When it comes to roofing, it might not come as a surprise that many of the problems we endure are caused by blocked gutters. Without maintenance, blocked gutters will eventually create problems for you and your home, no matter where you live. It’s important to be aware of the problem and what causes it, so you can prevent future damage to your roof and your property. Keep reading to discover some of the main causes of blocked gutters in the UK.

Leaves and twigs

One of the most common causes of blocked gutters is Mother Nature herself. A number of us are lucky enough to live surrounded by stunning greenery and beautiful trees. But, while we enjoy the peace and serenity of the surroundings, our homes may be paying the price. Throughout the year, especially in Autumn, these glorious trees start to shed their leaves.

Some of these falling leaves and twigs will then find their way into your guttering and downspouts, creating blockages that only get progressively worse. Once the gutter has been clogged, water simply gets stuck there, which only contributes to the problem, soaking the leaves and twigs and causing them to rot.

Extreme weather

Weather in the UK is unpredictable and constantly changing. Unfortunately, this is bad news for our gutters. We generally experience rainfall all-year-round, forcing our guttering to work harder. Wet leaves are also much more likely to clog up your pipes, getting stuck and causing blockages.

The erratic winter weather can be problematic for our guttering, too. Heavy snow fall, freezing temperatures and powerful winds just add to the problem. Wind blowing more leaves off the trees, snow weighing down the pipes and ice creating blockages will all lead to more guttering issues.

Pesky neighbours

We can’t blame nature for all of our guttering problems. Those around us can also cause gutters to block. Whether it’s a rogue tennis ball hit over the fence, plastic waste getting into your pipes or a poorly installed guttering system, there are plenty of man-made blockages causing home owners problems.

Whatever is causing your guttering blockages, its important to get regular gutter clearances to avoid an excessive build up, which could result in damage to both your property and your roof. Of course, if you spot something blocking your drain, you could attempt to remove it yourself. But, when working at a height, we recommend contacting a professional to avoid injury.

Speak to an expert

If blocked gutters are impacting your life, whether its causing leaks, bad odours or you’ve got a family of birds nesting, the team at DPR Roofing in Huddersfield are here to help. Our domestic gutter clearance service protects your roof and your property from potential damage, returns your guttering to proper working order and leaves you with complete peace of mind that your home is in good hands.