Q Clear your gutters

Before you start, make sure your ladder is positioned on level ground. Use a gutter-cleaning tool or wear a heavy-duty glove to scoop out any large debris that may have settled in the gutter. Spray water using a garden hose or pour a bucket or two down the downpipes to wash out anything that may have become stuck inside. If the water doesn’t flow, clear any blockage by spraying water up the downpipe to loosen it. Check for any loose downpipes, leaky joints and any signs of rust on cast-iron guttering and fix or treat the damage before moving onto the next one.