Gutters are easy to forget. They sit out of sight, and most of the time they just get on with it. But a blocked or leaking gutter is behind a surprising amount of the damp and decay we find on surveys, and it’s one of the cheapest problems to prevent. Here’s why they matter and how to keep them working.
What gutters actually do
A typical roof sheds a huge amount of water in a heavy downpour. Gutters collect it and downpipes carry it into the drains, away from the walls and foundations. When that system works, the walls stay dry. When it fails, the water goes somewhere else, usually somewhere you don’t want it.
What goes wrong when they fail
Damp walls. Water spilling down the outside soaks into brick and stone, and shows up inside as damp patches, stained plaster and peeling paint.
Rotten timber. Fascias, soffits, window frames and even the ends of roof timbers can rot where water sits against them.
Damaged brick and stone. Saturated walls are more likely to crumble and lose their pointing, especially after frost.
Problems at ground level. Water pouring onto the ground can soak the soil next to the foundations. On clay soils, repeated wetting and drying can contribute to movement.
Wet basements and icy paths. Overflowing water finds its way into cellars and freezes on steps in winter.
Signs your gutters need attention
Water spilling over the edge in heavy rain.
Grass, moss or small plants growing out of them.
Sections sagging or pulling away from the wall.
Drips or stains at the joints.
Green streaks or algae on the walls below.
Damp patches on inside walls, often upstairs or below a gutter joint.
Keeping them working
Clear them at least twice a year: in late autumn once the leaves have fallen, and again in spring. Homes near trees may need it more often.
Watch them in a downpour. It’s the easiest way to spot overflows and leaking joints.
Check the downpipes run into a working gully or drain, not onto the ground beside the wall.
Replace worn joints and loose brackets before they fail.
Keep cast iron painted. On older homes, regular painting stops cast iron rusting through.
Leave work at height to the professionals. A gutter-clearing firm is far cheaper than a fall from a ladder.
Some homes built in the mid-20th century have asbestos cement gutters and downpipes. They’re generally safe left alone, but shouldn’t be drilled, cut or broken. Get specialist advice before any work.
What we look for in a survey
We inspect gutters and downpipes from the ground, using a 9-metre pole camera to look into gutters and at roof edges we can’t reach safely. We look for overflow marks, staining, rot, loose sections and plants, and if it’s raining, we watch how the system copes. We then tell you whether it’s simple maintenance or a sign of a bigger problem, such as damp or decay that needs a closer look.
Questions we’re often asked
Is an overflowing gutter serious?
On its own, it’s usually a quick fix. The concern is how long it’s been happening and whether it has caused damp or rot. That’s what we check for.
Are plastic or cast iron gutters better?
Both work well when maintained. On older and listed homes, cast iron is often the right choice for the building’s character, and may be required on listed buildings.
Who is responsible for shared gutters?
On terraced and semi-detached homes, gutters can be shared with neighbours. Your solicitor can check the deeds, and it’s worth agreeing upkeep with your neighbour early.
How we help
We only book one survey a day, so we have time to look properly, including at the small things that cause big problems. We call you after the inspection to talk it through, and with your report, our helpful guides explain your next steps.
Buying a home? Use the Get My Quote button above, or call us on 01451 828107 (Cotswolds) or 01256 578063 (Hampshire).
Max Daniel AssocRICS, Director, MJD Residential Surveying