Gutter Cleaning vs Gutter Replacement: How to Decide

Blocked gutters cause more damp problems than any other single roof issue. But not every blocked gutter needs replacing — most just need a proper clean. Here's how to tell which category yours falls into.

When a clean is all you need

• •Gutter is under 15 years old and still holding shape
• •Water overflows only in heavy rain, and only from one spot
• •You can see leaves and moss but the plastic looks solid
• •No sagging between the brackets
• •Downpipes are intact at every joint

Typical Essex gutter clean price: £75–£140 for a full house depending on size and access. We use vacuum systems from ground level where possible — no ladders, no mess, photos of the finished job included.

When it genuinely needs replacing

• •Gutter is sagging mid-run — brackets have failed
• •Cracks visible in the plastic or joints leaking constantly
• •UPVC has gone brittle and yellow (usually 20+ years old)
• •Fascias behind the gutter are rotten and won't hold new brackets
• •Gutter has come away from the fascia in a section

Typical Essex full-house UPVC gutter replacement: £450–£850 depending on runs, downpipes and access. Adding new fascias behind takes it to £1,200–£2,400. Deep-flow black or grey UPVC is our standard — 25-year lifespan.

Why blocked gutters cause damp

When gutters overflow, water runs down the exterior wall instead of into the drain. Over one winter, this saturates the brickwork, comes through as internal damp on the wall behind, and rots the fascia and soffit. £100 spent on a clean now often saves £1,500+ in damp and joinery repairs later.

Free honest gutter inspections across Southend, Rayleigh, Benfleet and Essex. Call 07928 888913 — we'll tell you whether it's a clean or a replacement, with photos either way.