Common Gutter Problems (and How to Prevent Them Before Winter)
- Daniel Cunliffe
- Oct 17
- 7 min read
Lancashire’s weather doesn’t pull any punches - heavy rain, falling leaves, and sudden frost can all take their toll on your gutters.
Most issues start small: a little overflow in heavy rain, a sagging section, or a drip that appears overnight. But ignore them, and those minor faults can lead to damp walls, rotten fascias, and expensive roof repairs.
This guide covers the most common gutter problems we see and fix every autumn across Lancashire and Greater Manchester - plus simple, practical ways to stop them before winter sets in.
Key Takeaways – Gutter Problems Before Winter
Blocked or overflowing gutters are the most common cause of leaks and damp in winter.
Sagging or poorly angled sections lead to standing water and ice damage.
Frozen gutters expand, crack, and pull away from walls.
A quick autumn clean and inspection prevents 90% of winter gutter failures.
💡 Tip: Book a professional gutter clean before the first frost for peace of mind.
Why Gutter Checks Matter Before Winter
Gutters don’t just keep rain off your walls - they protect your roofline, brickwork, and even your home’s foundations.
When they fail, water has nowhere to go but in - soaking fascias, seeping into cavities, and creating damp patches that only appear once winter hits.
A half-hour gutter check before cold weather can prevent thousands in water damage later. It’s one of the simplest, highest-impact bits of home maintenance you can do.
💡 Pro tip: Most leaks we’re called out to in January started with blocked or sagging gutters that could have been fixed for under £100 in autumn.
1. Blocked or Overflowing Gutters
Problem: Autumn leaves, moss, and roof debris build up in gutters, stopping water from draining properly. As the blockage grows, rainwater overflows and soaks walls or fascias - often the first sign something’s wrong.
Signs to look for:
Water pouring over the edge during rain
Green streaks or damp marks on the walls below
Plants growing from the gutter channel
How to prevent it:
Clear your gutters every autumn, trim back overhanging branches, and flush downpipes to make sure water runs freely. If you live under trees, consider fitting mesh guards to keep debris out.
2. Sagging Gutters
Problem: When gutters become heavy with debris or trapped water, they can sag between brackets. This breaks their natural slope and stops water flowing to the downpipe. In winter, the weight of ice can make this much worse.
Signs to look for:
A visible dip or bend in the middle of the run
Gutters pulling away from the fascia board
How to prevent it:
Check that all brackets are secure and evenly spaced (around one metre apart). Replace cracked clips or corroded fixings before the cold weather hits. Keeping your gutters clear is the simplest way to stop sagging.
3. Leaking Joints or Cracked Sections
Problem: Over time, seals perish and plastic becomes brittle, especially in constant wet-dry or freeze-thaw cycles. Small cracks soon turn into dripping joints.
Signs to look for:
Drips from corners or joints after rain
Water stains down the wall or windows beneath
How to prevent it:
Re-seal or replace damaged joints, and check the fall of the gutter to ensure water isn’t pooling at connection points. A quick check after a downpour often reveals issues early.
4. Downpipe Blockages
Problem: Even if your gutters are clean, hidden clogs can form in downpipes. These blockages trap water, which can freeze solid in winter and cause splits or joint failures.
Signs to look for:
Gurgling or bubbling noises during rainfall
Water overflowing from the top of the downpipe
Damp patches near the base of the wall
How to prevent it:
Flush your downpipes with a hose once a year, or book a professional inspection before the weather turns cold. A clear route for water flow is essential to avoid freezing and overflow damage.
5. Ice and Frost Damage
Problem: Standing water freezes overnight, expanding and cracking plastic gutters or forcing joints apart. This is one of the biggest causes of sudden leaks after a frost.
Signs to look for:
Cracked corners or split seams
Ice hanging from gutter edges
Gutters separating from brackets after freezing nights
How to prevent it:
Make sure your gutters have the correct slope (around 3mm per metre) so no water is left sitting overnight. Clearing blockages before winter is the best way to prevent freezing damage.
6. Rusted or Rotting Metal Gutters
Problem: Cast-iron systems are tough but not immune to corrosion - especially if paint protection has worn away after years of rain. Once rust sets in, it quickly eats through the metal.
Signs to look for:
Flaky or orange rust patches
Water leaking from joints or seams
Staining on the wall below metal runs
How to prevent it:
Sand down and repaint rusted areas with a metal primer and weatherproof coating. If corrosion is advanced, replacing with aluminium or uPVC offers a lower-maintenance alternative.
7. Damaged Fascias or Loose Brackets
Problem: Overflowing gutters or constant leaks can soak timber fascias, causing rot and weakening the screws that hold brackets in place.
Signs to look for:
Soft or crumbling timber behind gutters
Gutter brackets pulling away from the wall
How to prevent it:
Keep gutters clean, replace damaged fascia boards promptly, and re-secure any loose fixings. A small repair now can prevent a full fascia replacement later.
8. Poor Gutter Angle (Incorrect Fall)
Problem: Flat or poorly aligned guttering traps water instead of draining it away. Standing water accelerates moss growth, adds weight, and increases the risk of freezing damage.
Signs to look for:
Pooled water even after dry weather
Overflow from the middle of a clean run
How to prevent it:
Re-align brackets to maintain a gentle fall toward the downpipe - roughly 3mm per metre is ideal. A professional roofer can adjust this quickly and check overall alignment.
9. Overflowing Valleys or Roof Channels
Problem: Roof valleys (where two slopes meet) funnel a lot of water and debris. When leaves and moss build up here, water can overshoot the gutter completely and run down brickwork.
Signs to look for:
“Waterfalls” from corners/valleys during heavy rain
Dirty streaks on walls below valley points
Piles of debris collecting at the valley-to-gutter junction
How to prevent it:
Clear valley troughs when you clean the gutters and flush the area with a hose. Fit leaf guards/brushes in high-debris zones and consider an additional downpipe near major valleys to handle peak flow.
10. Poorly Positioned or Undersized Downpipes
Problem: Long gutter runs with too few downpipes (or downpipes in the wrong place) can’t cope in heavy rain, so clean gutters still overflow.
Signs to look for:
Overflow in the middle of long, clean runs
Persistent pooling even after you’ve adjusted the fall
Downpipes positioned far from valleys or large roof areas
How to prevent it:
Add a second downpipe or relocate one closer to the heaviest flow point (often near a valley). On older properties, upgrading from narrow pipes to modern, wider profiles improves capacity.
11. Hidden Internal Leaks Behind Fascias
Problem: If the back edge of the gutter isn’t correctly tucked behind the felt/eaves tray, water can sneak behind the gutter and quietly soak the timber fascia. From the ground, everything looks fine.
Signs to look for:
Peeling paint, dark staining, or soft patches on fascias
Damp marks indoors near the eaves despite “dry” gutters
Drips appearing after wind-driven rain rather than steady showers
How to prevent it:
Ensure the gutter sits behind the drip edge/eaves tray so water can’t bypass the channel. A professional roofer can re-seat the run, refit clips, and add/repair eaves trays where needed.
What to Do If You Spot a Gutter Problem
If you’ve spotted a leak, sag, or overflowing section, don’t ignore it - small issues rarely fix themselves.
Here’s a quick order of action we recommend:
Check safely from the ground. Don’t climb ladders in winter conditions - a visual inspection or photo from a window is enough.
Note where the issue is. Corners, joins, or valleys help us identify the fix faster.
Call a local roofer early. Most gutter repairs or realignments take less than a day, and sorting them before frost prevents further damage.
Daniel Roofing & Guttering offers free inspections across Lancashire and Greater Manchester - perfect for catching issues before the worst weather hits.
💡 Even if you just need advice, we’re happy to take a look and explain your options.
Local Insight – Lancashire Gutters Suffer More
Constant rain and wind-blown debris mean gutters across Lancashire work harder than in most parts of the UK. We often see homes in Accrington, Blackburn, Bury, and Clitheroe where gutters fail early simply because autumn maintenance was skipped.
A one-hour gutter clean and inspection before winter can prevent hundreds in damp repairs later. If your gutters haven’t been checked since last year, now’s the time.
FAQs – Gutter Problems Before Winter
Got questions about your gutters before the cold sets in? These quick answers cover the most common issues Lancashire homeowners face every winter - from frozen joints to overflowing downpipes.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
At least twice a year – once in spring and again in autumn before frost sets in.
What happens if I ignore blocked gutters?
Overflowing water can damage fascias, soak walls, and lead to internal damp or mould.
Do frozen gutters cause leaks?
Yes – expanding ice cracks seals and joints, leading to drips when it thaws.
Can I clean gutters myself?
Single-storey bungalows, yes – with caution. For multi-storey homes, always use a professional with safe access gear.
What’s the average cost of a gutter clean in Lancashire?
Typically £60–£120, depending on size and access. It’s far cheaper than repairing a leak or damp wall.
Local Gutter Cleaning & Repairs
From Chorley and Colne to Preston and Leyland, Daniel Roofing & Guttering provides safe, reliable gutter cleaning, repairs, and guttering replacements before the winter weather hits.
We clear blockages, re-seal joints, and check your entire roofline for problems - all backed by guaranteed workmanship and clear pricing.
If you’ve noticed overflowing gutters or drips after rain, it’s time for a professional clean.
Call 07922 564912 or learn more about our professional gutter cleaning service to book your pre-winter inspection today.
