We know cleaning and repairing your gutters probably isn’t your favourite job. But keeping them in good shape all year round helps prevent things like leaks, damp and mould.
Take a look at our guide to gutter cleaning or find out how much it’ll cost to get it done professionally.
Why is gutter cleaning important?
There are lots of reasons you should keep your gutters clean and clear.
Prevent water damage
If your gutters are blocked by debris because of the rain, the water could flow onto your roof instead and lead to water damage.
This can be very expensive to repair, especially if it leads to damp or mould.
Keep your foundations and walls safe
If the overflow gets too bad, it can even seep into your home's foundations and cause soil erosion.
This can then cause issues with your walls, which can be a big job to sort.
Prevent mould
If your gutters get blocked and dirty, mould and mildew can grow in them.
Avoid a pest infestation
If you don’t look after them regularly, pests could make your gutters their home.
Eventually, they could make their way inside your home through small cracks or openings in the roof!
Protect your roof
If your gutters are blocked or broken, it can put a lot of strain on your roof. This can cause real damage over time and can lead to broken tiles or leaks.
What do you need to clean your gutters?
Here's a list of things you'll need to clean your gutters:
- Sturdy ladder
- Ladder stabiliser (or a willing helper to hold the ladder!)
- Non-slip shoes
- Thick outdoor gloves
- Gutter scoop or trowel
- Bucket or rubbish bag
- Garden hose
What safety precautions should you take before cleaning gutters?
It's important you tackle the job safely. Here are a few things to bear in mind.
Get the right safety equipment
Make sure you've got the right gear we mentioned above. That includes a sturdy ladder and thick gloves.
Find flat ground for your ladder
Make sure you don't set up your ladder on uneven or bumpy ground, or you could fall.
Don't overreach
Don't stretch further than is comfortable. If you need to reach somewhere further away, it's best to get down and reposition the ladder.
Get extra help
It might be handy to get a friend or family member to help. They can hold the ladder and pass you the tools you need.
Avoid power lines
Make sure you avoid power lines. You could get a nasty shock if you pull or damage one.
How do you clean gutters yourself?
So, you've got all the gear and checked all the safety precautions. But how do you clear your gutters?
Step 1: Get safely set up
Set up your ladder on a dry and even part of the ground. Grab your gloves, bucket and trowel.
Step 2: Remove the debris
Use your trowel to scoop up the debris and then pop it in your bucket with gloved hands.
Be careful not to hit the gutter too hard with your trowel – some of the older ones might crack.
Don't lean or reach over the guttering. Once you’ve cleaned everything in one spot, climb back down your ladder, move it over to the next spot and start again.
Step 3: Rinse the guttering off
Now you’ve cleared the bigger blockages, it’s time for to give your gutters a final wash.
A decent flow of water will clear out all the remaining gunk and debris that’s been unsettled by your cleaning.
There are two ways to tackle this:
- Using a hose – if your hose is long enough, it’s perfect for the job. Carry it up the ladder with you, put it on a medium pressure stream and point it down the gutter.
- Using a bucket – it might take a few trips, but a decent bucketful of water will do the same job in washing away any leftover dirt from your gutter.
Step 4: Check for cracks or splits
Once you've cleared and cleaned your gutters, check for any cracks or splits.
If you spot any, it's best to get them fixed ASAP. You can use repair tape for smaller issues, but you might need to get a professional in if there's more damage.
Why are my gutters overflowing?
There are a few reasons why your gutters might be overflowing. It could be because:
- they were poorly installed
- the downpipes or underground drain are clogged
- there are overhanging tree branches
- they're not tilted correctly
- the gutters aren’t the right size for your home
- your roof tiles are hanging over them
- they're sagging or the board under the edge of your roof (the fascia) is damaged
If it's because they haven't been installed properly or there's a structural issue, you might need a professional to sort it.
How often should you clean your gutters?
Try and clean your gutters at least once a year, either at the start of spring or just after autumn ends.
That’s because it’s most common for leaves, sticks and other debris to collect in your gutters during autumn and winter.
Once a year is just a rule of thumb though. If you live in a very windy area or you’re surrounded by a lot of trees, you might need to clean your gutters more often.
Check out our guide to preparing your home for winter so you’re ready for the colder months. We’ve also got a handy home maintenance guide for every season.
How can you keep your gutters clean for longer?
There are a few things you can do to help your gutters stay clean for longer:
- Use gutter guards or brushes – these have bristles that keep larger debris from getting stuck in your gutters but still let water flow through. You can buy them online or in lots of DIY stores.
- Use foam inserts – same as gutter guards, you can pop these in your gutters to prevent anything large from getting stuck in them.
- Prune your trees – keep trees that hang over your gutters pruned so branches and leaves can’t fall off and clog them more easily.
Do I need to clean my own gutters if I'm renting?
If you’re renting a property, it'll say on your tenancy agreement if you are or aren't responsible for cleaning the guttering.
Chat to your landlord about getting your gutters cleaned if you think they’re due some maintenance.
Check out our guide on what you’ll be responsible for as a tenant or landlord in a rental property.
Can I claim on my home insurance for gutter damage?
It depends on what your home insurance covers and how the damage happened.
If they were damaged suddenly or unexpectedly – for example, in a storm – then you should be covered under buildings insurance.
But if wear and tear or a lack of upkeep causes the damage, you won't be covered.
That's why it's so important to regularly clear and clean them.
Remember, policy limits and exclusions apply, so always check your policy book to be safe.
