Why Should I Worry About a Blocked Gutter or Downpipe?

Blocked guttering is a common problem in many houses. A build up of leaves and moss from the roof, or even a birds nest, can quickly block the gutter or downpipe.

As soon as it rains, the water draining from the roof has no way of getting down into the drainage systems designed to get the water away from the building.

The result is water cascading over the gutter and down the building wall.

Blocked Gutters and Drainpipes Can Cause Problems To The Fabric Of The Building

Although in the short term this has little detrimental effect, if left unrepaired the building can suffer severe damage.

Visually the external wall will become stained and, if left, will begin to grow algae leading to unsightly green mould. This dampness can, in some cases, penetrate to the inner walls of the building producing damp patches and peeling of the paint and wall coverings.

Left uncleared, a blocked gutter or downpipe will begin to smell as the leaf material started to rot and decompose.

The problems you can't see, may be worse.

Constant deluges of water down the building will drain into the ground around the foundations and can lead to subsidence and subsequent cracks in the brick work.

All in all it's not good news and regular cleaning of your gutters and downpipes could save you considerable expense and inconvenience later.