What Happens During a Gutter Inspection?
- Daniel Cunliffe
- 15 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Gutters are easy to forget about - until something starts leaking, overflowing, or causing damp.
A professional gutter inspection is designed to catch those problems before they turn into water damage, internal damp, or costly repairs. If you’ve never had one done, it’s normal to wonder what actually gets checked - and whether it’s worth it.
This guide explains exactly what happens during a gutter inspection, what issues are usually found, and what happens next if a problem is identified.
The Short Answer
During a gutter inspection, a specialist checks:
The condition of the gutters and downpipes
Whether water is flowing correctly
Signs of leaks, sagging, or damage
How the system is affecting walls, fascias, and drainage
The goal is to identify whether your gutters need cleaning, repair, or replacement - not to guess or upsell.
Step 1: Visual Check of the Gutter System
The inspection starts with a full visual check of the gutters around the property.
This includes looking for:
Cracks, splits, or holes in the guttering
Sagging sections or gutters pulling away from the fascia
Loose or broken brackets and fixings
Leaks at joints, corners, or end caps
Even small defects can allow water to escape and run down walls, which is how damp problems often begin.
Step 2: Checking for Blockages and Debris
Next, the gutters and downpipes are checked for blockages.
Common debris includes:
Leaves and twigs
Roof moss and grit
Silt and general buildup
Blocked gutters are one of the most common issues found during inspections. If water can’t flow freely, it will overflow - even if the gutter itself is in good condition.
This is also where it becomes clear whether gutter cleaning alone is enough, or whether damage has already occurred.
Step 3: Assessing Water Flow and Drainage
A proper inspection looks at how water actually moves through the system.
This involves checking:
Whether gutters have the correct fall toward the downpipe
Signs of standing water or pooling
Downpipes that drain too slowly or overflow
Poor alignment or loss of fall can cause water to sit in the gutter, adding weight and increasing the risk of leaks, sagging, or joint failure.
Step 4: Inspecting Fascias, Roofline, and Walls
Gutters don’t work in isolation - they’re attached to your roofline and protect the building fabric.
An inspection will also look for:
Damp or staining on fascias and soffits
Water tracking behind the gutter
External wall staining or algae below the gutter run
Early signs of moisture affecting brickwork or render
These checks help identify whether gutter issues are already contributing to damp or water ingress.
Step 5: Identifying Repair vs Replacement Issues
Once the system has been checked, the inspector can determine what action is needed.
Typical outcomes include:
Cleaning only - if the gutters are structurally sound but blocked
Targeted gutter repairs - such as resealing joints, replacing brackets, or realigning sections
Partial or full replacement - if the system is beyond economical repair
A good inspection focuses on the minimum work needed to fix the problem properly, not unnecessary replacements.
What Problems Are Most Commonly Found?
During gutter inspections, the most frequent issues are:
Blocked downpipes
Failed joints or seals
Sagging caused by long-term debris buildup
Minor leaks that worsen during heavy rain
Poor alignment following storms or temperature changes
Many of these issues aren’t obvious from the ground - which is why inspections are useful even when gutters “look fine”.
When Is a Gutter Inspection Worth Getting?
A gutter inspection is especially worthwhile:
After storms or prolonged heavy rain
If you’ve noticed damp patches or mould indoors
Before winter, when blockages can cause overflow and freezing
If your gutters haven’t been checked in several years
When buying or maintaining an older property
Catching issues early usually means simpler, cheaper fixes.
Local Conditions Matter Too
Gutter problems can escalate faster in areas with higher rainfall, exposed properties, or older housing stock. In places like Bolton, Rochdale, and Rossendale, we often see minor blockages or leaks turn into damp issues more quickly during prolonged wet weather.
That’s why inspections focus not just on the gutter itself, but on how the system is coping with local conditions and drainage demands.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Once the inspection is complete, you should be told:
What issues were found
Whether cleaning, repair, or replacement is needed
Which problems are urgent and which can wait
If work is required, it should be clearly explained - without pressure or vague recommendations.
Do Gutter Inspections Help Prevent Damp?
Yes - when problems are identified early.
Leaking, overflowing, or misaligned gutters are a common cause of penetrating damp, especially on external-facing walls. Fixing the gutter issue prevents repeated wetting of the wall, which is essential for stopping damp from returning.
What to Do If You Think Your Gutters Need Checking
If you’ve noticed leaks, overflow, or signs of damp and want a clear answer, a proper gutter inspection is the best place to start.
We carry out gutter inspections and repairs across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, focusing on identifying the actual issue - not masking symptoms.
👉 Our gutter repair and replacement service covers everything from blocked gutters to leaking joints and sagging sections, with honest advice on what your property needs.
FAQs: Gutter Inspections
If you’re considering a gutter inspection or trying to work out whether your gutters need attention, these are some of the most common questions homeowners ask. The answers below cover what to look for, how inspections differ from cleaning, and when issues like leaks or damp are likely to be linked to faulty guttering.
What should I look for when inspecting gutters myself?
From the ground, look for sagging, leaks, overflow during rain, and staining on walls. Many issues aren’t visible without closer access.
Can faulty guttering cause damp?
Yes. Leaking or overflowing gutters are a common cause of penetrating damp on external walls.
What’s the difference between gutter cleaning and an inspection?
Cleaning removes debris. An inspection checks condition, alignment, and signs of damage - even if cleaning is also carried out.
How often should gutters be inspected?
At least once a year for most homes, and more often if your property is exposed or surrounded by trees.
