When Should You Clear Your Gutters? A Teesside Homeowner's Guide

The best time of year to clear your gutters

For most homes, late autumn is the most useful time to have gutters cleared. By the end of October and into November most of the leaves have come down, and clearing them before the heavy winter rain arrives means your gutters are ready to do their job when they are needed most.

A second check in spring is a good idea if you have trees nearby. Winter storms blow in moss, twigs and debris, and spring is also when seeds, blossom and bird nesting material start to collect.

Here in the North East we get plenty of wet, windy weather through the colder months, so a blocked gutter in December or January can cause problems quickly. If you only have them done once a year, aim for after the leaves have fallen.

Signs your gutters are blocked

You don't need to climb a ladder to spot most gutter problems. Have a look from the garden or the pavement, ideally during or just after rain. Common signs include:
✓ Water spilling over the edge of the gutter instead of running to the downpipe
✓ Plants, grass or moss growing out of the gutter
✓ Gutters sagging or pulling away from the fascia
✓ Dark streaks or damp patches on the wall below the gutter
✓ Water splashing or pooling at the base of the wall
✓ Little or no water coming out of the downpipe when it rains

If you notice any of these, it is worth getting the gutters looked at before the problem gets worse.

What overflowing gutters can damage

Gutters are there to carry rainwater away from your walls and foundations. When they block, that water has to go somewhere, and it usually ends up running down the outside of the house.

Over time, overflowing water can lead to damp patches on internal walls, green or black staining on brickwork and render, and rotting timber fascias. Water pooling at the base of the wall can also soak into the ground around your foundations.

The extra weight of wet leaves and standing water can put strain on gutter brackets and joints too, which can cause gutters to sag or leak. Regular clearing is a small job that helps you avoid bigger repair bills later on.

How often should gutters be cleared?

As a general rule, once a year is enough for many homes, usually in late autumn. If your house has trees nearby, twice a year (autumn and spring) is often a better idea.

Moss from the roof can wash down into the gutter all year round, and strong winds can blow in twigs and other debris. If your roof has a lot of moss, your gutters will usually fill up faster.

Every property is different, so if you are unsure, we are happy to take a look and give you honest advice on how often yours need doing.

A word of warning about DIY ladder work

We understand the temptation to get the ladder out and do it yourself, but falls from ladders are a real risk, especially on wet, slippery autumn days. Gutters are often higher and harder to reach than they look from the ground, and leaning out to the side while holding a bucket is exactly when accidents happen.

If you do decide to do it yourself, make sure the ladder is on firm, level ground, have someone hold it for you, never overreach and avoid working in wet or windy weather. For many people, particularly on two or three storey homes, it is simply safer to leave it to someone with the right equipment.

How MMC Exterior Cleaning clears your gutters

We use a high-reach gutter vacuum operated from the ground, so there is no need for ladders against your gutters or anyone walking on your roof. The powerful vacuum lifts out leaves, moss, silt and other debris.

Every gutter run is checked until it is clear, and we check the downpipes too, so water can flow away properly. We take the debris away with us and leave everything tidy.

If your fascias and soffits are looking grubby or green, we can also wash them. This is a separately quoted extra, so just ask when you get in touch. Gutter clearing starts from £80, depending on the size of your property and how easy it is to access.

Mark is a City & Guilds qualified soft wash technician, a member of the Exterior Cleaning Association and fully insured with £5m public liability cover. To book or ask a question, call 07584 956981.