Autumn Leaf Fall: Gutter, Drain & Exterior Cleaning for UK Businesses

As autumn arrives in the UK, falling leaves create more than just picturesque scenery, they can cause real problems for commercial properties. According to the Met Office, the UK experiences around 455mm of rainfall during autumn, making it one of the wettest seasons of the year. Blocked gutters and

As autumn arrives in the UK, falling leaves create more than just picturesque scenery, they can cause real problems for commercial properties. According to the Met Office, the UK experiences around 455mm of rainfall during autumn, making it one of the wettest seasons of the year. Blocked gutters and drains, combined with heavier rainfall, can quickly lead to water damage, flooding, and repairs.

For facilities managers, schools, retail parks, and office buildings, autumn gutter and exterior maintenance isn’t optional; it’s essential for maintaining health and hygiene standards. In this blog, we’ll explore the key seasonal cleaning tasks and recommend professional-grade products to help keep your premises clean, safe, and compliant.

Why Leaf Fall Causes Problems for Commercial Premises

Blocked gutters and drains are a common issue in autumn. When leaves, twigs, and debris build up, they stop rainwater from flowing correctly. Water then overflows, often running down walls or pooling on walkways. This can lead to damp problems, structural damage, or even health and safety hazards.

Slippery surfaces are another major risk. Wet leaves can turn paths, entrances, and car parks into slip hazards,  a significant concern under UK workplace regulations. Preventative cleaning and regular maintenance can reduce these risks, protecting both your property and the people who use it.

Key Cleaning Tasks Before Leaf Fall Peaks

The best time to act is early autumn, before leaf fall reaches its peak. Here are four essential maintenance tasks to schedule:

Cleaning autumn leaves from gutter

1. Clear Gutters, Drains, and Roof Valleys

Start by removing leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters. This helps water flow freely during heavy rain. Use durable gloves to protect hands during the job. Our commercial cleaning gloves are ideal for facilities teams and contractors working outdoors in wet conditions.

For safe collection and disposal of debris, stock up on heavy-duty refuse sacks. We supply industrial refuse sacks suitable for heavy organic waste, making cleanup efficient and compliant.

 

 

 

2.

Sweeping up leaves with broom

2. Wash Down External Walls, Paths, and Entrances

Once debris is cleared, it’s a good idea to sweep up any remaining leaves and loose dirt before washing down. Using sturdycommercial brooms
makes the job quicker and helps prevent drains from becoming clogged during cleaning.

After sweeping, washing down hard surfaces helps remove residual dirt, stains, and early moss growth. High-traffic areas like entrances, pavements, and loading bays should be a priority. Our range of commercial floor cleaning solutions includes detergents and degreasers that work effectively on exterior concrete, tarmac, and tiled surfaces.

 

 

3.

Cleaning moss off the floor

3. Prevent Algae and Moss Growth

Moist conditions in autumn encourage algae and moss to grow on hard surfaces, increasing slip risks. Applying a disinfectant can prevent regrowth through the winter months. Browse our professional disinfectant and biocidal cleaning products to find suitable treatments for exterior areas, drains, and gullies.

 

 

 

 

4.

Window cleaning

4. Clean Windows and Signage

Autumn weather can leave glass, fascias, and signage streaked with rain, dirt, and debris. Regular cleaning improves your building’s appearance, natural light levels, and overall visibility.

Equipping teams with the right tools makes the job quicker and more effective. Our selection of professional window cleaning tools and equipment includes squeegees, cleaning chemicals, sleeves, and microfibre cloths,  ideal for both ground-level and high-access cleaning. Combined with our window cleaning supplies, these tools help teams maintain a spotless, professional finish even during wet autumn conditions.

 

 

5.

Cleaning gutter

Recommended Commercial Cleaning Products

Using the right products not only improves results but also saves time and labour. Here are some essentials to have on hand this season:

All these products are available in bulk quantities, making them ideal for facilities managers, local authorities, and commercial cleaning contractors.

6.

Practical Tips for Facilities Managers

  1. Schedule early – Plan maintenance before leaf fall peaks (typically mid-October to November in the UK).
  2. Document work – Keep records of cleaning and maintenance for insurance and compliance.
  3. Prioritise high-risk areas – Entrances, car parks, fire exits, and high-traffic zones should come first.
  4. Consider safety – Use stable platforms or professional contractors for high-level gutter work.
  5. Combine tasks – For efficiency, pair gutter clearing with external washing and disinfection in one scheduled session.

For larger sites, outsourcing complex tasks to specialist contractors can make sense. However, with the right products and a structured schedule, many facilities teams can handle leaf fall preparation in-house.

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