In this article, you'll learn:
First up, watch our Home Safety Specialist, Nicole, explain why clear gutters are so important.
Hi, I’m Nicole from Allianz.
It’s easy to miss gutters because they’re out of sight.
But after the rain we’ve just had, that could be a costly mistake.
One blockage can cost thousands in water damage. You want to clear those out, get everything flowing.
Allianz Prevention helps you catch common issues before they become problems.
Search Allianz Prevention to check out tips to care for your home.
Disclaimer: Booking fee applies for Home Health Check service (‘HHC’). Available to existing Allianz direct Home & Landlord Insurance customers living in eligible Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane postcodes. T&Cs apply. For full details of HHC service visit Allianz Prevention. HHC service delivered by AWP Australia Pty Ltd for Allianz Australia Insurance Limited. Tradespeople can be organised at homeowner’s request. Additional costs payable by homeowner.
Gutters are designed to direct stormwater away from your home and into your drains. When they’re clear and working well, they help protect your roof and walls from water damage.
But when gutters are clogged with leaves, sticks, and branches, water can overflow and seep into your walls. This can cause damp, mould, and even problems with your home’s foundations.
Clogged gutters can also become the perfect home for insects, birds, and rodents. With shelter, plenty to eat, and lots of nest material, pests can move in fast. As they nest, they add even more debris. That can make gutter blockages even worse.
Most insurance policies won’t cover damage caused by a lack of maintenance, or insects, birds, or rodents. That means regular gutter clearing is essential.
Keeping your gutters in good condition helps prevent damage that may not be covered. Your insurer will generally expect you to keep your home well-maintained. Insurance claims may be affected where a home isn’t regularly maintained and falls into disrepair.
Allianz Home Insurance can cover loss or damage from insured events like storms.1 However, it may not cover damage caused by wear and tear or poor maintenance. That’s why regular home maintenance is so important.
To check what’s covered by your policy and what’s excluded, see your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
During storm season especially, look for these signs that your gutters may not be working properly:
If blocked gutters overflow, water can leak behind them. This can soak into exterior brickwork or cladding and then seep into your internal walls.
Gutters can crack or corrode over time. This stops water flowing where it should and may cause leaks. You might notice dripping from the roof edge or paint that’s peeling or cracking.
If downpipes aren’t installed in the right place or aren’t secured properly, water can flow straight to your foundations. Look for water pooling around the base of your home.
These tips can help you maintain your gutters and lessen the risk of water damage this storm season.
Use a ladder to inspect and clear your gutters at least once a year. It’s even more important before storm season or after major weather events.
This reduces the amount of debris that can fall into and build up in your gutters.
Look out for mess, droppings, nesting material or unusual smells. Call pest control if you suspect an infestation.
Gutter guards can help prevent blockages by keeping leaves and debris out.
Professional gutter cleaners can safely handle jobs on steep or high roofs.
Gutter guards are mesh inserts made from plastic or metal. They sit inside your gutters and let water in while keeping debris out. This helps reduce blockages and lower the risk of mould, rotting roof trim, and peeling paint. Clear gutters may also help reduce your home’s bushfire risk.
However, gutter guards aren’t a set-and-forget solution. You’ll still need to clear away leaves and debris from your gutter guards from time to time. They may be less effective in areas with very heavy rainfall. If that’s common where you live, chat to a professional before installing.
Priced per linear metre, gutter guards can be a pricey option, depending on your home’s size.
If you’d rather leave the technical checks to a specialist, an Allianz Home Health Check is designed for you. For $299 (incl. GST), here’s what you’ll get:
This service is available to eligible Allianz Home Insurance customers who live within eligible metro Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane postcodes.
For useful links and handy resources on caring for your home, check out Allianz Prevention.
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). It is a summary of key concepts and not meant to represent the complete picture on any given matter. It is not meant to be legal advice. The information should be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation and regulations. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
We may not provide cover for any loss of or damage to your property caused by cyclone, flood, flood water combined with run-off and/or rainwater, grassfires and bushfires during the first 72 hours after you first purchase a policy or increase your cover under an existing policy. Refer to PDS for when exclusion periods apply.
Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website. We do not provide any form of advice if you call us to enquire about or purchase a product.
Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 is the insurer of any general insurance products offered, and Allianz Australia Life Insurance Limited ABN 27 076 033 782 AFS Licence No. 296559 is the insurer of any life insurance products offered. Each entity is responsible for any statements and representations made about its products, on this website.
