07/10/2026
With the rainy season here, **gutters need a little preparation now** to prevent blockages, overflowing, damp walls and damage to the roof or fascia boards.
🌧️ Simple gutter maintenance tips before the rains start again
1. Clean gutters thoroughly
* Remove leaves, dirt, twigs and other debris.
* Pay special attention to corners and areas where the gutter joins the downpipe.
* Flush the gutters with water afterwards to make sure water flows freely.
2. Check the downpipes
* A clean gutter is no use if the downpipe is blocked!
* Run water through each downpipe and make sure it drains freely.
* If water backs up, the blockage needs to be cleared.
3. Trim overhanging trees
* Trees are one of the biggest causes of blocked gutters.
* Trim branches that hang over the roof to reduce leaves and twigs falling into the gutters.
4. Check gutter slopes
* Gutters should have enough fall towards the outlets.
* Standing water after rain can indicate that the gutter has sagged or is incorrectly installed.
5. Look for leaks and damaged sections
* Check joints, corners, end caps and outlets.
* Repair cracks, loose joints or rusted sections before the heavy rain starts.
6. Consider gutter guards
* Mesh or gutter protection can reduce the amount of leaves and debris entering the gutter. -- They don't eliminate maintenance, though—they still need to be checked and cleaned.
7. **Clean them regularly during the rainy season**
* Don't only clean gutters once a year.
* After heavy storms, check them for leaves and debris, especially if you have large trees around the property.
⚠️ Overflowing gutters can cause water to run down exterior walls, contribute to damp problems and damage ceilings, fascia boards and foundations.
