This time of year with the constant rain and wind that is now becoming a regular occurrence, our homes are being constantly battered by the weather. It is therefore essential that we make sure it is able to withstand this and prevent expensive problems in the future.

There are a few simple areas to check that will help this.

Rain gutters and downpipes need regular checks to make sure that they are not blocked or leaking. Problems with the gutters can lead to both wet and dry rot, both problems that can be costly to sort out. In fact dry rot is actually caused by moisture from identifiable sources such as leaking gutters and leaking downpipes. Remember that it can also travel, so if your next door neighbour has a problem then encourage them to take care of it for both your sakes.

With constant rain it becomes easy to check whether you have any of these problems.

Firstly check that the drains where the downpipes are fed into are clear of all debris.

The water should be free flowing out of the downpipes ,if only a small trickle is coming out then it is likely that you have a build up of debris in the downpipe. If you see that the guttering is overflowing then this could be a sign of a build up of debris in the gutter at the point where it is overflowing. The most common areas are where the downpipe connects to the gutter.

Joints should also be checked as this is where the leaks are most likely to occur. Check where the downpipe joins the gutter and where both the pieces of downpipe and guttering connect to themselves.

If the guttering is on the second floor roof then it is best to contact a professional to take care of this as working on ladders can be dangerous and should never be attempted on your own. If the gutters are at first floor level then stepladders should enable you to take care of this, however again it should not be tackled on your own.

To clear a blockage in the downpipe use a stiff wire or drainage rod. Place this in the top and push downward to remove the blockage . To avoid further blockages, at the junction of the gutter and the downpipe, place a proprietary wire balloon or a crushed ball of chicken wire at the outlet.

If there is still a problem then use a spirit level to make sure that teh gutter slopes towards the downpipe and not away from it. Move the brackets to a lower position if this is not the case.

Making sure that your roof is in good shape can be done by checking the following:

• Keep a look out for slates and tiles that have slipped or are cracked.
• Check that the flashing has not separated from brick or stonework around chimneys or where a roof meets a wall or around a dormer window. Flashings can be mortar, tile or metal and are used to waterproof the join.

Finally make sure that any trees you have in the garden have no overhanging branches close to your home or broken boughs. Also store away all garden furniture, ladders and tools. In high winds this is all at risk of becoming dangerous and damaging yours or your neighbour’s property.

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