Gutter Cleaning

Gutter Cleaning

Introduction

Preventive maintenance is when work is performed on a facility to increase its life or prevent a long term failure. This is considered best practice, but is often overlooked as it will often require spending before there is a major problem
A key preventive maintenance task is the cleaning of roofs and gutters. 

Guttering forms part of a buildings stormwater system. It captures runoff from the roof, and controls its flow. Due to their age and location, some Scout Halls will have different guttering arrangements. Some may not have guttering at all. However, if guttering is installed, it needs regular maintenance.

This practical guide seeks to provide guidance on what maintenance is required, and how it is best achieved.


Why is gutter cleaning important?

Damage to a facility is caused when water ends up where it is not meant to. Whereas an appropriately designed and maintained stormwater system will ensure that water stays where it should be. 
When gutters are blocked or restricted due to debris, this can cause water ingress into buildings. This can become visible in the soffit linings, and will show as bubbling paint, staining or mould (see images below). In some circumstances water can track along structure framework and show up inside a building. This will be visible as staining on the ceiling lining and sometimes even show as water leaks. Over time ceiling linings will sag and collapse and structural framework will rot. Wet or damp structural and decorative timber are also prone to attract termites especially where damp or damp timer extends down to the foundations. Build-up in the gutters can also causes debris and residue to build up on the roof surfaces ultimately causing them to rust.

While costs will vary depending on the size of the Scout Hall, a typical roof and gutter replacement can cost up to $35,000 to $45,000; and even more if structural elements need to be replaced.

  

Excessive debris in getters also provide a fire risk, especially in the natural settings of most Scout Halls.

Maintenance Requirements

At a basic level, gutters need to be regularly cleaned. Traditionally gutters are cleaned by using a temporary elevated work platform (such as a portable scaffold or appropriate ladder) and debris is removed by hand. This type of work has inherent risk, such as working at height and dealing with sharp edges.

It is recommended that, if this work is done at a Group level, that it is only performed by a capable and experienced Scout adult volunteer or employee, with appropriate controls and taking into consideration constraints around working at height.

In many communities, contractors are available and can perform this work at a relatively low cost. The use of contractors is strongly encouraged, and in some cases will be a requirement (see below working a heigh). Formations should include this cost in their annual operational budgets. The frequency of cleaning will vary from site to site and depend on the amount of tree cover. It is always a good practise to have the gutters cleaned ahead of fire season and also in anticipation of expected higher rainfall.
Gutters should be checked regularly and cleaned as often as necessary.

To reduce ongoing maintenance costs, Formations may want to consider the installation of gutter guard. Gutter guard will need occasional cleaning and maintenance, but significantly less than conventional gutters. When choosing a gutter guard, it is recommended to use a more heavy duty metal mesh style, rather than some of the plastic systems on the market. The supply and installation of gutter guard could be considered as part of a grant application.



Working at height

Working at heights is considered a high risk activity, and a leading cause of death and serious injury in Australia. Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulation sets specific control measures where there is a risk of a fall. The table below outlines the minimum requirements.

Risk of falling is less than 2 metres

Risk of falling is greater than 2 metres


Advice to use fall prevention if reasonably practicable, or other appropriate controls.

Fall prevention is mandatory.
A safe work method statement (SWMS) is required

For a typical single story, slab- on-ground structures the roof guttering is typically installed between 2.5m and 3m off the ground. In thissituations, the fall distance would be around 2m. 
Before undertaking any work at height, Scout volunteers or employees are required to stop and identify the hazards, assess risks and establish appropriate control measures. If the risk cannot be appropriately mitigated then a contractor should be engaged. (see F31 Risk Assessment Form)
For multi-story, highset buildings or elevated slab foundations, due to the height of the gutters the fall distance is likely to exceed 2 meters. For this style of building, formations should not perform this work themselves, but rather should engage an appropriately experienced, licenced and insured contractor
Should you need any further advice or assistance please contact The Facilities and Risk Support Team at facilities@scoutsqld.com.au 

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