1. The gutter is blocked
The most common cause by far. Leaves, moss and silt reduce the space for water, so a gutter that copes with drizzle overflows as soon as the rain gets heavy.
2. The downpipe is blocked
If the outlet or the pipe is plugged, the gutter fills like a bath and spills along its whole length, usually worst at the end furthest from the pipe.
3. The fall is wrong
Gutters should slope gently towards the outlet. If brackets have dropped, water runs the wrong way and pools in the low spot until it comes over the edge.
4. The gutter is too small
A large or steep roof sheds water fast. Narrow gutter or too few downpipes cannot carry it away. The fix is deeper gutter or an extra outlet.
5. Water is overshooting
On steep roofs, or where the tiles overhang too far, water can shoot straight past the gutter. Sagging felt behind the gutter can also let water run down the back.
Why it matters
Water that misses the gutter lands on the wall and the ground beside the house. Over months that means damp walls, stained brickwork, green paths and washed-out pointing.
What to do
Start with a clean and a check of the downpipes. That solves most overflowing gutters, and it shows up any of the other causes at the same time.
Need a hand?
We clean and repair gutters, fascias and soffits across Manchester and the North West. Ask for a free fixed quote or see our gutter cleaning services and the areas we cover.
