How Often Should You Have Your Gutters Cleared?

For the majority of properties I deal with, I recommend having the gutters cleared once a year.

It doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem with the gutters. Regular clearing is simply maintenance to keep them flowing properly and deal with the moss, leaves and other debris that naturally builds up.

Some houses will need more attention than others.

One thing I look at is the roof itself. If you've got quite a lot of moss on the roof, some of that is inevitably going to make its way into the gutters. I see this regularly when I'm out working.

Trees around the property can make a difference too. Large trees overhanging the house will obviously increase the amount of debris going into the gutters, while pine needles can cause particularly regular problems.

At the other end of the scale, I do see some properties where clearing the gutters every two years is perfectly reasonable, although in my experience that's less common.

For most homes around Thame, Long Crendon and the surrounding area, once a year is a sensible starting point.

The time of year isn't absolutely critical either. If I was choosing an ideal time, I'd generally say autumn, but the important thing is simply making sure they're being maintained regularly rather than waiting until you have overflowing gutters or another obvious problem.

When I clear gutters, I clear the system, deal with blocked downpipes where necessary and provide proof photos afterwards so you can see the work has been done.

Every property is slightly different, but as a general rule: once a year for most homes, more frequently where trees or roof moss create heavier build-up, and occasionally every two years for properties that stay relatively clear.