As the weather is set to get colder and rainier, experts have urged households to act swiftly in order to avoid having to deal with damaging and expensive drainage problems
Experts are warning households to conduct key checks now to avoid a drainage nightmare this autumn.
As the rainier weather sets in, experts warn that many UK homeowners are unknowingly sitting on a ticking time bomb. Neglecting blocked gutters and poor drainage now could leave you facing costly repairs when the autumn rain sets in, and it often comes down hard and fast.
Water damage caused by poor drainage and blocked gutters costs homeowners around £1,550 on average, according to Check A Trade, and that figure can skyrocket into the thousands if your foundations, driveways, or exterior walls are affected.
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Bill Jarvis, Outdoor Surface & Driveway Protection Specialist at Premium Paints, warns: “Heading into autumn is the prime time to sort your drainage. If you don’t clear gutters and manage runoff before the wetter months, water damage is almost guaranteed, especially after a summer of debris build-up most people haven’t even noticed.”
Luckily, there are some handy steps you can take to keep your drains clean. Bill suggests checking gutters and downpipes for leaves and debris regularly to avoid blockage.”
You should also check patios and driveways for pooling water. If you notice moisture collecting in these areas, you can improve drainage in these areas with proper slopes or channels.
Also, make sure to seal or reseal outdoor surfaces before the first frost to guard against water ingress, which is another term for penetrating damp.
You should also check fences and walls for damp spots or peeling paint, as these can signal drainage issues. In particular, peeling paint can be a warning sign, moisture trapped between the paint and the wall surface can lead to a loss of adhesion – resulting in a peeling appearance.
Bill adds: “Doing this maintenance now can save you thousands down the line, and increases your kerb appeal massively when your home needs it the most.”
Some extra tips include using gutter guards to reduce debris build-up, while still allowing water to flow freely through your gutter.
If water pooling is persistent, you can also consider installing French drains or soakaways, as they will help collect and disperse rainwater into the surrounding soil, preventing issues like surface waterlogging, flooding, and water damage.
Equally, keeping soil and mulch away from foundations can further prevent water seepage.