Experts issue urgent warning to complete essential outdoor job now or you could be putting your home at risk

SPRING is almost here so it's time to get ahead of your outdoor chores now. Experts have warned homeowners of the essential job that should be completed now to protect your property. While spring means nicer weather and longer evenings, but it also means spring cleaning.

After a harsh winter, you likely have an unnoticed issue which poses a risk to your home. With stormy winter weather hopefully drawing to a close, this is the ideal time to remove any debris which may have ended up in your gutters. And according to the professionals, avoiding this task may have expensive consequences.

This is because failing to keep on top of gutter maintenance can actually void your insurance policy. Blocked gutters can cause a variety of serious problems to your property. Designed to direct rainwater away from your home, any clogs in your gutters can cause it to seep into your walls instead.

This can cause dampness and mould to infiltrate your ceilings and walls. As well as making your home smell bad and causing potential health issues, waterlogging may also damage your home's foundation. "A blocked gutter might seem like one of those tasks that can be done later, but not tackling this small job can lead to big problems if left for too long," said home insurance expert Alicia Hempsted.

"Your insurer expects you to carry out regular maintenance on your property to make sure everything’s in working order. "The UK has been experiencing more windy and stormy weather than usual this year, which could mean your gutters have become clogged with leaves or other debris.".

She broke down the potential effect this can have on your home insurance policy. “And if you ignore overflowing gutters, there’s a chance any home insurance claims for damp could be denied meaning you’d have to pay for any repairs out of your own pocket," Alicia explained.

Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives. 1. Clean your garden. Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech’s Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks.

2. Weeding. Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round. 3. Hedge maintenance. Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat.

4. Composting. Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage. 5. Look after your lawn. Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.

“Check your gutters for blockages and damage twice a year and after extreme weather to ensure your insurance remains valid.”. Money Super Market recommend clearing out your gutters at least twice every year. You should completely remove any leaves, moss, twigs, or other debris to ensure water can flow freely.