Is it worthwhile paying a specialist to clean your gutters?

What do you get from a specialist?

A specialist brings three things that are hard to match yourself:

• Safe access. Vacuum poles reach two or three storeys from the ground, so nobody needs to climb a long ladder.
• A complete job. Every run is cleared, outlets are unblocked and downpipes are tested, including the back and side gutters you can't see.
• An inspection. A trained eye spots dripping joints, loose brackets, rotten fascias and slipped roof tiles while the gutters are being cleaned.

Most also give you photos showing the gutters before and after, which is useful for your own records and if you're selling or renting the house.

When does doing it yourself make sense?

Doing it yourself makes sense on a single-storey building, such as a bungalow, garage or extension, where you can stand on a stable ladder on level ground without overreaching. You'll need a gutter scoop, gloves, a bucket and a hose to check everything drains. Never work alone at height, and don't attempt it in wet or windy weather.

What are the risks of not cleaning gutters at all?

The risks of not cleaning gutters are water damage that costs far more to fix than a clean. Overflowing water soaks walls, causing damp patches inside, stained brickwork and frost damage to mortar and stone. Standing water makes gutters heavy, which pulls brackets loose. Plants rooted in gutters can grow into joints and outlets. In wet places like Blackburn, those problems build up quickly.

How can you tell a contractor is set up properly?

You can tell a contractor is set up properly by asking:

• Do they have public liability insurance?
• How will they reach the gutters, and will anyone need to go on the roof?
• Does the price include all gutters, downpipes and taking waste away?
• Will you get photos of the gutters after the clean?

Is a specialist worth it for a terraced house?

A specialist is often worth it for a terraced house because rear gutters can be hard to reach from a back yard, and the front gutter may run above a busy pavement. On a shared run, a professional clean along several houses at once usually solves overflowing for everyone.