Gutters often collect a wrath of leaves and gunk from winter – but failing to clean them out could invalidate your home insurance
Spring is right around the corner which means – you guessed it, spring cleaning. It’s never a fun task, but prepping your home in anticipation of the brighter days ahead can both make you feel better and alert you to any issues in your home. Plus, if you own gutters, checking they’re in good nick also prevent some serious damage.
With this in mind, home insurance experts at MoneySuperMarket have issued a pressing warning to homeowners to make sure to clean out their gutters. Otherwise, you may risk facing very expensive consequences.
This is because failing to keep your gutters unclogged could actually void your home insurance policy. Why? Blocked gutters can actually cause very serious damage to your home. Given that their main purpose is to direct rainwater away from your walls, when they become filled with leaves and other debris, this can actually cause the water to seep into your home.
The consequences of this can be severe. Damp and mould can fester in your ceilings and walls, which can make your home smell awful and even damage your lungs. At worst, waterlogging can even damage your home’s foundations.
This can be a problem for insurance companies, as they expect homeowners to keep their property in good condition. If your insurer discovers that you’ve been neglecting your gutters, they could argue that the water damage was preventable, therefore leaving you to pay out of pocket. Since water damage accounts for a third of all home insurance claims made in the UK, this may well have a damning impact on your finances.
‘Paying for repairs out of your own pocket’
MoneySuperMarket’s home insurance expert, Alicia Hempsted advised: “A blocked gutter might seem like one of those tasks that can be done later, but not tackling this small job can lead to big problems if left for too long. Your insurer expects you to carry out regular maintenance on your property to make sure everything’s in working order. The UK has been experiencing more windy and stormy weather than usual this year, which could mean your gutters have become clogged with leaves or other debris.
“And if you ignore overflowing gutters, there’s a chance any home insurance claims for damp could be denied meaning you’d have to pay for any repairs out of your own pocket.
“Check your gutters for blockages and damage twice a year and after extreme weather to ensure your insurance remains valid.”
MoneySuperMarket’s top tips for keeping your gutters clean:
-
Check twice a year: Inspect gutters in spring and autumn for blockages or damage.
-
Clear debris: Remove leaves, moss, and twigs to keep water flowing freely.
-
Hire a pro: If you can’t reach your gutters safely, get professional cleaning.
-
Install guards: Gutter guards can help prevent blockages and reduce maintenance.
