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 easy four step guide to gutter cleaning, or check out how much it’ll cost to get it done professionally.
Why should I clean my gutters?
There are lots of reasons you should keep your gutters clean and clear:
- Water damage – if your gutters are blocked by debris in a rainy period, 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.
- Mould and mildew – if your gutters get blocked and dirty, mould and mildew can grow in them.
- Pests – if you don’t look after them regularly, pests could make your gutters their home. And eventually, could make their way into your home through small cracks or openings in the roof!
Pests, mould and water damage can all be expensive to get sorted. So, it’s best to get ahead of the problem and keep your gutters in good shape all year round.
Be ready for heights
The most important tool you’ll need to have ready for this task is a ladder.
Don’t try to clean your gutters by leaning out of a window – it’s dangerous!
Here are some tips on how to stay safe:
- Use a sturdy ladder, ideally one that extends.
- Set it up on a dry, stable and level base with no slope.
- Make sure someone stands at the bottom holding the ladder for you.
Working high up can be dangerous. If you’re nervous about it, get in touch with a professional who can take care of it for you.
If your house is on a hill or slope, it’s safer to call a professional anyway so you’re not having to use a ladder on an angle.
Prepare your tools
There are a few useful extras you’ll want to get ready:
A bucket or strong plastic bag – the debris you’ll scoop out is often wet and messy so it’s easier to clean it up as you go.
Thick outdoor gloves – wear good rubber gloves to protect against the sharp edges on tiles and slates.
Trowel or gutter scoop – to help scoop out all the leaves and shovel them into your bucket or bag.
Scoop the debris
Once you’ve got your tools and you’re standing safely on your ladder, it’s time to scoop!
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.
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: Although it’s not perfect, a bucket might be all you have to hand! 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.
You can also use warm (but not boiling) water to help remove any extra little bits of dirt, but it isn’t a necessity.
How often should I clean my 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 may need to clean your gutters more often.
Check out our guide on 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.
Should I use gutter guards?
Gutter guards are covers that let rainwater in but keep out larger debris like sticks and leaves. Goodbye blockages!
They can also help stop mould and mildew growing, as well as pests getting in.
Remember, sediment can gather on gutter guards, so you still need to clean them.
Some gutter cleaning experts do advise against using them – the reason being it can take longer to clean them than if you were just cleaning your gutters alone.
Why are my gutters overflowing?
There are a few reasons why your gutters may be overflowing, including:
- they were poorly installed
- the downpipes are clogged
- they're tilted incorrectly
- the underground drain is clogged
- there are overhanging tree branches
- the fascia board underneath is damaged
What sort of price should I be paying for gutter cleaning?
According to Checkatrade, gutter cleaning tends to cost between £50 and £300. The price depends on the size of the house and what’s being done.
A small, terraced house with just five metres of guttering can cost between £50 and £150 to clean. But a three-storey townhouse with 15 metres of gutter can cost up to £300.
For anything bigger than that, you’ll probably need to get a tailored quote from a gutter cleaning company.
Make sure you’ve done a little research around the company you choose so that you know you’re getting a good service and a fair price.
Do I need to clean my own gutters if I'm renting?
If you’re renting a property, you might or might not be responsible for cleaning the guttering – it should say on your tenancy agreement.
Chat to your landlord about getting your gutters cleaned if you think they’re due some maintenance.
Check out our guide of what you’ll be responsible for as a tenant or landlord in a rental property.
