Gutter Cleaning

A Small Job That Prevents Big Problems

Gutter cleaning isn't glamorous, but neglecting it leads to expensive damage. Understanding who's responsible — and staying on top of a regular schedule — saves money and headaches down the line.

Who Owns the Gutters?

Strata Titled Groups

Gutters are common property. The corporation is responsible for their maintenance.

Community Titled Groups — Strata Divisions

Where one lot sits above another (a strata division), gutters and fascias are treated the same as strata title. The corporation owns them and is responsible for maintenance under Section 75 of the Community Titles Act.

Community Titled Groups — Lot by Lot

Where each lot sits side by side, each owner has ownership of the buildings within their lot — including their own gutters and fascias.

What Goes Wrong When Gutters Are Neglected

• Weeds take hold in the gutter — soil and debris build up, seeds germinate, and the root growth rusts the gutter from the inside out. By the time it's visible, the gutter section usually needs replacing.
• Downpipes rust and block — leaf litter and debris sitting in downpipes for years causes internal corrosion and blockages.
• Stormwater sumps fill up — the sumps in driveways and other areas collect surface water and channel it to underground drainage. They gradually fill with leaves and rubbish and need regular clearing.
• Sump pumps fail — where the street level is higher than the property, stormwater sump pumps are used to prevent flooding. Without annual servicing by a qualified technician, they can fail when you need them most.

Recommended Schedule

Arrange for all gutters, downpipes, sumps, and stormwater drains to be cleaned in April or May each year — before the winter rains arrive.

If there are overhanging trees, you may need to clean more frequently. In coastal or salty environments, consider replacing deteriorating gutters and downpipes with Colorbond or equivalent, and schedule cleaning and washing every three months.

Contractor Checklist

Hand this to your gutter cleaning contractor before work begins. It sets clear expectations and helps you get better value from the job.

• Do not access the roof without permission from the contact person (exception: concrete tile or steel roofs)
• Remove all debris and moss from gutters
• Flush all downpipes clean
• Attend to minor repairs (small leaks, etc.) while on site
• Provide a written quote for any larger problems identified
• Clean all stormwater sumps
• Report any roof issues observed
• Remove all waste from site (unless the contact person agrees to disposal in bins or as compost)
• Direct any resident requests or complaints to the body corporate officers