The importance of keeping your gutters clear
Gutters aren’t something we spend a great deal of time thinking about. However, they are a very important part of the house as they exist to protect your home from rainwater. During a storm, the rain runs off the roof into the gutters and down the drainpipes into the drains below. By doing this your windows, doors and foundations are all being protected from water damage.
So gutters play such a crucial role in protecting your home. You need to keep them clear of any debris that will prevent them from working effectively. Experts recommend clearing your gutters twice a year, in both spring and autumn. You should consider doing it more frequently if your roof is directly beneath trees or you live in an area prone to storms.
It is important to do this piece of home maintenance because not clearing your gutters regularly can lead to serious problems.
Slippery walkways
Excess water can end up sitting on walkways and driveways if it’s not being channelled into the drains by your gutters. This has the potential to create a dangerous slip hazard. Algae that forms from moisture can make paths slippery, and in winter, water turning to ice can also make surfaces difficult to walk on.
Roof damage
Gutters that are blocked can actually cause roof damage too. That’s because the water sits against the edge of your roof and can damage both the surface and underlying materials. Many instances of roofs rotting are due to blocked gutters. You should avoid it getting this far at all costs because roof repairs can be expensive and a major inconvenience.
Walls, windows and doors damage
Your gutters protect your walls, windows and doors from the rainfall. If they are not protected they are susceptible to damage. They are not designed to sustain prolonged and direct rainfall. You can tell there is a problem if you see any warping or rotting.
Getting your gutters cleared professionally
You can avoid all of these problems by hiring someone to clean your gutters twice a year. Someone regularly maintaining your gutters means that they should be straightforward to clear.
If it is raining and water is running down the side of your house then your gutters are blocked and you need a professional to clear them quickly. Equally, if you notice leaking or sagging gutters, be sure to get them looked at as soon as possible.
How We Care Home Improvements can help
Our handyperson service is set up to help with exactly this kind of home maintenance, and we have been helping people with their homes for over 30 years. You can completely trust our handypeople. They are all Trading Standards Approved, as well as Trusted Assessors.
If you have any concerns please call us to talk to one of our friendly experts. You can book our handyperson service to clear your gutters, or you can arrange for a free survey for any major repairs.
Get in touch
- Call us on 0300 323 0700 for a no-obligation chat with our team. We are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
- Alternatively, you can send us a message and we will get in touch with you.
About We Care Home Improvements
We’re a not-for-profit organisation on a mission to improve the homes of older people and those with disabilities. Our aim is for people to live comfortably and independently at home for as long as they choose. We specialise in accessible bathrooms, home adaptations, handyperson services, occupational therapy and home independence products.
Our handyperson service is Trading Standards Approved. We are an approved supplier to Bristol, Bath & NE Somerset and Gloucestershire councils, so you can be sure that our work is of a very high standard. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust us to keep your home in tip-top shape.
