Winter brings some of the toughest conditions for commercial buildings. Increased rainfall, freezing temperatures, falling debris and heavy winds all put pressure on your gutter system — the often-forgotten first line of defence against water damage.
For Facilities Managers, blocked or overflowing gutters aren’t just a maintenance headache. They can lead to:
- Costly leaks and interior damage
- Ice dams caused by freeze–thaw cycles
- Slippery, hazardous walkways
- Render staining and structural deterioration
- Insurance disputes due to lack of routine maintenance
To keep your premises safe, compliant, and winter-ready, here’s the essential gutter checklist every FM should follow.
Quick-Reference Checklist
✔ Inspect gutters for debris
✔ Check for leaks, cracks, and staining
✔ Confirm downpipes are flowing freely
✔ Remove moss from roofs
✔ Book scheduled gutter and roof cleaning
1. Inspect Gutters for Visible Debris
Autumn leaves, moss, and twigs quickly build up and cause blockages. Start with a simple visual inspection from ground level.
Look for:
- Piles of leaves or moss visible in gutters
- Overflowing during rainfall
- Water marks along gutter edges
If there’s any obvious build-up, it’s time for a professional commercial gutter clean. My Property Pros uses carbon-fibre poles and powerful vacuum technology for safe, no-ladder clearing at height.
2. Check for Leaks and Cracks
Cold weather makes existing weaknesses worse. Water escaping from seams, corners, or the back of the gutter is an early warning sign.
Check for:
- Dripping during rain
- Staining down the wall beneath joints
- Sagging sections of gutter
Addressing minor leaks now prevents freeze–thaw expansion, which can crack gutters and lead to major structural issues later in the season.
3. Ensure Downpipes Are Clear
Even clear gutters can overflow if the downpipes are blocked. Winter rain can overwhelm the system if water can’t drain efficiently.
Confirm:
- Water is flowing freely to ground level
- No gurgling sounds or slow drainage
- No pooling at the base of walls (indicating hidden blockages)
A blocked downpipe will cause immediate backflow – one of the most common causes of winter water ingress.
4. Remove Moss from Roofs
Loose moss is one of the biggest contributors to gutter blockages. During rain, it washes straight off the roof and into your drainage system.
Professional Roof Cleaninghelps to:
- Reduce debris in gutters
- Improve drainage flow
- Minimise roof moisture retention
- Prevent ice dams forming along rooflines
Removing roof moss before temperatures drop is one of the simplest ways to prevent blockages later in winter.
5. Schedule Preventative Cleaning
Winter isn’t the time to react – it’s the time to be ahead of potential problems.
Booking preventative gutter and roof cleaning ensures your system can handle:
- Heavy rainfall
- Snow melt
- Freeze–thaw cycles
- Increased debris from winter winds
My Property Pros provides nationwide commercial gutter and roof cleaning with:
- Full health & safety compliance
- No-ladder gutter clearance
- Before-and-after photos
- Service reports for insurance and FM records
Protect Your Property and Your Budget This Winter
Proactive maintenance prevents costly repairs, reduces risks, and keeps your buildings operating smoothly through the harshest season.
Contact My Property Pros to book your gutter clean today.