💧How Do I Know If My Gutters Need Cleaning? 5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Your gutters might not be the most glamorous part of your home, but they quietly do an important job — channeling rainwater safely away from your roof, walls and foundations.
When they’re blocked, broken or overflowing, the damage can be expensive — and it often starts before you even notice it.
So, how do you know when your gutters need cleaning? Look out for these 5 common signs:
1️⃣ Water Overflowing During Rainfall
This is the most obvious red flag.
If water is pouring over the edges of your gutters instead of flowing smoothly down the pipes, it means something’s blocking the flow — usually leaves, moss, or debris.
Left unchecked, this overflow can soak into brickwork, leak into your roofline, and even cause mould inside your home.
2️⃣ Plants Growing in Your Gutters
Yes — if it looks like your gutter is sprouting a small garden, it’s definitely time for a clean.
Plant growth means your gutters have been full of soil, seeds, and moisture for a while, giving weeds and moss everything they need to thrive.
Not only does this cause blockages, but roots can also damage gutter joints and seals.
3️⃣ Sagging or Misshapen Gutter Sections
Gutters should sit in a straight, even line along your roof. If you notice drooping or bowed sections, that’s a sign they’re too heavy with debris or standing water.
Eventually, this weight can cause them to break, separate from the fascia, or even fall down entirely.
4️⃣ Damp Patches on Walls or Peeling Paint
Blocked gutters often cause overflowing water to run down the outside of your home, soaking brickwork and window sills.
Over time, this can lead to:
Peeling paint
Damp or mould inside walls
Cracks in render or mortar
Weakened foundations
If you spot any of these issues, check the guttering nearby.
5️⃣ You Haven’t Had Them Cleaned in 12+ Months
Even if there are no visible issues, we recommend cleaning your gutters at least once a year — ideally in late autumn, after most of the leaves have fallen.
If your home is surrounded by trees or you’ve had roof moss problems, you might need to clean them more often.
🔧 Bonus Tip: Check Your Downpipes Too
Sometimes it’s not the horizontal gutters that are blocked — it’s the vertical downpipes. If you notice gurgling sounds, slow drainage, or water pooling near the base of the house, there could be a blockage further down.
A professional gutter clean includes checking and flushing the downpipes to keep everything flowing properly.
✅ Final Thoughts: Small Job, Big Protection
Gutter cleaning is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to prevent water damage to your home.
It’s quick, non-invasive, and pays for itself by avoiding much bigger problems down the line.
📞 Need Your Gutters Checked?
We offer expert gutter cleaning across [Your Area] — using safe access methods and full downpipe checks.
✔️ Single cleans
✔️ Annual maintenance plans
✔️ Add to a seasonal exterior cleaning package