Renovation
fromHomebuilding
20 hours agoWhich UK areas face the highest risk from blocked gutters?
Northern and Welsh towns face the highest gutter risk from rainfall, older housing and tree cover; newer towns with modern drainage have lower risk.
Cluttered Gutters: Leaves accumulating in gutters can lead to roof damage and foundation issues. Clear out gutters, inspect for damage, and ensure proper drainage. Clogged Cleanouts: Leaves entering cleanouts can cause water flow backups. Regular inspection, drain snaking, and maintaining cleanout caps are crucial to prevent plumbing issues. Unclean Sump Pump: Debris in the sump pump's filter screen can cause clogs and standing water. Regular visual inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure the sump pump functions correctly.
Most people think of gutter cleaning as a forgettable household chore, but the stakes are far higher than a messy roofline. In the UK, neglected gutters that overflow onto neighbouring properties can trigger abatement notices, with fines reaching £5,000 for those who fail to comply. With autumn leaves and winter rain increasing the risk of blockages, experts are warning homeowners to clean their gutters before minor neglect becomes a major financial hit.
Accidentally letting your pipes freeze can result in hundreds of dollars' worth of home repairs. The solution? "Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls with foam sleeves," suggests Justin Cornforth from Ace Home Co. Or, if you don't have foam sleeves, Cornforth also says that you can "[use] heat tape to prevent them from freezing." Not only are these foam covers great for helping insulate pipes, but they'll even work to keep pipes from developing condensation during the summer. Each one is pre-slit so that they're ready to be installed right out of the box - and the self-sealing edges make them easy to secure in place.