How often should gutters be cleaned?

How often do most homes need gutter cleaning?

Most homes need gutter cleaning once a year. One clean in late autumn removes the leaves, moss and silt that build up over the year, before the wettest months arrive. Homes in open areas with no nearby trees can sometimes go longer, but a yearly check keeps problems small.

How often should gutters be cleaned if you have trees nearby?

Gutters near trees should be cleaned twice a year: once in late autumn after leaf fall, and again in spring to clear seeds, blossom and twigs. Evergreen trees such as pines drop needles all year, so gutters beneath them may need checking every few months.

In Bedworth, homes close to Miners' Welfare Park and other green spaces, or with mature trees in neighbouring gardens, usually fill their gutters faster than homes on open, newer estates.

What signs mean gutters need cleaning sooner?

Gutters need cleaning sooner than planned when water overflows in rain, plants grow from the gutter line, downpipes drip instead of running, or damp patches and green staining appear on outside walls. Any of these signs means water isn't draining and should be dealt with soon.

• Water spilling over the front edge of the gutter in heavy rain
• Grass, moss or seedlings visible in the gutter
• Gutters sagging or pulling away from the fascia
• Damp or algae on brickwork, render or window frames

When is the best time of year to clean gutters?

The best time to clean gutters is late autumn, usually November or early December, once most leaves have fallen and before the wettest weather. Homes near trees benefit from a second clean in spring. Cleaning too early in autumn can mean the gutters fill again within weeks.

What happens if gutters aren't cleaned regularly?

Gutters that aren't cleaned regularly overflow, and the water soaks walls, rots timber fascias and can cause damp inside the house. The weight of wet debris also strains brackets, which leads to sagging and leaking joints that need gutter repairs.

For prices, see how much gutter cleaning costs.