Why guttering is important

Guttering is important to the maintenance of your roof, as if it is not kept clear of debris, water can build up under the eaves and cause leakages.  Guttering also makes sure that water does not run down the walls of the building which can eventually cause damp and moisture to enter the brickwork as well as causing the outside of your property to look mildewed.  Ineffective guttering and draining can also have an adverse impact on the foundations of your property.  Avoiding water damage is the biggest problem in maintaining your home and making sure that it is kept warm and dry. If drains and guttering get clogged, the water will eventually penetrate somewhere, and you may not see the effects of damp immediately.

Both the guttering and the down pipes should be examined regularly to ensure that they have not come loose or broken and that the water is flowing freely down the drains.  Loose and broken guttering should be attended to immediately, and the head of the drainpipe should be kept free from leaves. If your house is surrounded by trees, there is even more reason to check the guttering on a regular basis. Flat roofs are notorious for leaking, and if the guttering is not effective at leading water away from the roof, this can only exacerbate a damp problem. Guttering is particularly important in the valleys where the roof may change direction, as debris build up can be substantial.  It is essential that the areas are kept clear which can be difficult as the guttering and valleys may not be easily accessible.

In the winter, snow and ice build up in the guttering and drains can cause problems in the roof and the basement. Melting snow on the roof should be able to escape down the guttering, and if ice has built up at the head of the downpipe, this will need clearing to make sure that there is no build up of water.

Replacing guttering is not an onerous task or expensive.  Guttering is important and is just one job on the maintenance schedule.  If you are building a new house, make sure that sufficient guttering is fitted so you do not have any problems from the outset.  If you cannot do any repairs necessary yourself, you should employ a professional. A good roofing specialist will be able to give advice on the best type of guttering, brackets and downpipes for your particular property.  Any good roofer will do a free survey of your roof and provide a quotation if necessary.

The climate in the UK with its high rainfall and harsh winters makes the guttering even more important, even if your roof has an overhang to prevent water from running down the walls. The roof and foundations can still be compromised if you do not have enough guttering which is effective. Protect your roof by attending to the guttering on a regular basis to nip any problems in the bud.  Prevention is better than cure!