Step 1: Do Nothing… Ever
So the first step to ruin a perfectly good roof is to do absolutely nothing, and to never book a gutter clean in Exeter .
Ever.
Just let your gutters build up with leaves, and moss, and let the water flow into your roof’s foundations and not down your downpipes as it should.
I am poking fun at this idea but after years of gutter cleaning in Exeter, I feel strongly that some people are just happily letting their roof and gutters be destroyed from the elements.
Some homeowners in Devon and across Exeter all seem to think the same thing..
“Ah sure, one more season won’t hurt.”
Then if we jump forward a couple of months they are sitting on their phone searching for “roofers near me” to fix the repairs
Blocked gutters are not harmless, in fact water damage is one of the most devastating things that can happen to your home.
Once water builds up, it has nowhere to go but over the edge, or worse, into your walls and roofline. And you don’t need me to tell you that rain isn’t exactly uncommon here in the UK.
One thing I say to those people who leave their gutters blocked in Devon is…
What if a pipe burst up in your attic?
How long would it take you to call the plumber?
Would you say to your wife/husband,
“We’ll call the plumber next year?”
If your plan is to “wait and see,” then I would start saving for a plasterer and a dehumidifier because unfortunately you are going to need it.
Step 2: Grab a Ladder and Climb up to the Gutters
The classic DIY approach.
Every year, around this time, homeowners across Devon drag out the ladder and try to save a few quid by cleaning their gutters themselves.
I completely understand this one because why would you pay someone to do something for you when you can do it yourself.
But I will warn you, every year, we get the same calls:
- “I thought I cleared it, but now it’s overflowing again.”
- “I cracked a tile with the pressure washer.”
- “The whole ladder nearly slipped out from underneath me”
Thousands of people in the UK end up in A&E every year due to ladder falls, all for a job that could have been done safely from the ground with the right equipment.
My biggest concern with DIY cleaning is that almost every time, the homeowner misses hidden blockages, especially in the first bend of your downpipes, where moss and debris gather just waiting to ruin your month.
You might think you’ve cleared the problem, but when the next heavy rain hits, you’ll be reminded otherwise, usually by the sound of dripping inside your living room. 😭
That’s why homeowners searching for gutter cleaners in Exeter choose us.
We use safe, advanced systems like our Vac & Flush service.
Our system is designed to do what ladders and pressure washers can’t, clear every corner and bend safely from the ground.
We use professional vacuum technology combined with a precision flushing tool that pushes through stubborn debris inside the downpipes, making sure water can flow freely again without any guesswork or risk.
Step 3: Wait for Winter and Let the Ice & Rain Finish the Job
The third and final step is to wait for the rain and frost to finish the job.
We can feel it in the air every night. The temperatures are dropping, and all that standing water trapped in your gutters will freeze.
Ice expands, putting pressure on your gutters, brackets, and joints.
And I am sure if you have read any of my previous blog posts you know what happens next…
Cracks, leaks, sagging gutters, and even sections pulling completely away from the roof.
We’ve been called out to countless properties to clear gutters in Upton Pyne, Broadclyst, Silverton, and Newton St Cyres and across villages in Devon, where homeowners discovered their gutters split in two after a cold snap.
Frozen blockages also stop water from draining properly, so when the ice melts it doesn’t flow through the gutter and down the downpipe.
Instead, it overflows directly into the walls. That’s when you see black mould creeping into corners, peeling paint, and that faint musty smell that refuses to go away.
Once the water gets in it’s hard to get rid of it.
It always leaves damage to your home.
The Science Behind Blocked Gutters (and Why They Fail So Fast)
Let’s talk about what actually happens inside a blocked gutter and the science behind it (yes there actually is a science behind it 😂)
When moss, leaves, and dirt mix with rainwater, they form a thick sludge.
That sludge traps more water, which then attracts more debris, and before long, your gutters become a stagnant pond, stuck to the side of your roof.
This water starts to soak and seep into roof edges and fascia boards.
The trapped moisture softens timber and corrodes metal fixings.
Within weeks, you’ve got the perfect environment for rot, mould, and moss to spread.
Even worse, Devon’s constant rain keeps it all topped up like a never-ending bath, with the plug jammed.
So when most people get a gutter clean they are thinking that they are just improving the aesthetic of their home but they are actually saving their whole roofline.
The Smarter Way to Protect Your Roof
Throughout this blog post I’ve been quite sarcastic, but now, let’s be serious for a second.
Ignoring your gutters isn’t funny when you realise how expensive the damage can get.
There is a reason why homeowners across Exeter and Devon trust The Exeter Gutter Cleaner to handle their gutters properly.
We use professional vacuum systems along with our unique Vac & Flush spike system, specially designed to give your gutters a deeper clean and to my knowledge we are the only gutter cleaner in Exeter offering this service.
How it works:
✅ The spike pushes 10 inches into the first bend of the downpipe, the area where moss, sludge, and even snails often build up.
✅ While it penetrates the bend, it simultaneously flushes water through the system to dislodge stubborn blockages.
✅ This guarantees a full, free-flowing gutter from end to end, not just a quick skim clean over the top of the gutters.
✅ By removing what you can’t see, we prevent leaks, damp, and ice buildup before they ever have a chance to start.
Our local team has been trusted to clean gutters across Devon for years and we still are yet to get a bad review, and it’s because we make sure every single job is treated with the same care and attention as the next.
Why Choose a Local Gutter Cleaner in Exeter?
You could call a larger company, but when something goes wrong, good luck getting them back.
Working with a local gutter cleaning expert in Exeter means you’re hiring someone who actually knows Devon’s weather, understands how local homes are built, and can be there fast when you need them.
We’re not just another name on Google. We’ve built our reputation one clean at a time, helping 46+ happy homeowners across Exeter, Exminster, Poltimore, Marsh Barton, Upton Pyne, and villages across Devon.
When you book The Exeter Gutter Cleaner, you’re not just paying for a service, you’re supporting a trusted local business that cares about keeping your home safe, dry, and protected all year long.
Why Regular Gutter Cleaning Matters
Think of your gutters as your roof’s first line of defence.
When they fail, everything else follows like a domino effect.
Your walls, ceilings, even your foundations are all compromised.
Booking professional gutter cleaning once or twice a year is the simplest, cheapest form of home insurance you’ll ever pay for.
A £300 clean once a year could save you from:
- £1,500+ gutter replacement
- £2,000+ damp repair
- £3,000+ foundation damage
If you’re in Exeter or across Devon now is the best time to book your clean before the winter rush.
Final Thoughts: Skip the Drama, Save the Roof
Ruining a roof is easy, you just have to do nothing.
But saving it?
That’s even easier.
All it takes is one call to The Exeter Gutter Cleaner. We’ve already helped over 46 homeowners across Devon protect their homes from leaks, dampness in their homes.
Book your gutter cleaning in Exeter today and keep your roof safe, your home dry and protected.