Garden and Outdoors

Many homeowners clear their own gutters to save money on professional fees. However, there is another way to keep gutters clear without the maintenance. Installing a gutter brush or leaf guard prevents debris from entering the gutter, while still allowing rainwater to flow freely through the system. Fast and easy to install, these innovative tools can help to minimise gutter cleaning for years to come.

Find out more about the Gutterbrush here.

Or buy a Gutterbrush online here.

How often gutters are cleaned can depend on the location and the surrounding elements, such as overhanging trees. Flat roof gutters may need to be checked and cleared more often than first floor gutters if this is the case. Generally, annually or twice annually is enough to keep gutters free flowing.

It is always a good idea to check gutters during or shortly after heavy rain, when it is easier to spot a leak, damage or an overflowing gutter.

One of the top problems that gutters suffer from is clogging. In the UK, the autumn months fill gutters and drains with falling leaves and other small debris, which quickly clog gutters and lead to problems.

Annual gutter maintenance includes clearing gutters of debris, which otherwise prevents the free flow of rainwater through the gutter and drain system. Clogged gutters quickly overflow when it rains and if left, it isn’t long before water begins to penetrate the timbers, getting inside the building.

This is why gutter maintenance is top of the priority list for most homeowners every year. Many have an annual budget for gutter clearing, preferring to bring in a professional roofer or maintenance specialist to handle it. Some install a Gutterbrush, which prevents debris from entering the gutter, but allows free drainage for rainwater.

Find out more about the Gutterbrush here.

Gutter maintenance is typically carried out annually by homeowners across the UK. This involves clearing any debris from the gutter troughs and ensuring that rainwater can run freely through the entire gutter and drainage system.

There are innovative gutter leaf guards available that can eliminate gutter clutter and reduce gutter maintenance. Find out more about the Gutterbrush here.

It is also recommended that visual inspections of the gutters are carried out regularly and particularly during or after heavy rain to make sure there are no leaks. Metal gutters are particularly susceptible to rust over time and once they begin to fail, most homeowners look to replace them with a plastic alternative. Today’s eco conscious residents can also benefit from the latest gutter renovation products, which promise to give a second life to metal gutters.

Find out more about EPDM RubberGutter.

Because gutters are typically out of the range of sight, it can be tricky to spot a problem, unless you can clearly see a hole or crack. If you’ve spotted signs of water ingress inside the house, damp patches on ceilings or around the windows, this is a big flag, and the leak may have been there for some time.

You may be able to tell if you watch the gutters and drainpipes during a shower of rain. Look to see if you can see free-flowing water out of the exit points and keep an eye on the gutters for signs of overflow.

Gutters can become clogged and lead to damage quickly, so if you notice a problem, it is important to tackle it as soon as you can.