Cast iron gutters are the most forgiving when it comes to cleaning cycles because they are stronger and more durable. But that doesn't mean they're immune to the effects associated with dirty and clogged gutters. You still need to clean and maintain the gutters regularly to enjoy their full benefits and have them last longer.
Because gutter cleaning isn't something most property owners take seriously, perhaps the best place to start before looking at how often you should clean your cast iron gutters is what happens when you don't clean the gutters and the risks you're running.
What Happens When You Don’t Clean Cast Iron Gutters?
Not cleaning your cast iron gutters or not cleaning them regularly enough comes with various risks:
Leaks
It might take more time and debris for cast iron gutters to start leaking. Eventually, the build-up will create enough pressure for the joints to leak. You might also notice water pooling and flowing over the gutters and stopends because the clogged downpipes can't drain it fast enough.
Damage to the gutters and the roof
Although cast iron gutters are sturdy and strong, they can be unsafe when not properly cleaned. The excess moisture caused by debris piled up in the gutters can cause the gutters to rust and rot, making the brackets and support frail. The gutters can rip away from the fascia and destroy the roofing structure and themselves in the process.
Because of the weight of the gutters, they can cause more significant damage when they pull away from their support.
Attracting pests
Cast iron gutters won't attract pests, but the debris and mould growing inside them will. It starts with small insects that find food and habitat inside the mould, attracting other larger predators. Over time, pests also start looking for a habitat inside your home, boring holes in the timber and fascia, weakening the structure over the years.
How Often Should You Clean Cast Iron Gutters
The question of how often you should clean cast iron gutters depends on various factors, like where you stay and how often it rains. However, we recommend having your cast iron gutters cleaned thoroughly and downpipes unblocked once every six months. But you should also consider the following factors when determining how often you should clean your cast iron gutters.
Trees and foliage near your roof
You must clean your cast iron gutters more frequently if you have a lot of trees and foliage near the property. The vegetation drops leaves, twigs and flowers on the roof, which the water carries into the gutters. Without regular cleaning, the debris will hinder water flow in the gutters and cause them to overflow or leak.
Seasonal weather cycles
It is recommended to clean your gutters just before the rainy season. It prepares them to transfer the rainwater collected quickly and efficiently. It also gives you a chance to take care of any repairs you notice when cleaning. If you have two rainy cycles, you should clean the gutters twice. If you have three, then clean the gutters thrice.
Condition of the gutters
New cast iron gutters are more resilient than older ones. The bracket and support are still in the best condition and can support more weight. The same can't be said for older gutters. You need to clean and inspect them more often. It ensures the brackets and supports don't carry more weight than they can handle and allows you to spot problem areas and repair them early before they get worse. Cleaning older gutters more regularly may prolong their life and postpone how soon you need to install new ones.
If you have gutter guards and screens
If you made the wise decision to add gutter guards and screens, they would come in handy when it comes to cleaning. They keep large debris like twigs and leaves out of the gutters. Only the smaller particles make it through. These take longer to accumulate and are usually carried by water through the system. With gutter guards or screens, your cast iron gutter cleaning task is easier. You can take more time between cleaning and even when cleaning you will realise you don't have much work. Nevertheless, you should always make it a point to inspect the gutters.
Cleaning cast iron gutters is the same as other gutters. However, the downpipes might be more tightly packed, so you might need to buy a drain rod to help push the blockage out of the downpipe - otherwise, everything else you need to clean out the gutters you can easily find around the house.