Gutter cleaning for strata buildings: how often and what to check
Blocked gutters are one of the most common and cheapest-to-prevent causes of water damage in Sydney buildings.
How often
At least once a year for most buildings, and twice a year where trees overhang the roof. Buildings next to gums, figs or palms may need more. Booking before autumn and before the summer storm season catches most problems.
Why box gutters matter most
Box gutters run inside the roof line on many apartment and commercial buildings. When an outlet blocks, the overflow has nowhere to go but inside, which is why top-floor ceiling stains so often trace back to a box gutter.
What a proper clean includes
- Debris removed by hand and bagged, not flushed into the downpipes
- Outlets and downpipes checked so water runs freely
- Before and after photos
- A note of rust, sagging, failed joints or missing brackets
Signs gutters need attention now
- Water spilling over the edge in rain
- Plants growing out of the gutter line
- Stains on walls or soffits under the gutter
- Damp patches in top-floor ceilings
Higher buildings
Gutters above ladder height are cleaned by our sister business ACE Abseiling using rope access, which avoids scaffolding on most buildings.
Related
Common questions
How often should strata gutters be cleaned in Sydney?
At least once a year, and twice a year where trees overhang the roof. Many buildings book a clean before autumn leaf fall and another before summer storms.
What happens if box gutters block?
Box gutters sit inside the roof line, so when they overflow, water can come straight into the building. They are worth checking more often than eaves gutters.
Who is responsible for gutters in a strata building?
Gutters and downpipes are usually common property maintained by the owners corporation. Check your strata plan and by-laws, as some buildings differ.