able to disperse water at a flow and area that will give the correct firefighting coverage?
  6. Can everyone use your firefighting water systems?  Too often during emergency situations, when a time comes where these systems are required to be used, the person who knows how to use them are not present.  Don’t let a tragedy happen when all the right equipment was on hand for a good outcome, but it wasn’t used due to lack of know-how.
  7. Do you have the additional equipment and resources to help your firefighting?  Roof mounted sprinklers and blocking gutters and filling them with water is a great way to help defend and protect your property, even when you are evacuating.  The question is, do you have the necessary equipment and resources to do these tasks when they are needed?

Of course, the best plan of action is to listen to the directives of your local fire service and evacuate when directed.  Evacuation is the best plan, but in times when this is simply not possible, make sure you and your family are prepared to defend you home and your own personal safety.

Think Water specialises in system design, installation and servicing of everything water related.  As your local water expert, they have the product knowledge and experience to assist you with services and advice about water supply and firefighting equipment. 

If you believe you need to look at your firefighting systems or perhaps get the right one installed, contact your local Think Water expert. 

Find them here:   https://www.thinkwater.com.au/store-locator/

If a fire is approaching….

Posted on by Warren Ballantyne

Before we even begin, there are a couple of things we need to say….

  1. Get all of your information from the local and state fire services.  They have the best tools and information to help you, including checklists and fire plans.
  • Being prepared is the key.  You do not want a fire to be approaching and you don’t have the items you need…  Check out our article on this at: https://www.guttervac.com.au/?p=10333  
  • LEAVING EARLY is always your SAFEST OPTION.  Don’t be a hero, leave early and protect your family.

The reality is that a bushfire can be a terrifying experience and will drain you emotionally, mentally and physically fast.  Bushfires are usually accompanied with strong winds, heat, heavy smoke.  This can tire you quickly, smoke will sting your eyes and it will be hard to breathe.  The sound of a bushfire is incredible with a loud roaring sound.  You can have embers coming down like rain and spot fires will occur.  Remember also that your power and water may be cut off so you it could be dark, noisy and you will be isolated.

Remember you are not the only person to consider so even though you may believe that you can cope with the above situation, remember that others – especially children – will not cope so leaving early will be a better plan than staying to defend your home.

Being prepared for a bushfire is key, even if you have a plan to leave early, because sometimes fires are unpredictable so even if you intention is to leave, always be prepared in case leaving is no longer an option for you.

Have a fire preparation plan is a must so simply go to your state fire service website and they have all the plans and checklists for you to go through.  Do this BEFORE you need it.  Make sure you have plan and that you communicate that plan to everyone in your home.  Speak to your neighbours, communicate your plan to them and how you can work together in the event of a fire if possible. 

If a fire is approaching and you cannot leave your home then here are some of the basic things to do to help protect your family.

  • Stay informed.  Have a portable, battery operated radio and take all emergency services advice.
  • Keep up to date with where the fire alerts are in your area and at what level
  • Keep all emergency numbers and website information in a readily available location
  • Make sure you drink lots of water so that you stay hydrated.
  • Turn off gas mains or disconnect gas bottles
  • Move any flammable items away from your home
  • Block down pipes (simply use a sock full of sand or dirt) and then fill your gutters with water.
  • Don’t get on the roof to do this, but hose down the roof with water – do this from the ground.
  • Remember embers can be blown to your property well before the fire front arrives, so make sure you have  buckets of water and mops ready to put out embers and spot fires
  • Have shovels or rakes available to cover fires with dirt or to move spot fires away
  • When the fire is approaching, wet down the side of the house (and the garden) that is facing the fire
  • Move any of your firefighting equipment to a place where it will not be burnt or caught in a place that you cannot access.
  • Close all windows, doors and vents
  • Fill baths, sinks, buckets and bins with water
  • Confine your pets into a single room – they will be scared too so ensure the room is secure and they cannot escape
  • Put a ladder next to your man hole so if you need to access the ceiling cavity to put out spot fires, you are ready.
  • Soak towels and rugs and lay them across external doorways
  • Move all furniture away from windows
  • Ensure that everyone is dressed in protective clothing
    • Long heavy cotton pants such as denim jeans
    • Long sleeve shirt – made of natural fibres such as cotton or wool
    • Thick woollen or cotton socks
    • Leather books or shoes, work boots
    • If you are going outside then a wide brimmed hat to protect from dropping embers landing on your head or rolling down your back
    • Googles to protect against smoke, embers and debris
    • Gloves that will protect your hands from radiant heat, embers and debris
    • A mask or cloth to cover nose and mouth so you don’t inhale smoke, ash and embers
    • For those inside, woollen rugs and blankets are also a good idea for protection along with wet towels
  • If flames or fire front is now on top of you or the heat is unbearable, move inside until the fire has passed
  • Make sure you continue to patrol the inside of your home looking for sparks and embers
  • Shelter in a room on the opposite side of the house to the approaching fire and ensure you have a clear access to an exit
  • Once the fire has passed, check the inside and outside for fires including in the ceiling cavity, under the house, decks and stairs
  • Contact relatives or a friend to let them know you are safe
  • If possible, check in with your neighbours and make sure they are ok
  • Continue to patrol your home for several house to extinguish any small fires or burning embers

Remember, the safest option is to leave early.  The emergency services give these warnings with plenty of notice, so don’t ignore them, act on them.  Although you may believe you can defend your home, bushfires are unpredictable and more powerful than many people realise if they have never gone through this situation.  You want to leave early, but hopefully, this list has given you some information in the event that you need it. 

As we said, the best source of your information is your state fire service.

We take safety seriously, but we also take bushfires seriously.  One of the major to do items that every fire service will tell you is to have your gutters cleaned. 

EVERY year (because every year there is a devastating fire in Australia, just some years there are more than others) we have customers call us after a bushfire to say thank you because their home as made it through the fires and the fires services have told them that this was because they had a well maintained, fire prepared property and they have clean gutters.  It is amazing how many times we hear this, so this year, as we do every year, we want to continue to spread the message to be prepared for fires and leaving early is the safest option.

Be Fire Prepared

Posted on by Warren Ballantyne

After the devasting fires last year, we thought it would be helpful to give you a clear list of things you can do around your home to be prepared for fires this season.  The peak of the bushfire season will be upon us soon, so make sure  you take the time to get your home “fire ready”.

  • Let’s start with an obvious one….. make sure your gutters and roof are cleaned of debris.  Remember that this is not only to take away potential fuel for a fire, but also remember that if a fire is approaching, you can block off your downpipes and then fill your gutters with water as a protection measure for your home.
  • Prepare firebreaks – especially if you live near bush land or on a rural property
  • Remove lower hanging tree branches
  • Clear long grass, leaves and twigs and shrubs from around your house
  • Store any petrol or fuels away from the house
  • If you have smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or any other protective equipment, check and make sure it is in good working order
  • Move timber (for example a wood pile) away from the house
  • Keep grass cut short
  • Water lawns, plants, shrubs and trees near your home to keep them green (especially in the summer months)
  • Make sure house is safe with wire screens and shutters and ensure all gaps to the house are filled.
  • Enclose any open areas under the house
  • Repair or cover any gaps on external walls
  • If you can or in a high danger area, consider attaching a fire sprinkler system to your gutters
  • Check your hoses for cracks and also ensure you have hoses that are long enough to reach around your house
  • If you have a dam, pool or other water source, put up signs on your driveway entrance stating you have a Static Water Supply which is useful for fire services in an emergency
  • Make sure your insurances are up to date and cover you for emergency events
  • Create an emergency fire kit
    • Plan to defend your property or to evacuate in the event of a fire
    • Emergency phone numbers
    • Portable radio
    • Torch and batteries
    • Drinking water
    • First Aid Kit
    • Protective clothing (especially if going to stay and defend your home)
    • Googles and gloves
    • Fire Extinguisher
    • Ladder, Shovel, hoses
    • Towels and Woollen blankets (keep a woollen blanket in your car if you live in a rural area just in case as well)
    • Storage box for all important documents, photos or valuables in case of a fast evacuation

Don’t wait until it is too late.  Now is the time to get prepared. 

Here’s a great video on being prepared: 

What a change with pressure cleaning.

Posted on by Warren Ballantyne

When was the last time you looked at the state of your driveway or paths around your home?

Because we see our driveway and pathways every day and just like the rest of us, you probably don’t really take notice of them, they are just in your day to day life, you may not realise just how dirty and dangerous they have become because the build-up of dirt and grime happens over time. 

Take a look at your driveway and pathways…. Are they starting to look a little dirty?  Maybe if they are concrete, maybe they are starting to look a little black, rather than grey. 

At Gutter-Vac we offer pressure cleaning services as a part of our suite of services to help you clean and maintain your property. 

It is always amazing at what a difference a simply pressure clean can have to your driveway and pathways.  Even surfaces that at first glance don’t appear to be all that dirty, once pressure cleaned, the difference can be like night and day.

Remember also that there is not just an appearance factor to this, there is also a safety aspect.  You may not be able to see it, but sometimes the grime build up on these surfaces may not just be dirt.  There could be oil build up or moss or mould, all of which can cause the surface to be slippery and all it takes is one little spot of slippery surface under foot that can cause you to slip and fall.  A fall may not result in only dropping your groceries that you are carrying in from the car, but it could also cause some broken bones or injuries.

When pressure cleaning there are some environmental factors to take into consideration to ensure that dirty or contaminated water is not simply allowed to run into storm water drains and out into our waterways and the environment.  We take great care in assessing our ‘work site’ and getting the work done, but also in a way that is safe AND environmentally friendly.

Did you know we can also pressure clean roof surfaces?

Want to know more… give us a call on 1300 654 253.

Why Vacuum clean gutters?

Posted on by Warren Ballantyne

We often get asked the reason why we vacuum clean gutters… wouldn’t it be easier just to blow them out with a blower or pull them out by hand or simply hose the stuff out of the gutters?  It may appear to be easier, but it is certainly not better.  Let’s look at the different ways to clean your gutters and the sometimes unseen issues with that method.

Hand Cleaning

This may seem like the simplest approach, go up a ladder with a bucket and simply scoop out the debris in your gutters by hand, but although simply, it really isn’t very safe or effective.

Safety is a big issue with cleaning gutters by hand.  When most people fall from a height, it is actually more often than not a fall off a ladder rather than a roof.  Ladders need to be secured to a property when working on or off them, placed on a flat and stable surface and then when cleaning gutters from the top of a ladder, you will be reaching out – sometimes beyond a safe reach – which will change your centre of gravity, make you unstable on the ladder and sometimes simply ‘push’ the ladder away from you, causing you to fall.  There are so many safety concerns with working off a ladder to clean your gutters by hand.

But cleaning by hand is also inefficient and ineffective to clean gutters.  There is simply not just leaves in your gutters that would appear to be easy to scoop out, but there is also a break- down of debris that causes a muddy sludge that sometimes can be impossible, or at the very least extremely messy, to scoop out of your gutters and it is this sludge that causes the most problems in your gutters. 

Also remember that other things live or end up in gutters from spiders to syringes to snakes.  None of which you would want to place your hand on!

Blower Cleaning

Sure this is a fast way of getting the leaves out of a gutter, but it is also a really messy way of doing it.  You don’t have a lot of control on a blower so anything you blow up and out of your gutters is likely to leave all over your yard.  Also remember that the muddy sludge at the bottom of your gutter is also not simply blown out with a blower.  Not really possible and if by some chance it is, then this muddy sludge is deposited all over your home.

Remember also that when blowing, leaves are often blown up and under the soffit of your home and sometimes there is even a little gap where they can get stuck.  Not only messy, but potentially hazardous for your home, especially if you live in a bushfire area. 

Hose Wash/Pressure Wash Gutters

Another idea people have to clean their gutters is to simply hose them out or use a pressure cleaning wand to high pressure wash the debris out of your gutters.  So firstly, much like a blower, you are going to create an awful mess with leaves and sludge sprayed out of the gutters into your yard or all over your property.

The second thing that happens is you simply “push” the debris down the gutters and into your downpipes.  If your gutters are full of debris and possible blockages, image that same debris getting blocked in your downpipes.  This is a real problem because no matter how clean your gutters are, if the downpipe is also blocked, then your gutters will continue to overflow. 

Vacuum Clean

We can get all the debris, take all the debris away so no mess left behind.  It can be done safely and more importantly, if actually gets your gutters cleaned.

That’s why we recommend getting your gutters vacuum cleaned.  Clean, Safe, Easy.

7 Spring Maintenance To Dos

Posted on by Warren Ballantyne

Well spring is here and we all know that ‘Spring Clean’ fever has arrived.  When maintaining your home – your greatest asset – spring should trigger that it is time to carry out some essential, but only once a year, maintenance items.  Here’s our list of must do spring maintenance items to add to your to do list.

  1. Check your clothes dryer vents and remove any build-up of lint

We all know the dryer gets a workout over winter, but did you know that if the vents are blocked or there is a build-up of lint, that this is a potential fire hazard.

With the start of spring, this is a good time to ensure you have checked and cleaned the vents and removed any lint for the continued safe working of your dryer.

2. Check seals around windows and doors

Another one for the list after winter and winter’s harsh weather conditions, go around and check all the seals and caulking around windows and doors – both internal and external doors. 

Look for cracks or splits and replace as required.  This will not only keep your home water tight, but will also help to keep your house warm or cool depending on the season. 

3. Heaters and Chimneys and Flues

Because we use our heaters and fires mainly during the winter months, this is something you should really check twice a year, not just once.  You may only have your chimney or flue cleaned once a year, but it is worth the effort to have them checked twice a year.

Some people prefer to have them cleaned in autumn prior to winter, whilst other people will have them cleaned after winter and checked just prior to the next winter.

Don’t only check your chimney and flues, make sure you clean our the fire box and check it for wood burning heaters or fireplaces and then for electric or gas heaters, have them serviced and checked for wiring, leaks and general working order.

4. Air Conditioner

Spring is the perfect time to have your air conditioner cleaned and serviced in preparation for those summer months where the cool air from your air conditioner will not only keep you cool physically, but maybe also keep ‘the cool’ in your home life!  We all know what a hot day with no air conditioning can do to the mood of your family!

Make sure you have a professional check and clean your air conditioner.  Never try and do this yourself because if there are any issues – especially electrical – with your air conditioner, then this is not something to tackle yourself, it simply isn’t worth the risk.

5. Fertilise your lawn

We often think of our gardens in spring, but we often forget our lawns.  Now is the time to grab the fertiliser for our lawns to keep them healthy and lush coming into the summer months.  Spring is a great time to make sure your lawn is happy and health.

6. Check your roof

Now, this is not a DIY task, but spring is the perfect time to have your roof inspected to ensure there are no missing, loose or broken tiles.  Are there any leaks or spots of rust on your roof?  Missing screws or loose sheets if a tin roof?  Do you have mould, moss or lichen growing on your roof?

Spring is a great time for a roof inspection, but certainly not a DIY task.

7. Spring clean the exterior of your home

This list wouldn’t be complete with all those spring cleaning items that we all know we should be doing, but maybe are not as diligent as we should be. 

Spring is a great time to have your windows cleaned, a house wash, pressure clean paths and driveways, clean your external doors, clean your roof, clean your fences and of course, we would be crazy if we didn’t remind you to have your gutters cleaned, right?

Spring is the perfect time to give your home the once over after the harsh weather elements of winter and to get your home ready for summer.  We all have our cars serviced at least once a year, so think that spring brings a time to give your home a general service to ensure it is well maintained, protected from the elements and will keep your home in top condition to maintain (if not improve) its value over the years.

Happy Spring Clean !

Disinfectant Services

Posted on by Warren Ballantyne

The world certainly changed a lot this year and with the introduction of social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing and sanitizing to protect us from COVID-19 came into our day to day life.

Early in the story of COVID-19 this year, we were getting requests from some of our commercial clients on if we could help them out and provide disinfectant services to their properties, so we started the process of introducing this as a service to Gutter-Vac for, in particular, our commercial customers.

This wasn’t a fast process and we wanted to do it right.  It is simply not a matter of going out to a property and splashing about a lot of chemicals and in fact, if someone says they can do this, then stop and run away as this is an extremely dangerous practice if not done correctly.

The first thing we had to find was a chemical that was effective (and to date, no chemical can be said to prevent COVID-19.

We use a chemical called BactaExTM that will kill 99.99% of viruses and bacteria (the highest rating you can get), but at the same time it is a food grade chemical.  That is, it is safe to use in food preparation areas, which also means it is safe to pets and children.  We didn’t want to use a chemical that would be harmful, expect to kill off a virus of course!

When doing a disinfectant service we must use all the protective personal equipment (PPE) such as a suit, gloves, mask – not because of the chemical we use, but to protect us in case the virus is present in the premises we are about to disinfect.  So many people get concerned when they see us ‘suit up’, worried that the chemical will be harmful to them, but it is not to protect us from the chemical, but to protect us from a possible virus infection present.

So once we found the right disinfectant to use, we set about having the right equipment and the correct training for our franchisees.  This is why we say you need to be wary of people offering to do disinfectant services that are not from reputable companies.  Did you know that there is even a government introduced code of conduct for disinfectant services?  If the company you are about to use doesn’t know that there is a code of conduct, then likely they are not doing the service correctly.

The final piece of the puzzle was to have all the correct documentation for us and for you.  This included the correct legal documents and waivers to provide this service PLUS the correct insurances.  To get insurance on providing such a service is no small task and if a company doesn’t offer insurance, then this is another point to ring an alarm bell because after going through the process to be able to get insurance, you certainly have to have EVERYTHING done correctly so it is a good quick question to know if a company is providing the service correctly and legitimately. 

So after a lot of work in a short amount of time, Gutter-Vac can now provide a disinfectant service for your premises.  This service is obviously not provided by all of our franchisees at this stage as they have not yet all gone through the training, but they are working together with neighbouring franchisees that are trained to provide the service so can pass you to the closest franchisee who can help you with your disinfectant services.

If you are requiring a service, then please fill in our request a quote form and we can get the closest trained franchisee to contact you in regards to your disinfectant service required. 

What’s growing in your gutters?

Posted on by Warren Ballantyne

Most people believe that the only thing that will be in the gutters are leaves, but this simply isn’t the case.

Sure, leafy debris makes up a lot of what we find and remove from gutters, but you might be surprised at what else we find!

The gutters can create quite the ecosystem that allows many things to grow.  Leafy debris will break down into a muddy, sludge type of material that is high in nutrients.  Add a few seeds that blow in, some bird droppings (that may also contain seeds), plus add some fresh rainwater and sunshine and there you have it, all the ingredients for a lovely garden to grow.

This might mean that just some small moss or lichen may grow, but then you can have grass growing and then we go to full on plant growth.  We had a franchisee that was quite the gardener and they would often find lovely – and sometimes quite expensive plants – growing in gutters that if carefully removed, could be replanted in a place where they should be growing or in a pot, rather than growing in your gutters.

Because of the shape of gutters, we have removed many a plant and sometimes not really a plant but more like a small shrub or small tree (yes, some as high as 5 or 6 feet high), the root system of this growth will growth along the inside of the gutter and due to the confined space, can grow to be quite strong and branch like. 

You only need to ponder on this for a moment to realise just how damaging this can be to your gutter system by growing within the gutter.  Add to this that the gutters can then be blocked and have potentially damaging effects to your home with water damage, but that these plants will also attract pests with a ready-made food source PLUS this will also cause your gutters to rust. 

The biggest challenge is that you often can’t see this gutter growth (that’s what we like to call your garden in a gutter) from the ground.  Even some of the biggest plant growth is not visible from the ground so until your gutters start overflowing you may have no idea that you even have blocked gutters, let alone gutter growth.

This is why it is important to have your gutters cleaned at least once a year – perhaps more often if you are in a leafy area.  At Gutter-Vac we can provide a preventative maintenance service whereby we can inspect and clean your gutters on a regular basis (at least once a year) so that you never need to look up at your gutters and wonder what is going on inside.

If you are not sure what is growing in your gutters, then it might be time to give us a call so that we can attend to that gutter growth and have your gutters doing their intended purpose of taking water off of and away from your property, not being the garden on the roof of your property. 

Call 1300 654 253

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