Gutters do a simple but important job: they channel rainwater away from your property. When they get blocked, that water has to go somewhere — and it usually ends up causing damage. Here are five signs your gutters need clearing.
1. Water Overflowing During Rain
The most obvious sign. If you can see water cascading over the edge of your gutters during rainfall, there's a blockage. This is especially common in Somerset during the heavy autumn and winter rains we get from October through to March. Overflowing water pools around your foundations, which can lead to damp, subsidence, and serious structural issues over time.
2. Sagging or Pulling Away from the Wall
Gutters are designed to carry water, not hold it. When debris builds up — leaves, moss, silt — the weight increases dramatically, especially when it gets waterlogged. You'll notice gutters starting to sag in the middle or pull away from their fixings. If left too long, the brackets can fail entirely and you're looking at a replacement rather than just a clean.
3. Plants Growing in Your Gutters
If you can see grass, weeds, or even small saplings growing out of your gutters, they've been blocked for a while. Seeds carried by wind or birds take root in the accumulated silt and decomposing leaves. It might look almost charming from the ground, but it means your gutters are completely clogged and water isn't draining at all.
4. Staining or Damp Patches on Exterior Walls
Dark streaks or green algae running down your exterior walls usually point to a gutter issue above. Water is escaping — either through an overflow or a leaking joint — and running down the brickwork. Over time this causes damp penetration, paint damage, and can even affect interior walls. If you spot staining, check the gutter directly above it.
5. Birds or Pests Nesting
Blocked gutters filled with leaves and moss make attractive nesting spots for birds, and in some cases, insects and rodents. If you notice increased bird activity around your roofline, or can see nesting material poking out from the gutter, it's time for a clear-out. Beyond the blockage itself, nests can cause additional damage to gutter joints and downpipes.
When to Get Your Gutters Cleared
We recommend clearing your gutters at least twice a year — once in late autumn after the leaves have fallen, and once in spring. Somerset's weather, with its heavy rainfall and mild temperatures that encourage moss and plant growth, means gutters here tend to fill up faster than in drier parts of the country.
Don't wait until you see damage. A regular gutter clear is far cheaper than repairing damp walls or replacing broken guttering. If you've noticed any of these signs, it's worth getting them checked sooner rather than later.