How Often Should Gutters Be Cleared in Kent?
For most homes in West Kent, gutters should be cleared once a year, ideally in late autumn after the leaves have fallen. Homes close to large trees often need clearing twice a year: once in late spring and again in late autumn or early winter.
Why Kent gutters block so quickly
Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are surrounded by woodland, parks and tree-lined roads. Leaves, seeds, moss from the roof tiles and silt all wash into gutters, where they hold water and start to rot. Once a section is blocked, rainwater spills over the edge instead of reaching the downpipe.
Signs your gutters need clearing
- Water pouring over the front of the gutter during heavy rain
- Plants, grass or moss growing out of the gutter
- Damp patches or green staining on outside walls
- Gutters sagging or pulling away from the fascia
- Water pooling around the base of the house
- Damp patches inside, especially on upstairs ceilings or walls
What happens if you leave them
Overflowing water soaks into brickwork and mortar, which can lead to damp inside, rotting fascias and soffits, and in cold snaps, ice. Water that collects at ground level can also cause problems for foundations, paths and patios. Clearing gutters costs far less than putting any of this right.
Is it worth doing it yourself?
For a single-storey extension, careful DIY with a stable ladder can be fine. For two- and three-storey houses, working at height is risky, and a ladder resting on a gutter can crack it. A professional gutter vacuum works from the ground with a long carbon-fibre pole, and a camera on the end shows exactly what has been removed.
Our recommended routine
- Most homes: one clear each year, between November and January
- Homes near big trees: twice a year, in spring and late autumn
- Every visit: check that downpipes run freely and that pipe balloons (leaf guards) are in place
Want your gutters cleared before winter?
Rise & Shine Cleaning is a family-run business covering Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. Call 07903 912285 or ask for a free quote.
Find out more about our gutter clearing service, or see the local pages for Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.
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