Gutter and roof maintenance: Preparing your home before winter storms

Autumn is the most practical time to inspect and clear the parts of your home that bear the brunt of winter weather. Gutters blocked by fallen leaves and a roof with a loose tile or two are manageable problems in October. The same issues discovered in January, when storms are arriving and tradespeople are harder to reach, become considerably more disruptive and costly. Working through the key checks before winter arrives is one of the most straightforward forms of home maintenance available.

Why gutters matter and what can go wrong

Gutters exist to direct rainwater away from the roof, walls, and foundations of your property. When they are blocked, water has nowhere to go except over the edge, which means it runs down the face of the building. Over time, water running down an external wall leads to damp penetration, staining, and potential damage to the wall structure. In freezing conditions, water sitting in a blocked gutter can freeze, adding significant weight and causing the gutter to pull away from its fixings.

How to check and clear your gutters

In most domestic properties, gutters can be inspected and cleared from a ladder, though for tall or multi-storey properties a professional gutter cleaning service is both safer and more thorough. If you are working from a ladder, ensure it is on stable, level ground and that someone else is present.

The primary task is removing accumulated debris, including leaves, moss, and any compacted sludge that has built up toward downpipe inlets. A small trowel or gutter scoop, combined with a bucket to collect the material, is the most effective method. Do not push debris into the downpipe inlet.

Once cleared, flush the gutter with water from a hosepipe, starting at the end furthest from the downpipe. This confirms the gutter is draining correctly and helps you identify any blockages in the downpipe itself. A downpipe that drains slowly or not at all will need clearing from the top using a drain rod or by calling in a professional.

While you are checking the flow, look at the gutter fixings. Brackets that have pulled away from the fascia, joints that are leaking, or sections of guttering that are visibly sagging all need attention. A leaking joint can be resealed with appropriate gutter sealant. A bracket that has pulled from a rotten fascia board is a sign that the fascia itself needs replacing.

Checking the roof from ground level

A full roof inspection requires access equipment and should be carried out by a qualified roofer. However, a ground-level check using binoculars can identify obvious problems that warrant further attention.

Look for missing, cracked, or visibly displaced tiles or slates, particularly along ridgelines and valleys. Check the ridge tiles and any mortar pointing visible along the ridge. Chimney stacks, where present, are common points for flashing failure and loose mortar, both of which can allow water ingress. Flat roof sections should be checked for pooling water, bubbling, or visible splits in the membrane.

Moss and algae growth on tiles is worth noting. Moss absorbs and retains water, and in freezing conditions can accelerate tile damage by expanding as it freezes beneath the material. A roofing professional can apply a biocide treatment and remove moss safely without damaging the tiles. Pressure washing roof tiles is not recommended as it can damage the surface and void any manufacturer guarantee.

For renters

Gutter and roof maintenance is the landlord's responsibility. If you notice signs of water ingress, damp on walls or ceilings, or blocked gutters visible from your property, report this to your landlord or letting agent in writing and keep a record of the report.

Talk to our team about your property this autumn