Gutters and drainpipes can get blocked with debris over time and could even result in a fine if you don’t keep them clean.
If they’re left to overflow with fallen leaves and rainwater, they can cause penetrating damp, rot in roof timbers and even subsidence if water repeatedly collects around a property’s foundations, explain home improvement specialists, Eurocell.
Fines and legal trouble caused by blocked gutters
They explain that costs for repairs can range from a few hundred pounds for basic plaster fixes up to tens of thousands for serious structural or foundation repairs.
How to care for your garden during winter
A blocked and overflowing gutter can be reported to the council and treated as a statutory nuisance. If a notice is ignored, homeowners could be left with a hefty £5,000 fine.
How often should you clean gutters?
Helen Godsiff, brand manager at Eurocell, has shared some advice on how to prevent blockages and protect homes from costly damage.
She advises homeowners to regularly clean their gutters (at least twice a year) to avoid any blockages.
Late autumn and spring are ideal times to unblock them but if you live by trees, you’ll need to clear gutters more often.
If you’re unable to clean your own gutters, professionals can help.
Helen added: “An overflowing gutter could be considered a minor inconvenience at first until you start to realise the consequences of leaving it to worsen.
Gutters should be cleared at least twice a year to avoid blockages and big repairs (Image: Getty)
“With events such as the recent Storm Claudia bringing heavy rain and flying debris, gutters are becoming overwhelmed far more often.
“Acting early can prevent serious water damage and spare homeowners from unexpected repair bills or legal penalties from failing to address gutter blockages promptly.”
How to clean your gutters on a budget
Emily Green, building expert at Howarth Timber, said: “On average, you can expect to pay around £120-£180 to have a single gutter length repaired on a medium semi-detached house.”
If you are able to safely clean your gutters yourself, it doesn’t need to break the bank.
Emily shared some simple steps to help you save money when cleaning gutters:
Use a ladder stabiliser to prop up against your property and make sure you can reach your gutters without overextending yourself
Keep changing the position of your ladder to reach your gutters safely and wear non-slip shoes and avoid wet and windy days
Using gardeners’ gloves, manually scoop out leaves, twigs and debris from the gutter, placing it into a bucket or tarp
Using a garden hose, rinse the gutter and check that the water is flowing through the joints without any leaks or blockages. If water isn’t draining, use your hose to spray up the downspout to unblock stubborn debris
Make sure to tighten screws and brackets in good reach of your gutters
Some equipment may help make the job easier for you, according to Tom Hall, Category Executive at Kingfisher Direct.
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He suggested: “If you clean your gutters frequently, you may want to invest in a gutter cleaning pole that can be used whilst standing on the ground to vacuum dirt and debris from your gutters.
“This eliminates the need for ladders, making it a quicker and safer process.
“Some gutter cleaning poles also have a water hose feature, allowing you to rinse your gutters once the debris has been removed.”
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