Devon is beautiful. Devon has lots of trees. Devon has lots of rain. These three facts combine to make autumn gutter cleaning essential.
Why Autumn Matters
The Perfect Storm
October-November:
- Trees drop leaves
- Leaves land on roofs
- Rain washes leaves into gutters
- Gutters fill up
- Heavy rain arrives... gutters can't cope
The result: Water overflowing down your walls, potentially causing expensive damp problems.
Devon's Extra Challenges
- More trees than most of England
- Higher rainfall than UK average
- Milder temperatures mean moss grows year-round
- Older properties often have cast iron gutters that corrode
What Happens if You Don't Clean Them
Short Term
- Water cascades over the front
- Splashing at ground level
- Damp at foundation walls
Medium Term
- Moss and plants take root
- Weight causes sagging
- Joints fail
- Fascia boards get wet
Long Term
- Damp penetrates walls
- Internal damp and mould
- Rotten fascias need replacing
- Structural damage (in extreme cases)
Cost comparison:
- Gutter clean: £50-£100
- Damp repair: £500-£5,000+
- Fascia replacement: £1,000-£3,000+
Prevention is dramatically cheaper than cure.
When to Clean
The Ideal Schedule
Late November / Early December: After most leaves have fallen. This is the critical clean.
Spring (March/April): Clear winter debris, check for damage.
If you have overhanging trees: Potentially a third clean in late summer.
Signs You've Left It Too Late
- Water overflowing during rain
- Plants growing from gutters
- Visible debris from ground
- Damp patches appearing on walls below gutters
DIY Gutter Cleaning
What You Need
- Stable ladder (or roof ladder)
- Someone to foot the ladder
- Rubber gloves
- Bucket or bag for debris
- Small trowel or gutter scoop
- Garden hose
- Safety glasses (debris falls)
How to Do It
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Set up safely - Ladder on firm, level ground. Someone holding it.
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Scoop debris - Work along the gutter, scooping out leaves and muck into your bucket.
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Check downpipes - Are they clear? Water should flow freely.
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Flush with water - Hose down the gutters to clear remaining dirt and check flow.
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Inspect as you go - Look for damage, rust, loose fixings.
Safety Warnings
Falling from ladders is the most common DIY injury in the UK.
- Never overreach (move the ladder)
- Don't work in wet or windy conditions
- Have someone with you
- If in doubt, hire someone
For two-storey houses or difficult access, seriously consider professional help.
Professional Gutter Cleaning
What You Get
- Safe access (proper equipment, training)
- Eyes on your gutters (spot problems)
- Downpipes cleared and checked
- Minor repairs often included
Cost
Typical Exeter prices:
- Small house: £50-£70
- Average house: £70-£100
- Large/complex: £100-£150
Factors that increase cost:
- Height (3+ storeys)
- Difficult access
- Conservatories to work around
- Very blocked gutters
Value Calculation
If you earn £15/hour and cleaning your own gutters takes 2 hours plus risk...
A professional does it in half the time, has the right equipment, and assumes the risk. Worth it for most people.
Gutter Guard Options
Mesh Guards
Metal or plastic mesh covers the gutter. Leaves stay on top and blow away.
Pros: Effective for leaves Cons: Still needs occasional clearing; small debris gets through
Brush Inserts
Bristle brushes sit in the gutter. Water flows through, leaves sit on top.
Pros: Easy to fit, cheap Cons: Need removing to clean; can harbour moss
Foam Inserts
Porous foam fills the gutter. Water soaks through, debris stays on top.
Pros: Simple concept Cons: Can degrade; still needs maintenance
Solid Covers with Slots
Water flows in through narrow slots, debris stays out.
Pros: Most effective Cons: Most expensive; requires proper fitting
My view: Guards reduce cleaning frequency but don't eliminate it. Still check gutters annually.
Downpipe Problems
Signs of Blockage
- Gutter overflows despite being clear
- No water coming out at bottom during rain
- Gurgling sounds
- Water backing up
Clearing Downpipes
- Try flushing with hose from top
- If blocked, try drain rods from bottom
- May need disassembly to clear
Prevention: Fit a leaf guard/balloon at the top of downpipes.
While You're Up There
When cleaning gutters, also check:
- Roof tiles - Any slipped or missing?
- Flashings - Still sealed at chimney, walls?
- Fascias - Signs of rot or damage?
- Soffits - Gaps or damage?
Spotting problems early saves money later.
Cast Iron Gutters (Older Devon Homes)
Many older Exeter properties have original cast iron gutters.
Special considerations:
- Heavy - need proper support
- Rust is the enemy - keep them painted
- Joints leak as putty fails
- Valuable - don't replace with plastic unnecessarily
Maintenance:
- Wire brush rust spots
- Apply rust treatment
- Repaint with metal paint
- Re-putty joints as needed
Cast iron gutters can last 100+ years with proper care.
Need gutters cleared? I clean gutters across Exeter - safely and thoroughly. Late autumn appointments fill up fast. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.