How to tell if gutters need to be cleaned?

What are the signs that gutters need cleaning?

The main signs that gutters need cleaning can all be checked from the ground:

1. Water spilling over the edge in steady rain, instead of running to the downpipe.
2. Plants, grass or moss visible growing along the gutter line.
3. A dry downpipe during heavy rain, which means the outlet above it is blocked.
4. Dripping from the middle of a run, where debris has built up and water is pooling.
5. Green streaks or algae on brickwork or render below the gutter.
6. Damp patches on inside walls, near the ceiling or around window frames.
7. A sagging gutter that dips between brackets under the weight of wet debris.
8. Water pooling at the base of an outside wall after rain.
9. Birds feeding along the gutter, often a sign of seeds and insects in standing debris.
10. Nesting material such as twigs, grass or feathers hanging over the edge.

How can you check gutters safely from the ground?

You can check gutters safely from the ground by watching them during heavy rain, looking along each run with binoculars, and checking upstairs windows for a view of the nearest gutter. Look at where each downpipe meets the drain: if water gushes out of the joint instead of flowing down, the pipe may be blocked. There's no need to climb a ladder to spot most problems.

Why do gull nests matter in Paignton?

Gull nests matter in Paignton because gulls nest on rooftops and chimneys across the town, and their nesting material and droppings often end up in the gutters. If you've seen gulls nesting on your roof, it's worth having the gutters checked once the nest is empty. Active nests are protected by law and can't be disturbed while in use.

Do some homes need checking more often?

Some homes need checking more often: those near trees or green spaces such as Clennon Valley, homes with older mossy roofs, and houses with valleys or flat roofs that drain into the gutters. Bungalows on estates like Hookhills and Roselands are easy to check from the ground, while three-storey villas near the seafront are harder to see and may need a camera inspection.

What should you do if you spot these signs?

If you spot these signs, book a gutter clean before the next spell of heavy rain. Overflowing water causes damage every time it rains, so it pays not to wait. A professional clean also includes a check of the brackets and joints. Read what happens if you never clean gutters and how often a gutter should be cleaned.

If the signs point to a leak or a broken bracket rather than a blockage, see gutter repairs. Answer the questions on this page to get quotes from up to four local contractors.