Guttering: 7 things London homeowners might not have considered
It may not be glamorous, but blocked or neglected gutters are one of the most common causes of water damage in London homes.
Leaf litter, construction debris and rubbish caught in the wind can all end up trapped in your gutters and downpipes, leaving nowhere for rainwater to go other than flooding back in to your home.
Establishing a routine of twice yearly maintenance, involving clearing piepwork and testing the water flow, can save headaches and potentially thousands in repairs.
Here’s what to keep front of mind:
01 | Leaks begin at the top.
Blocked gutters and downpipes overflow, sending water where it shouldn’t go. Fascias, soffits and even interiors can all be damaged.
02 | Overflow marks tell tales.
Look for “tiger stripes” on uPVC or staining on masonry. These are early warnings water isn’t draining properly.
03 | Downpipes are the weak link.
They tend to choke before the horizontal runs do. Always check the shoe at ground level.
04 | Cast iron needs care.
Many London terraces still carry original cast-iron gutters. Pressure washers can fracture joints. Use gentle cleaning methods - treat and repair rust quickly.
05 | Twice yearly is wise.
Book professional cleaning once after the autumn leaf-fall and once in spring. Continuous construction work in London also produces tons of dust and debris which washes down from roofs.
06 | Ground drains matter too.
Even if the gutters are clear, silted soakaways or blocked gullies can back water up. Always include these in maintenance visits.
07 | Weather is getting wetter.
With increasingly heavy rainfall, keeping rainwater goods clear has never been more important. Overspill can overwhelm flat roofs and parapets in minutes.
The CiD team work with some great gutter cleaning firms in London.
We’ll diarise and remind you at the right times each year, book vetted professionals from our trusted network, and send you before-and-after photos for peace of mind.
If damage has already occurred, we can also arrange tracing, repair, and full reporting for insurance purposes.