Homeowners urged to do 1 task before September ends - 'ticking time bomb'

With autumn approaching and the leaves beginning to fall, there are some chores homeowners need to be aware. Before the cold weather hits, it's crucial your house is prepared for the change of seasons.

If you don't set aside the time now to clear tour gutters of leaves and debris, you could face hefty costs in the autumn. As September approaches, many UK households are sitting on a ticking time bomb, according to Bill Jarvis, an outdoor surface and driveway protection specialist at Premium Paints. Water damage caused by poor drainage and blocked gutters costs homeowners around £1,550 on average, according to the expert.

That figure can skyrocket into the thousands if your foundations, driveways, or exterior walls are affected.

Bill said: "The end of summer is the prime time to sort your drainage. If you don't clear gutters and manage runoff before the wetter months, water damage is almost guaranteed, especially after a summer of debris build-up most people haven't even noticed."

To properly check your home, follow these steps:

• Check your gutters and downpipes for leaves regularly to avoid blockages
• Keep an eye out for pooling water on your patio or driveway - it can indicate blocks.
• Seal or reseal outdoor surfaces before the first frost to guard against water ingress.
• Inspect fences and walls for damp spots or peeling paint, which may signal drainage issues,

It's also important to keep soil and mulch away from your home's foundations to avoid water seepage.

A great way to make sure you don't have gutter build up is to install guards. This will stop leaf litter and debris piling up so you can relax

Bill said: "Doing this maintenance now can save you thousands down the line, and increases your kerb appeal massively when your home needs it the most."