It’s National Gutters day today!

It’s National Gutters day today which is part of National Maintenance week. This day reminds you all that taking just a few minutes to check your gutters could save you thousands of pounds in the long run. National Maintenance Week is a campaign run by SPAB since 2002. 

The nationwide drive promotes proper maintenance of all buildings, no matter how old they are, and it’s topped off with National Gutters Day – which highlights the importance of keeping gutters in order. Just ten minutes of gutter MOT and a good clear out could prevent serious damage and hefty bills further down the line.

Blocked Gutters can cause serious damage

We know clearing your gutters isn’t the nicest of tasks but blocked gutters can cause serious water damage which can lead to expensive and dangerous structural problems. 

Roof Damage

If your gutters are blocked, rainwater and snow has nowhere to go. Water pooling on the roof can damage roof tiles and wooden fascias which can lead to a leaky roof. 

Interior Damage

A leaky roof can damage furniture flooring, interior walls & ceilings, and result in damp and mould problems. If water gets into electrical wiring, it could also be a fire hazard. And if internal joists are damaged, the entire roof could collapse.

Foundation damage

Gutters channel water from your roof, away from your home’s foundations. If they’re blocked during heavy rainfall, water could run off the roof and settle around the foundations. Over time, this can cause cracks in the exterior walls that could eventually lead to subsidence.

Gutter Maintenance – what to look out for

• Leaves & debris
• Check downpipes for any obstructions
• Clear plants away from gutters
• Ground-level gullies should be so clear so water can drain away from foundations
• Fit leaf/bird guards and wire balloons above downpipes
• Clear snow to stop moisture seeping into the joints
• Check for leaks during a heavy rainstorm

Gutter damage and home insurance claims

Gutter damage can make home insurance claims difficult. Most policies exclude damage that has occurred over time, like a slow leak. If guttering becomes damaged due to a storm and has caused damp issues you could be covered under your building and contents policy. If your gutters overflow due to heavy rainfall and water runs into your home, damaging the walls and contents, you might be covered under your home insurance.

Don’t fancy clearing your gutters? Give us a call and we will do it for you! Give us a call on 01480 220434 or email us at info@cbs-group.org

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