Have you checked your gutters lately?
It’s always best practice to check your gutters once a year. This will help prevent any issues that could cause bigger problems in the future. Take a look at some examples of minor repairs that can be taken care of in good time on our small repairs matter page.
What problems do gutters have?
The biggest problems we see with gutters are leaking joints and blockages causing water to overflow. We also see issues with the fixings where they have come loose from the wall. In the winter, heavy snowfall can dislodge gutters too.
More often than you think, downpipe joints come apart and allow water to cascade down the face of the wall. In the worst cases, a £5 gutter repair can turn into a £5,000 building repair.
This may not sound so serious, as they are all very easy issues to fix. However, too many people ignore these small problems and those leaking gutters can lead to much more serious problems.
What is blocking my gutter?
Moss from rooftops and leaves are the most common culprits. However, in coastal areas like Hythe, Folkestone and Thanet (where our offices are), it is not uncommon to find shells and food waste left behind by hungry seagulls.
Leaves will eventually turn to mulch if not cleared, and this will provide ideal conditions for small plants to grow, making the blockage even bigger. For homeowners wanting to understand potential issues before they escalate, our guide to roof surveys explains what professionals look for when assessing roof condition and drainage problems.
What problems do leaking or broken gutters cause?
If leaks and flooding gutters are not fixed, they can cause water to drain down the outside wall of your house. This will eventually cause internal dampness and worse – timber decay and dry rot might develop to any timbers built into or next to the damp wall. For more information on dampness and dry rot, take a look at our Dry Rot vs Wet Rot blog. Our surveyors often find dampness internally where rain pipes have been broken or leaked.
What problems do blocked gutters cause?
Water just won’t drain away properly. Worse, in heavy rain, this build up of mulch, detritus, moss could be pushed into the downpipes where it can cause unseen blockages. At this point, the water won’t be able to flow into the wastewater system and the gutters will backup and overflow.
What should I check with my gutters?
When checking your gutters, ask yourself the following questions:
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Are there any dropped sections?
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Are there any missing end caps?
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Are there any twisted gutters?
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Are all the gutter sections there?
Look at the brackets for the pipes and gutters, and ask yourself:
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Are they all there?
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Have any broken or slipped?
Have a look at the bottom of the downpipes and consider the following questions:
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If they drain into a gully, does the pipe extend all the way down or does it stop short?
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Has the spout become dislodged?
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Is the gully clear?
Next time it rains, grab your umbrella, go outside and check to see if there is any obvious dripping from the joints.
Make it a part of your annual home maintenance strategy – £100 spent now on minor repairs can save thousands in a couple of years’ time if the gutter is left to leak or overflow.
Can I get a gutter survey?
Yes, our building surveyors in Kent can do a single defect report. This is a thorough inspection of your gutters, and the drain pipe. We will write a full report along with recommendations for work to resolve any issues you might have.
Do you check gutters in a building survey?
Our surveyors in Kent will always check the rainwater goods as a part of our building surveys. That’s the guttering and downpipes on the outside of the building, all the way down to their end point which is usually into a grate, but sometimes into the ground.
How do I repair a gutter?
Most of the time, a blocked or leaking gutter is a quick and straightforward repair. If the roof is accessible, you may be able to clear it yourself (usual ladder safety rules apply!). If you are not confident or not able to safely access the gutters, a local builder or roofer can do the job for you.
What are the building regulations for gutters?
Guttering systems must effectively manage rainwater runoff to protect buildings and surrounding areas from water damage. Proper drainage away from foundations and preventing damage to neighbouring properties is also required. Building regulations cover gutter size, placement, and downpipe capacity to handle rainfall.
Guttering must be able to withstand typical weather conditions. It needs to be securely fixed to the building and in the correct position to allow effective water flow. The guttering system should include adequate downpipes and drains where rainwater can be directed towards appropriate drainage systems or soakaways.
Get a gutter survey with Collier Stevens
Need your gutters checked? Want an expert’s opinion? Get in touch with our surveyors in Kent for further support.
Steven Way
Steven Way BSc MIHEEM MFPWS MRICS is the Practice Principal and is a Chartered Building Surveyor. With over 35 years as a practicing surveyor, Steve has a wealth of experience and expertise in both residential and commercial building surveying, party wall advice and disabled access auditing. He has also built his reputation as an expert witness.