When was the last time you had your guttering checked? If, like most people, you can’t remember, then now might be time to get around to it.
Even though they’re ‘out of sight, out of mind’ most of the time, your gutters actually play a huge role in the structural integrity of your house. If your gutters become clogged or broken, the results can be serious: not only could you end up with structural damage, the resulting damp can cause health issues for you and your family. So keeping them clear is a great way to avoid the potentially costly and time-consuming job of repairing your gutters.
At AXA, we want to make it simple for you to keep your home ship shape, so read on to find out more about keeping your gutters clean, clear and well maintained.
- What causes damaged or blocked gutters?
- How to fix damaged or blocked gutters
- Is there a long-term solution to guttering maintenance?
What causes damaged or blocked gutters?
When thinking about how to avoid gutter repairs, it's important to remember one simple fact: clean gutters are far less susceptible to damage than blocked gutters. In fact, the two most common gutter related issues facing homeowners are blockages in the gutter itself, and blockages in the downpipes.
These blockages are often caused by debris like fallen leaves, moss and (in some unfortunate cases) dead animals. One simple way to tell if you're in need of gutter repairs is to take a step outside while it's raining – if water is running down the side of your house, it's likely that your gutters are blocked.
Leaking gutter joints are another common problem: in fact, leaking gutters are the most common cause of isolated damp in homes across the UK. Leaks can occur when bits of debris get caught in the joints, or simply from general wear and tear. If you’re experiencing damp in your property, it’s a good idea to check your gutters before you do anything else to see if that’s what’s causing the problem.
One final sign of damage to look out for is sagging gutters. This can happen when the gutter becomes weighed down by debris and standing water, or when there are rusty screws and faulty brackets. Frequent gutter cleaning can highlight these problems: you'll easily be able to check how sturdy they are by examining the downpipe on the ground, and if anything feels a little loose, you can take precautions before any real damage occurs.
How to fix damaged or blocked gutters
If you have damaged or blocked guttering, the safest and easiest way to clear it correctly is to call in the professionals. They'll be able to advise on everything from clearing debris to showing you how to repair plastic gutter seams. They'll need a ladder that reaches the roof, some thick gloves, a garden hose, a long piece of stiff wire, some small plastic garden bags to drop the debris into, and a scooping tool. If your gutters are made from a synthetic material such as PVC, make sure they don't use a metal scraping tool, as this can cause damage and lead to more costly gutter repairs in the future.
Once they identify a blockage, they'll start by removing any big pieces of debris from the gutter with the scoop. If the blockage is in your downpipe, they'll use the wire to make a hole in the middle of the blockage. The next step is to run the water from the hose down the hole, which should start to clear the debris away. Once they've cleared the gutter, aim a hose onto your roof to make sure the water's running freely – this will help you to identify any split or broken gutter seams. If you spot a problem, you'll need to start thinking about booking in some more extensive gutter repairs.
If you do have leaking gutter joints, it’s important to get them repaired as soon as possible. Sometimes, removing the section of guttering and cleaning between the joint can fix the issue, as dirt can force your gutters apart. If there are cracks, they need to be filled in with sealant. This works for both PVC and metal guttering. Begin by having the area that needs to be repaired cleaned and washing away any grime. Apply the sealant along the crack, ensuring that no gaps are left uncovered.
Is there a long-term solution to guttering maintenance?
It's recommended that you get your gutters cleaned at least once a year. The best time to do this is at the beginning of winter, after the autumn leaves have fallen and before the really bad weather kicks in. This will reduce your chances of experiencing blocked guttering later on in the year, and gives you plenty of time to book in those vital gutter repairs before it gets too wet and windy.
It’s also a good idea to do a quick check of your gutters in spring. Make sure that any large pieces of debris that have blown in over winter are removed, and check that all of the screws are tight and that no brackets are loose. Gutters can be damaged by heavy snow-fall and high winds, so it’s also wise to ensure everything’s in order after a spell of particularly bad weather.
If your neighbourhood has a lot of trees and debris is unavoidable, you can install a gutter guard. These act as a filter, catching leaves and preventing them from entering your gutters and downpipes while still catching the water. Although the guards won’t stop all debris from entering your gutters (you’ll still need to clean them at least once a year) they will keep the larger, more dangerous pieces from causing blockages, flooding, leakages and sagging.
