Signs your gutters are blocked before winter

The clearest sign of a blocked gutter is water spilling over the edge during rain instead of running away down the pipe. Other signs include plants growing out of the gutter, damp patches or green staining on the wall below, and gutters that sag or drip at the joints. Late autumn is the best time to check, once most leaves have fallen and before the wettest months.

You can spot most of these from the ground without a ladder. Here is what to look for.

Seven signs your gutters are blocked

1. Water pours over the front edge of the gutter during heavy rain.
2. Grass, weeds or small plants are growing out of the gutter line.
3. There are damp patches, green algae or dark streaks on the wall below the gutter.
4. The downpipe stays dry, or barely trickles, while the gutter above overflows.
5. The gutter sags or has pulled away from the fascia in places.
6. Water drips from joints and brackets long after rain has stopped.
7. Birds are regularly landing in one spot, which often means standing water or debris.

What causes gutter blockages?

Leaves

Autumn leaves are the obvious one, particularly where trees overhang the roof. Wet leaves pack down into a dense layer that holds water and blocks outlets.

Moss from the roof

On roofs with heavy moss, clumps break off in the rain and wash straight into the gutters. This is one of the most common causes we see on homes with concrete tiles. Our post on moss on your roof explains why it builds up and how it should be removed.

Silt and grit

Fine grit from roof tiles and dust settle in the bottom of the gutter over the years. On their own they are slow to cause trouble, but they give plants somewhere to root.

Nests and debris

Birds nest in gutters and around outlets, and balls, toys and blown litter end up there too.

Why blocked gutters matter

Gutters are there to carry rainwater away from the walls and foundations. When they block, water runs down the face of the building instead. Over a wet winter that can lead to:

• Damp patches on inside walls
• Algae and staining on render, brick and stone
• Rotting fascias and soffits
• Water pooling at the base of the wall
• Ice forming in the gutter in cold snaps, adding weight to the brackets

In Bath, where many homes are built from porous Bath stone, staining from overflowing gutters can be especially noticeable.

How often should gutters be cleared?

For most homes, once a year is a sensible habit, ideally in late autumn after the leaves have come down. Homes under or near large trees may need clearing twice a year. If you have had your roof cleaned recently, it is also worth making sure the gutters were cleared afterwards, as moss and debris will have come down.

Can you clear gutters yourself?

If your gutters are on a single-storey extension or garage and you can reach them safely, a gloved hand and a small scoop will do the job. Work from a stable, level ladder with someone footing it, never lean out to the side, and never climb onto the roof itself.

For two-storey houses and above, the safer route is to have it done by someone with the right equipment. Working from the ground or from proper access equipment avoids most of the risk.

Gutter clearing with roof and window cleaning

We clear gutters and downpipes of moss and debris as part of our roof cleaning service, and we can clear and check your gutters at the same visit if you would like it included in the quote. Once the gutters are clear, it is a good time to have the frames and glass done too through our window cleaning rounds. We cover Keynsham, Bristol and Bath. Get in touch or call Tom on 0117 279 0045 for a free quote.