How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned in the UK?

Gutter cleaning is a quick and simple process that can help to avoid major damage to your home and the high repair bill that will come with that. If your gutters haven’t been cleaned in many years then it could be time to book a cleaning as soon as possible. But in terms of regular upkeep, a regularly scheduled gutter cleaning is important for the protection of your home. In this guide from Coastal Drains, we’ll explore the importance of gutter cleaning, how often to clean your gutters in the UK, and how to clean them.

The Importance of Gutter Cleaning

Gutter cleaning is essential for any home or commercial building with gutters installed. Over time, gutters will become clogged with leaves, twigs, moss, and other debris, either dropped or blown into them. This can either clog the gutter itself, or lodge within the downpipe, which connects your gutters to your drains. This can cause water to back up from the downpipe, and spill over the edge of the gutters. Here are some of the dangers posed by a compromised gutter system:

• Insect Infestation: A clogged gutter downpipe can be a breeding ground for insects including flies and wasps, offering a damp, dark, and warm space perfect for nests. This can be hugely problematic for those looking to use their gardens, and for house interiors during the summer when windows are open.
• Damage to Roofs: Water spilling over the edges of a gutter can pool on the roof of a house, leaking through to cause dampness and mould within a property. This can include black mould, which can cause health problems. If left unattended, pooling water can cause parts of a roof to collapse, leading to damage that will require extensive work to fix.
• Damage to Walls: Water that overflows from gutters can run down walls, leading to mould growth on the outside of your property. This will be unsightly and there can be further issues if the water comes into contact with windows and doors, as it can cause rotting.
• Water Damage to Foundations: As water runs down the side of a property without being properly drained, it will pool at the base. This can cause damage and in severe cases partial collapse. If you own a house with a basement this can also cause mould and dampness within the internal walls. Any damage to your foundations will likely need to be fixed, at a considerable cost.

Regular gutter cleaning is a home maintenance essential, allowing water to drain easily into the gutters of your house, with a clear gutter and downpipe keeping it away from the roof, walls, and foundation. Alongside keeping them clean, making sure your gutters are operational is important. Gutters that are damaged or not properly connected also pose risks, with water leaking through their gaps onto your property.

How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned in the UK?

The first thing to state is that if you believe your gutters are currently blocked, you should have them cleaned immediately. If you can see water overflowing from your gutters, or are having issues with dampness and mould in your home, then you should act quickly to reduce further risk to your property. When it comes to how often you should clean regular UK gutters, the general rule is that they should be cleaned once a year in the UK. This will help to ensure that there isn’t a substantial buildup of debris within them. 

If your gutters are under a shedding tree such as a pine tree then you should schedule a cleaning for the autumn, to ensure they remain clear for as long as possible. Some experts would also recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year, in spring and august, which could be necessary for areas with large amounts of debris.

How Are Gutters Cleaned?

To properly clean your gutters, you’ll need to clean both the gutter and the downpipe. There are a variety of tools that can be purchased to access gutters, such as long pole cleaners or gutter vacuums. If you can access your own gutters either from a flat roof or from a ladder then you can use a gutter scoop, essentially a plastic rounded trowel, to pull out all debris.  Alternatively, you can use a professional gutter cleaning company, that will utilise a range of systems to effectively and quickly clear both your gutter and your downpipe. In addition, they will be able to clean the exterior of your gutters and perform repairs to them.

Cleaning Gutters With Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are a type of gutter protection intended to prevent debris from getting lodged in a gutter, and they come in a range of styles. While these will help to keep out bulkier items like sticks, they are still not 100% effective and gutter cleaning will still be required, although your home will be at a lower risk.

Excellent Gutter Cleaning in the South East

Coastal Drains offers a thorough and professional gutter cleaning service across Sussex, expertly removing leaves, algae, and other debris from all types of gutters and downpipes, as well as performing gutter maintenance tasks. We have accrued an excellent reputation over the last 15 years, with a 5-star rating on Checkatrade. We offer 24/7 call-outs, and will beat any price for gutter cleaning across Sussex, guaranteed. 
Whether looking for an emergency cleaning, or your yearly scheduled clean, contact Coastal Drains today.