What Are the Different Types of Drainage Grates in the UK?
Drain Repair & Replacement
Struggling with selecting drainage grates for your UK property? Avoid costly repairs with expert guidance on materials, load ratings, and maintenance.
If you’re curious about how gutters work and how they keep water out, the gutter experts at Greenstar can explain it all. Read on to learn how gutters prevent water damage and get some tips for maintaining them!
Gutters are there to help direct rainwater and melting snow away from your roof, walls, and foundation. The way they work is pretty simple:
Gutters help protect your home from water damage in several ways:
The main job of gutters is to divert water away from your roof. Without them, rainwater would collect on your roof and gradually seep through cracks and shingles, causing leaks in your loft or the floors below. It could also lead to the growth of mould, moss, and mildew, which looks unsightly and can weaken the structure of your roof.
Water naturally flows off your roof when it rains. Without gutters, that water would run straight down your home’s exterior walls, leading to problems like:
If moisture gets through your walls, it can seep further into your home and cause even bigger issues, such as:
Gutters prevent all of this by directing water away from your walls, protecting your home’s exterior and reducing the risk of long-term damage.
When rainwater isn’t properly guided away from your home, it can gather around its base. This can cause the soil to become waterlogged, leading to erosion and instability. Over time, this can create cracks in your foundation, weakening your home and requiring costly repairs.
Gutters help protect your home by directing rainwater away from your foundation, reducing the risk of damage and preserving its structural integrity.
Rainwater running down the sides of your home without proper guttering can also cause issues around doors and windows. Constant exposure to moisture can lead to wood rot around frames, leaks, or damage to the seals that keep out draughts. This can result in water getting inside your home, causing further damage to floors, carpets, or furniture. Gutters keep that water directed away from these vulnerable areas, preventing long-term moisture-related problems.
Heavy water runoff from your roof can do more than just cause structural issues – it can also harm the flower beds, bushes, and other landscaping around your home. Without gutters to manage the water flow, your garden could end up flooded, leading to plant damage, soil being washed away, and even root rot. Gutters help by guiding the water away from your landscaping, so your garden stays healthier and more attractive.
Uncontrolled water runoff can also affect surfaces like driveways, walkways, and patios around your home. A constant flow of water can cause cracks and weaken these areas. In the winter, water can freeze in the cracks, making the damage worse and creating uneven surfaces. Well-maintained gutters help control the water flow, protecting your outdoor spaces from erosion and damage.
Keeping your gutters in good shape is key to protecting your home from water damage. Here are some simple tips to help you take care of them:
Over time, leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog your gutters, making it hard for water to flow properly. While you can clean them yourself if you have the right tools and feel safe doing it, it’s usually easier to hire a professional. They have the right equipment to make the job quicker and safer, and they have the expertise to spot minor faults before they become bigger problems.
It’s a good idea to get your gutters cleaned at least twice a year, especially in spring and autumn.
Some gutter issues are easy to spot from the ground. Walk around your property and look for signs of damage, like cracks, rust, holes, or gutters pulling away from the roof – these may need to be re-secured.
You can usually fix small problems with gutter sealant, but if the damage is more severe, it might be best to call a professional for a replacement.
Gutter guards are protective covers installed inside your gutters to keep out debris. The most common types are:
Both options can reduce how often you need to clean your gutters and extend their lifespan.
If you’re having gutter problems that aren’t due to a blockage or visible damage, the issue might be with the design of the gutter system itself.
Make sure your downspouts are directing water at least 6 feet away from your foundation, and check that your gutters have a slight slope (about ¼ inch for every 10 feet) to help water flow toward the downspouts. Your gutters may need to be adjusted or you might need to add extensions or splash blocks to allow for proper drainage and prevent foundation issues. A professional can help sort this out for you.
If you have trees near your home, regularly trim back branches that hang over the roof or gutters. This will reduce the amount of leaves and twigs that fall into the gutters and cause clogs.
Are your gutters due for a cleaning? Leave it to Greenstar, the go-to choice for gutter cleaning in Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire for over 30 years!
Our full-service gutter cleaning covers everything you need to keep your gutters in top shape. Here’s what we offer:
Don’t wait for your gutters to overflow – book a cleaning online or call us on 01202 355 344 today!
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