After a professional gutter clean, a good tradesperson will hand you more than just clean gutters — they'll provide a written report that gives you a clear picture of your roof drainage system's health. This report is your record of what was found, what was done, and what needs attention before the next big downpour.
Why a Written Report Matters
New Zealand's climate — particularly in regions like Auckland, Wellington, and the West Coast — means gutters can fill with leaves, moss, and debris surprisingly quickly. A written inspection report helps you track the condition of your gutters over time, plan maintenance budgets, and provide evidence for insurance claims or property sales. It also protects both you and the tradesperson by documenting the state of the system before and after the clean.
Key Sections Every Gutter Cleaning Report Should Cover
1. Property and Job Details
The report should start with the basics:
- Property address and date of inspection
- Name and contact details of the gutter cleaning company
- Tradesperson's name and any relevant trade memberships
- Weather conditions on the day (relevant to how well the system could be tested)
2. Scope of Work Completed
This section confirms exactly what was done, such as:
- Gutters cleared of leaves, moss, and debris
- Downpipes flushed and checked for blockages
- Gutter outlets and leaf guards cleaned
- Roof valleys or spouting sections inspected
3. Condition Assessment of Gutters
A thorough report will note the overall condition of each gutter run, including:
- Signs of sagging or incorrect fall (gutters should slope toward downpipes to drain properly)
- Rust, corrosion, or cracking in steel, aluminium, or PVC gutters
- Leaking joints or end caps
- Condition of gutter brackets and fixings — loose or missing brackets are a common issue in older NZ homes
- Any evidence of overflow staining on fascia boards or cladding, which can indicate a drainage problem
4. Downpipe and Drainage Findings
Downpipes are just as important as the gutters themselves. The report should cover:
- Whether downpipes are clear and flowing freely
- Any cracks, splits, or loose connections
- Condition of downpipe shoes and connections to stormwater drains or soakpits
- Whether water discharges safely away from the foundation — important under NZ Building Code clause E1 (Surface Water)
5. Roof and Fascia Observations
A good gutter cleaner will note anything visible from the roofline, such as:
- Damaged or missing roof tiles/iron near the gutter line
- Rotting fascia or barge boards behind the gutters
- Moss or lichen growth on the roof surface that will continue to shed debris
- Condition of any leaf guards or gutter protection systems installed
Note that roof repairs themselves are a separate trade — the report should flag concerns but the gutter cleaner is not responsible for diagnosing roofing issues in detail.
6. Photographic Evidence
A professional report should include before-and-after photos of key areas, especially:
- Heavily blocked sections
- Any damage found
- Downpipe outlets and connections
Photos are invaluable if you need to make an insurance claim or show a landlord evidence of maintenance under the Healthy Homes Standards.
7. Recommended Actions and Priority Ratings
This is one of the most useful parts of the report. Each issue found should be listed with:
- A clear description of the problem
- A priority rating (e.g., urgent, within 3 months, monitor at next clean)
- A recommended remedy (e.g., re-pitch gutter run, replace bracket, reseal joint)
This helps you plan and budget for repairs without being overwhelmed.
8. Next Recommended Service Date
Most NZ homes benefit from a gutter clean at least once a year, and twice yearly if surrounded by trees. The report should suggest a timeframe for the next inspection based on what was found.
What a Report Should NOT Do
A gutter cleaning report should not include vague statements like "gutters cleaned, all good" with no detail. Be wary of any tradesperson who can't provide written documentation — this is a sign of an unprofessional operator.
When to Call a Professional
While homeowners can visually inspect gutters from the ground or a ladder, working at height carries serious risk. WorkSafe NZ guidelines apply to anyone working on ladders or roofs, and falls are a leading cause of serious injury in NZ. For anything beyond a quick visual check, hire a qualified gutter cleaning professional. If the report identifies structural issues with fascia boards or roof cladding, you may also need a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) to carry out restricted building work.
For rental properties, landlords should keep gutter cleaning records as part of their obligations under the Tenancy Services Healthy Homes Standards.
You can find qualified, local gutter cleaning professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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