Water spilling over the edge during rain instead of running through the downpipe is usually the first sign — and it's worth acting on before it causes damage to the wall or the guttering itself.
What to look for
Overflow during rainfall is the clearest sign, but check for it on a dry day too: damp patches or dark streaking on the wall below a gutter run, moss or plant growth visibly sitting in the gutter, and any section that looks like it's sagging or pulling away from the fascia board.
Why it matters more than it looks
A blocked gutter doesn't just mean water goes somewhere inconvenient — it means water is running down the wall instead of away from the property, which is exactly the kind of slow, repeated exposure that leads to damp inside. The trapped weight of wet leaves and debris also puts strain on the brackets holding the guttering up, which is how a blockage turns into pulled-away, damaged guttering if it's left.
Timing
Autumn is when most blockages build up, but it's worth a check after any period of heavy wind too — that's when debris gets knocked in. A gutter that's fine in summer can silently fill up over a few months without anyone noticing until the next heavy rain.
When to call
Visible overflow, sagging sections, or damp appearing on a wall below a gutter run — any of these are worth getting looked at before it becomes a repair rather than a clear-out. Call 07468 868807 to get it checked.