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  4. Guttering Maintenance

Roofing

Expert advice on roof repairs, maintenance, replacements, storm damage and everything homeowners need to know about keeping their roof safe, secure and weatherproof.

Roofing

Guttering Maintenance

As the leaves turn from lush green to glorious russet, watching them cascade from the trees fills most of us with autumnal delight. However, falling leaves can mean a lot of work for homeowners. It is important that you clear your gutters during the autumn months to prevent a build up of debris. We take a look at gutter clearing tips and some simple gutter maintenance that you can do while you are up there.

As the leaves turn from lush green to glorious russet, watching them cascade from the trees fills most of us with autumnal delight. However, falling leaves can mean a lot of work for homeowners. It is important that you clear your gutters during the autumn months to prevent a build up of debris. We take a look at gutter clearing tips and some simple gutter maintenance that you can do while you are up there.

Guttering collects rainwater from the roof and channels it to drain safely away. Failure to do this could result in leaks and damp issues in your home. Before you start, make sure that you have the appropriate equipment to work at heights. If you don’t have a safe ladder and someone to hold the ladder for you, you might consider employing a handyman or gardener who is confident and has the appropriate skills and equipment to undertake work at height.

If you decide that you are confident to proceed, check your guttering and hoppers to make sure that they are clear of leaves and debris. If you want to make sure that they are completely clear, you can try pouring water into the guttering to make sure that it runs straight through.

While you are up there, check the condition of your guttering. Regardless of whether they are sealed with sealant or a rubber gasket, gutter joints will wear away over time. If undetected, this will cause your guttering to leak, which could result in damp issues.

To repair a damaged gutter joint, wait for a dry day and follow these simple steps:

  • Unclip the lengths of gutter from either side of the existing joint clip. This will allow you to see clearly see the interior and exterior profiles of the joint.
  • Clear out the joint, remove any dirt or grime, and make sure that it is clean and dry.
  • Apply a layer of silicone sealant around the edges of the gutter.
  • Replace the adjoining lengths of gutter and fix the clips firmly back into place.
  • Wipe away any excess sealant.

If your guttering is still leaking, it is a good idea to check the gradient of the gutter. Guttering needs a slope to allow the water to pour downwards; if the gutter and downpipes are free of debris, the most likely cause of standing water is that there isn’t enough of a slope. If this is the case, you might want to contact a local guttering specialist to help to make sure that your gutters are in good working order.

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Looking for more roofing advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common roofing questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

  • How do I know if my roof needs repairing or replacing?

    A few broken tiles or a small patch of damaged flashing? That's usually a repair job. But if your roof is over 20 years old, leaks keep coming back in different spots, or you're seeing sagging or widespread cracking, replacement is probably the smarter long-term call. A proper inspection from a roofer will give you a straight answer before you commit to anything.

  • What are the signs of a leaking roof I shouldn't ignore?

    Water stains on ceilings, damp patches on walls, mould in the loft, or daylight peeking through the roof boards - all worth acting on quickly. A musty smell upstairs can also point to a slow leak, even when there's nothing visible. Roof leaks don't fix themselves, and the longer they're left, the more damage they do to insulation, timbers, and your ceilings.

  • Is moss on my roof a serious problem?

    Not an emergency, but don't leave it too long. Moss holds moisture against the tiles, which can work its way underneath and cause cracking in winter. It'll also block your gutters if it spreads far enough. Getting it professionally cleaned and treated is the way to go - it's not a job to DIY given the risks of working at height.

  • What happens if I delay getting my roof repaired?

    Small problems get expensive fast. A few displaced tiles can leave the felt underneath exposed to weather damage, and even a minor leak can cause timber rot, saturate insulation, and eventually ruin ceilings and walls. What could've been a straightforward repair becomes a much bigger project the longer you leave it, so it's best to get it sorted sooner rather than later.

  • How do I temporarily protect my home if my roof is damaged in a storm?

    If tiles are missing or water's getting in, the priority is limiting the damage until a roofer can get to you. A heavy-duty tarpaulin over the affected area is your best bet - make sure it extends well past the damage and is secured so it doesn't lift in the wind. Inside, move furniture out of the way, put buckets down, and use towels to manage any water coming through. Don't go up on the roof yourself as wet tiles are dangerously slippery.

  • What types of roofing materials are best for UK homes?

    Clay and concrete tiles, natural slate, and EPDM rubber for flat roofs are the most common on UK homes. Clay tiles are durable and handle our freeze-thaw winters well - though they're heavy, so not every roof can take them. Slate looks great and can last over a century done properly. For flat or low-pitched roofs, EPDM rubber has largely replaced traditional felt because it holds up much better against UV damage and standing water. The right call depends on your roof's pitch, your property's age, and what the structure can support.

  • How quickly can I get an emergency roof repair?

    Most roofers offer emergency callouts, but response times vary. In quieter periods, someone might get to you within a few hours. After a big storm when everyone's calling at once, you might be waiting a day or more. If there's a delay, get a tarpaulin over the damage in the meantime. One thing to watch: be wary of anyone who knocks on your door unsolicited after a storm offering to check your roof - it's a well-known scam.

  • What are green roofs and are they worth it?

    A green roof has a waterproof layer topped with soil and plants - usually sedums or grasses for a low-maintenance version, or something more garden-like if you want to go further. They insulate well, soak up rainwater, and are good for local wildlife. They can also extend the life of the waterproofing underneath by shielding it from sun and temperature swings. Whether it's worth it depends on your roof's structure and what you're hoping to get out of it. Installation needs to be done professionally - a leak underneath a green roof is a far bigger headache than on a standard flat roof.

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