It might not be a glamorous job, but you should be cleaning your gutters twice a year – or after a particularly wet spell. Ensuring your gutters are free from debris and leaves can prevent water damage to your home which can be expensive and cause serious issues. If water leaks through the walls or ceiling it can weaken your home’s structure and cause mould, mildew and even wood rot – so this needs to be avoided at all costs.
Thankfully, the drainage experts at Toolstation have put together all you need to know about cleaning your gutters, including whether you should hire a professional for the job and the importance of gutter guards.
Why is it so important to clean your gutters?
“Clogged gutters can wreak havoc on your home. When gutters become blocked by leaves, debris and moss it can lead to leaky roofs, water damage and can even cause damage to the gutters and drainpipes.”
Here are 5 reasons why gutter cleaning is a necessity.
- Prevents water damage
“Gutters are designed to channel rainwater away from your home. If they become clogged with leaves, twigs, debris, or dirt, water can overflow and accumulate over time. This can lead to water damage, causing structural issues and potential flooding.” - Avoids roof damage
“Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on the roof, which can cause damage to the roof fascia or tiles. This can result in damage to the roof insulation, mould and mildew build up, energy inefficiency and even structural issues which require costly repairs or replacement. Over time, this could lead to roof leaks. ” - Maintains the gutter system and extends lifespan
“Regular cleaning helps keep your gutter system functioning properly. If gutters are left clogged and overloaded, they can sag or pull away from the house, reducing their effectiveness and lifespan. Replacing damaged gutters could cost you upward of £900.”
- Prevent pest infestations
“Gutters filled with dirt create an attractive environment for pests like mosquitoes, termites, birds, and rodents. These pests can cause damage to your home and pose health risks.”
- Improve the appearance of your home
“Clogged gutters with decomposing leaves and debris can be unsightly and reduce the kerb appeal of your home, particuarly if your gutters are so clogged that they have separated away from your roof or become damaged.”
How can you tell if gutters need cleaning?
“If you have a clogged gutter, rainwater has nowhere left to go but overflow and potentially soak through your roof and leak into your home. If you look out of an upstairs window, you might see debris that has fallen onto an extension or conservatory, lower storey guttering, or even onto the ground below. It may also be visible from the ground if there is a blockage as debris could be sticking up over the edge of the gutter.
“However, a tell-tale sign of a blockage is to step outside when it is raining. If there is water running down the side of your house or water is overflowing over the side of the gutter, it’s likely you have a blockage.
“Additionally, a clogged gutter may separate away from the wall of the house due to being full of water.”
How to clean your gutters?
“If you feel comfortable and able to use a ladder, you can clean your gutters yourself. The easiest way to do this is by hand, so you will need a pair of work gloves, a bucket to collect any debris and a garden hose.
“It is vital that you take safety precautions when using a ladder. This means using a ladder with stabilizers and ensuring it is set up on a sturdy and flat surface so it isn’t wobbling around. Additionally, ask a family member or friend to hold the ladder in place whilst you are working for extra safety.
“Once you can safely reach the gutters, you can begin scooping out any leaves, twigs or other debris using either a scoop or your hands (if wearing gloves). Start at the downspout end of the gutter and work your way to the other end. Be careful not to overreach – if you feel you are leaning too much, it’s time to climb down and move the ladder along. Place the debris into a bucket or bag for easy disposal.
“You should then remove any clogs in the downspout by using the scoop or hose. After removing the large debris, use a garden hose to rinse away any remaining dirt and check the gutters are free-flowing.”
Should you hire someone to clean your gutters?
“Safety is the main priority, if you don’t feel comfortable with heights, have a health condition, or simply don’t fancy the task of cleaning the gutters yourself, then it is best to call in a professional to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
What are gutter guards and should I invest in some?
“Gutter guards, also known as gutter covers or gutter screens, are protective devices installed on top of gutters. Priced at just £9.94, they allow water to flow through while blocking leaves and other debris from getting in. Not only that, gutter guards could potentially double the lifespan of your gutters, lasting you an extra 20 years just by keeping them in good condition.
“To reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning, you should consider installing gutter guards or leaf screens – although make sure to check that the guards themselves aren’t blocked every once in a while. They are a great way to reduce the risk of gutters becoming clogged and damaging your home – saving you from paying out for hefty repairs.”
