Gutters are one of those things you don't think about - until water's pouring down your wall. Regular checks prevent expensive repairs.
Sign 1: Water Overflowing During Rain
What you see: Water cascading over the front of gutters during rain, like a waterfall.
What it means: Blockage. Leaves, moss, and debris have accumulated.
How bad is it? Fix soon. Overflowing water saturates walls and foundations.
The fix: Clear the blockage. Usually leaves and moss at the outlet or in the downpipe.
Sign 2: Gutters Sagging or Pulling Away
What you see: The gutter is visibly drooping, or there's a gap between gutter and fascia board.
What it means: Brackets have failed, or fascia wood is rotting.
How bad is it? Needs attention. Sagging gutters hold water (making it worse) and will eventually fall.
The fix:
- Reattach brackets if fascia is sound
- Replace fascia if rotted
- May need bracket repositioning for proper fall
Sign 3: Plants Growing in Gutters
What you see: Grass, weeds, or even small plants sprouting from your gutters.
What it means: Serious debris buildup. Enough soil has accumulated for seeds to grow.
How bad is it? Bad. If plants are growing, water definitely isn't flowing.
The fix: Full gutter clearance. The roots may have caused damage - check for holes.
Sign 4: Staining on Walls Below Gutters
What you see: Green algae, dark stains, or damp patches on walls directly below gutters.
What it means: Water is regularly running down the wall instead of through the gutter system.
How bad is it? Moderate to serious. Long-term water exposure causes:
- Render damage
- Paint failure
- Damp penetration
- Algae and mould growth
The fix: Find where water's escaping (blockage, hole, or misaligned joint) and fix it.
Sign 5: Damp or Mould Inside Near External Walls
What you see: Damp patches, peeling paint, or mould inside your home on external walls.
What it means: Water is penetrating the wall - faulty gutters are a common cause.
How bad is it? Serious. Internal damp means water has already caused damage.
The fix: Investigate and repair the water source. Gutters are the first suspect if it's near the roofline.
Bonus Signs
Rust Spots or Holes
Metal gutters corrode over time. Small rust spots become holes. Replace sections before they fail.
Peeling Paint on Fascias
If fascia paint is flaking, water is probably getting behind the gutter. Check the seal.
Pooling Water at Foundation
Water should discharge away from the house. If it's pooling at the base of walls, downpipes may be blocked or discharging in the wrong place.
Mosquitoes or Insects
Standing water in blocked gutters breeds insects. If you notice more than usual, check for stagnant water up there.
How Often to Check
Minimum: Twice a year
- Autumn: After leaves fall
- Spring: Clear winter debris, check for damage
If you have:
- Overhanging trees: Check more often
- Old gutters: Annual inspection
- Recent storms: Check after
DIY vs Professional
DIY Gutter Cleaning
Do it yourself if:
- Single storey or safely reachable
- You have a stable ladder
- You're comfortable at height
How:
- Stable ladder, someone footing it
- Gloves (gutter gunk is nasty)
- Scoop out debris by hand or with trowel
- Check downpipes are clear
- Flush with water
Hire Someone If:
- Two or more storeys
- No safe ladder access
- You're not comfortable at height
- Roof access needed
Professional cost: £50-£100 for typical house
Prevention
Gutter Guards
Mesh or brush inserts that keep leaves out.
Pros: Less frequent cleaning needed Cons: Still need checking; small debris gets through
Regular Clearance
Twice-yearly clearing prevents buildup becoming blockages.
Tree Management
Trim back overhanging branches if possible. Less debris = less maintenance.
Need gutters sorted? I clean and repair gutters across Exeter. 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.
