Now is the time to clean your gutters and downpipes

I’ VE tried doing this job in winter – even spring – and quickly realised it’s the wrong time of year: splashing roof water and slimy clumps of saturated moss is the reward for attempting to clean gutters and downpipes at the wrong time of year which is why summer is the perfect time.

Water damage often occurs as a result of clogged gutters and downpipes around property and it’s important that you don’t ignore this important job. Neglected sods of earth and grass growing from your guttering is not only unsightly, but as the sod grows it can even loosen and dislodge adjoining roof tiles and slates. Dry weather offers a great opportunity for cleaning them so that water will drain properly once the rains come again. Cleaning gutters at this time of year is also much easier as the silt has dried up and will often come away in one go once pulled from the gutter.

Overflowing and blocked gutters also create annoying little droplets of rainwater that drip onto the path around your home. But a more serious consequence of blocked guttering and downpipes is that water lodges around the foundation. This must be avoided at all cost as water should always be directed away from the house. The last thing you need is damaged foundations or dampness taking hold all because you failed to carry out a simple piece of work that takes less than an hour to do.

If you’re uncomfortable with heights and scaling ladders, seek the help of a local tradesman. If you have a bungalow and stepladder, you’ll have the job done in no time. Summer is the time for clearing gutters – not when they are full of rain and hardened over with frost.