What builds up in gutters
Leaves are the obvious culprit, but they're not the only one. Moss washes off tiled roofs all year, especially on shaded slopes. Grit from concrete tiles settles as silt. Seeds blow in and sprout, and birds bring nesting material. Over a few seasons that mix packs down into a sludge that holds water, weighs the gutter down and blocks the outlets.
Signs your gutters need clearing
- Water pouring over the edge during rain.
- Grass or small plants growing along the gutter line.
- Damp patches or green streaks on the wall below.
- Gutters dipping or pulling away from the fascia under the weight.
- A downpipe that stays dry in rain while the gutter overflows.
Some of these can also mean the gutter itself has a fault; our leaking gutters page helps you tell the difference.
How gutter cleaning is done
Debris is removed by hand or with suitable tools along each run, bagged up and taken away rather than left on the lawn. Outlets and swan necks are cleared, and downpipes are checked for blockages. Then water is run through the system to confirm it drains freely. That final test matters: a gutter can look clean and still not drain because of a blockage lower down.
The advantage of a roofer cleaning your gutters
While we're up at gutter level, we can see the roof edge clearly. Slipped tiles at the eaves, loose ridge mortar that has fallen into the gutter, perished seals at the joints or a soft fascia are all things a roofer will notice. We'll point out anything worth attention so you can decide what to do. If repairs are needed, see our gutter repair page. If the moss is coming off the roof in quantity, treating the roof itself may be the longer-term fix, as explained on our roof moss removal and cleaning page.
Gutter guards
Gutter guards are mesh, brush or cover systems that sit in or over the gutter to keep larger debris out. They help most near big deciduous trees. They aren't a replacement for occasional checks, since fine silt and moss can still collect, and some designs make the gutter harder to clean when it does need it. We'll give an honest view of whether guards are worth it on your house.
Local gutter cleaning prices
We don't publish prices because they vary so much with the building. A single-storey bungalow with clear access is a quick job; a three-storey townhouse with a conservatory underneath needs more planning. We quote in writing after seeing the property.
Book a clean
We cover homes and commercial buildings across Somerset and Devon, within about 50 miles of Taunton. Call 07399 680142 or use our contact form. See the full range of roofline work on our guttering, fascias and soffits page.