By the Sleak Property Services team ·
Gutters are easy to forget because you can't see inside them. But when they block, rain that should run away down the downpipes spills over the edge and soaks the wall below. Over a winter, that's enough to cause damp patches inside, stained render outside and rot in fascias and window frames.
So how often do they actually need clearing?
Once a year for most homes
For a typical house or bungalow, one clear a year is enough. The best time is late autumn, after the leaves have fallen and before the worst of the winter rain.
Twice a year if any of these apply
- Trees overhang or sit close to the house
- The property is near the seafront, where moss and wind-blown sand build up faster
- There's a flat roof or conservatory draining into the gutters
- Gulls or other birds nest on the roof
- You've had overflows or damp problems before
In these cases, add a spring clear to the autumn one.
Signs your gutters are blocked
- Water pouring over the edge during rain instead of down the downpipe
- Green or dark streaks running down the walls below the gutter
- Damp patches on inside walls or ceilings, especially upstairs
- Plants or moss growing out of the gutter
- A downpipe that stays dry when it's raining
- Gutters sagging or pulling away from the fascia
What a proper gutter clean includes
Scooping out the moss, leaves and silt is only part of it. The downpipes should be flushed through to check they're clear all the way down, and the joints and brackets checked for leaks and movement. Before and after photos show you what was done, which matters when you can't see up there yourself.
Should you do it yourself?
On a bungalow with level ground, clearing gutters yourself is perfectly possible with a sturdy ladder and someone holding it. On a two-storey house, working from a ladder is where most DIY accidents happen. If you're not confident at height, it's a job worth paying for.
Blocked gutters and rentals
For landlords, keeping gutters clear is part of keeping the outside of the property in repair, and it's far cheaper than treating damp and redecorating afterwards. A yearly clear on every property is an easy item for a maintenance schedule.
Common questions
How long does a gutter clean take?
Most houses and bungalows take an hour or two, including flushing the downpipes. Larger or older properties with long gutter runs take longer.
Can blocked gutters really cause damp inside?
Yes. Water overflowing onto the same section of wall for months soaks through brick and render. It's one of the most common causes of damp patches we see on the Fylde coast.