Signs Your Gutters Need Repair Before Winter

Leaking joints, sagging runs and damp walls are the warning signs to catch before winter. What each one means, and when to repair rather than replace.

Gutters are easy to forget about. They sit up there quietly doing their job until one day you notice water pouring down the front of the house or a damp patch creeping across a bedroom wall. By then the problem has usually been building for months.

Gutter repairs are one of the most common jobs we do as part of our property maintenance service in Hull and the East Riding. Below are the signs to look out for and what each one usually means. If you spot any of them, get in touch and we'll take a look before the weather turns. You'll also find gutters near the top of our autumn property maintenance checklist, along with the other jobs worth doing before winter.

The short answer

Your gutters probably need repair if water overflows or drips from the joints when it rains, if a section sags or pulls away from the wall or if you can see rust, cracks or plants growing in them. Damp patches or green staining on the wall below are another clear sign. Fixing these problems in autumn stops rainwater soaking into your walls and causing damp over the winter.

How do I know if my gutters are damaged?

The best time to check is during or just after heavy rain. Stand back from the house and watch where the water goes. Here's what to look for.

• Water overflowing the edge. If water spills over the front of the gutter instead of running into the downpipe, there's usually a blockage. Leaves, moss and silt are the normal culprits. Sometimes the gutter has also lost its slope, so water sits in the middle rather than draining away.
• Dripping joints. Gutters are made in sections that are joined together with seals. Over time those seals perish and start to leak. A steady drip from the same spot every time it rains usually means a joint has failed.
• Sagging or pulling away from the wall. A gutter full of wet leaves and standing water is surprisingly heavy. That weight can loosen the brackets until a section starts to droop. Once it sags, water collects in the low point, and the problem worsens.
• Cracks, splits and rust. Plastic gutters can go brittle and crack after years of sun and frost. Older cast iron gutters, which you'll still find on some period homes around Hull, can rust through if they haven't been painted for a while.
• Plants growing in the gutter. If there's grass or weeds sprouting along the roof edge, there's enough soil and water in there to keep them alive. That means the gutter isn't draining properly.
• Damp patches or green streaks on the wall. This is the sign people tend to notice last. Green algae, dark streaks or flaking paint on the outside wall below a gutter all point to water running where it shouldn't.
• Puddles or worn ground below the roofline. If the soil or gravel under the eaves is washed away or always wet, water is coming over the gutter instead of down the pipe.

Can blocked gutters cause damp?

Yes. This is one of the most common causes of damp we see. When a gutter overflows or leaks, rainwater runs straight down the wall. The brickwork soaks it up, and over time the moisture works its way inside.

You might notice damp patches near the ceiling of an upstairs room, peeling wallpaper or a musty smell. Clearing or repairing the gutter often solves it, though the wall will need time to dry out. It's always worth fixing the gutter before redecorating, or the damp will simply come back.

Should I repair or replace my gutters?

Most gutter problems can be repaired. Blockages can be cleared, failed joints can be resealed and loose brackets can be refitted or replaced. These are usually quick jobs.

Replacement makes more sense when the gutters are cracked in several places, badly rusted or sagging along most of their length. It's also worth thinking about if you're having other roof work done, since access is already in place. We'll always tell you honestly which option makes sense once we've had a look.

How long do gutters last?

It depends on the material and how well they're looked after. Plastic gutters, which most modern homes in the East Riding have, typically last around 20 years or more. Cast iron can last much longer if it's painted and maintained, while aluminium sits somewhere in between. Regular cleaning helps any type of gutter last longer because standing water and heavy debris put strain on the joints and brackets.

Get your gutters checked before winter

If you've noticed any of the signs above, it's much easier and cheaper to deal with them now than after a winter of rain has soaked into your walls. We'll come out, find the cause and fix it properly.

CHM Yorkshire has been looking after homes around Hull since 2014. We're fully insured and rated 5/5 on Google. Call 07816 581858 or request your free quote, and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.