Most UK homeowners only think about their gutters once water is pouring over the side of them. By that point, the damage is usually already done — blocked downpipes back water up under the eaves, into the soffit, and eventually into the wall cavity. Cleaning them on a sensible schedule is one of the cheapest pieces of property maintenance you can do. Here's when to do it, and what to look for.
The two times of year that matter
Late autumn (November). After the leaves have come down. Clearing now stops the gutters carrying a wet leaf-load through the freeze–thaw cycle, which is what cracks brackets and pulls gutters off the fascia.
Late spring (May/June). After the spring blossom and pollen drop, and before the heavy summer rain. This is also the right time to spot any damage that's appeared over winter.
Properties that need cleaning more often
Some homes need quarterly clearing rather than twice-yearly:
Properties under or near tall trees. Especially evergreens, sycamore, lime, and silver birch.
Older properties with shallow gutters. Less capacity, blocks faster.
Houses with a moss problem on the roof. Moss washes off the roof and lodges in the gutter. If your roof needs cleaning, the gutters almost certainly need clearing too — see our roof cleaning service for a combined quote.
Five signs you've left it too long
1. Water spilling over the front edge of the gutter during heavy rain. 2. A dark vertical stain running down the wall under a downpipe. 3. Plants growing out of the gutter (yes, really — we see this every week). 4. A sagging section where the bracket has pulled away from the fascia. 5. Damp patches on internal walls that align with the outside of a gutter or downpipe.
What we include in a gutter cleaning visit
Our gutter cleaning service includes vacuum clearing of all gutters (no ladders against your wall), a flush-through of every downpipe, a check of the brackets and joints, and a photo report so you can see what was in there before we cleaned it.
We work across Manchester, Cheshire, Chester, Liverpool, Wrexham and Ellesmere Port.
Book your spring or autumn clear
Late spring and late autumn book up fast. Call 07841 595419 or request a quote online to get on the schedule.
