How often should I clear my gutters in Somerset?

Twice a year — once in autumn after leaf fall (October–November) and once in spring (March–April). Properties near trees may need more frequent clearing.

What are the signs of blocked gutters?

Water overflowing during rain, green algae stains on walls, damp patches inside, plants growing from gutters, or sagging/pulling away from the fascia.

When to Clear Your Gutters: A Somerset Homeowner's Guide

Gutters are one of those things you don't think about until they fail. And when they fail in Somerset — with our above-average rainfall — the consequences show up quickly.

When should you clear your gutters?

Autumn (October–November) is the most important time. Once the leaves have fallen, your gutters are full of debris that will block downpipes over winter. This is when most gutter problems start.

Spring (March–April) is your second clean. Winter storms deposit moss, twigs, and sediment that builds up over the wet months. A spring clear ensures everything flows properly before summer.

After storms. If you've had heavy winds, check for visible debris in your gutters. Broken branches, roofing felt, and moss dislodged from tiles can block gutters overnight.

Warning signs of blocked gutters

Water overflowing during rain — the most obvious sign

Green algae stains running down exterior walls

Damp patches on interior walls, especially upstairs

Plants growing from the gutter — yes, this happens more than you'd think

Sagging gutters — the weight of wet debris pulls brackets away from the fascia

What happens if you ignore it?

Blocked gutters force water to overflow and run down exterior walls. This causes:

Damp penetration — water finds its way through mortar joints and into your home

Fascia rot — standing water in gutters rots wooden fascias from the back, where you can't see it

Foundation damage — water pooling at the base of walls erodes foundations over time

Staining — green and black streaks down rendered or painted walls that require specialist cleaning

The cost of a gutter clear (from £80 for most homes) is a fraction of the repair bills that blocked gutters cause.

Somerset factors

Somerset gets around 800mm of rain per year — above the English average. Properties in low-lying areas like the Somerset Levels are especially vulnerable because the ground is already saturated for much of winter. Good drainage isn't optional here; it's essential.

Older Somerset properties — Georgian and Victorian terraces in towns like Frome, Wells, and Shepton Mallet — often have cast iron gutters with narrow-bore downpipes. These block faster and need more frequent attention than modern UPVC systems.

Our approach

We clear all debris by hand, flush the full system with water to confirm flow, and photograph any issues we find (cracked joints, loose brackets, damaged downpipes). You get a clean gutter system and a clear picture of its condition.