Why it matters alongside roof cleaning
Moss washed off a roof during cleaning has to go somewhere, and gutters are usually where it ends up, so clearing them at the same time as a roof clean stops the debris just sitting there and causing a new blockage straight away.
Signs gutters need attention
Water spilling over the front of a gutter during rain, plants or moss visibly growing inside the gutter run, and damp patches on walls below a downpipe joint are all signs worth getting looked at. Autumn, after leaf fall, is generally the point when gutters need the most attention.
What's checked
As well as clearing debris by hand or with a vacuum system, an installer will usually check that brackets are holding the gutter at the correct fall so water actually runs towards the downpipe rather than pooling.
Frequently asked questions
Can gutter clearing be done without cleaning the whole roof?+
Yes, gutter clearing can be done on its own, though it's often quoted alongside a roof clean since access equipment is already in place.
How do I know if my gutters are blocked?+
Water overflowing over the edge of the gutter during rain, rather than draining through the downpipe, is the clearest sign.
Useful local links
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council — Planning — The local planning authority for Basingstoke and most of the surrounding villages in this cluster; covers when planning permission is needed for roof work beyond routine cleaning.
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council — Building Control — Covers building regulations approval for roofing work that goes beyond like-for-like repair or cleaning.
- Hart District Council — Planning and Building Control — The local planning authority for Hook, which sits in the Hart district rather than Basingstoke and Deane.
- Planning Portal — Roof Work — National guidance on when roof alterations need planning permission, referenced when explaining that routine cleaning doesn't.
- Health and Safety Executive — Working at Height — HSE guidance on the risks of working at height, referenced when explaining safe roof access.