Experts warn every homeowner to do this one crucial home maintenance job before the first frost hits to avoid devastating damage

Snow and frost build up on this blue cast iron gutter and downpipe.

With the first frost expected in the coming week and Storm Claudia having whipped through the country, experts warn that now is the time for everyone to clean their gutters before the first frost.

Cleaning your gutters might not be the most glamorous job, but it is one of the most important. 'Problems often result from blockages due to leaves and debris, such as moss, being washed off the roof. Gutters will overflow, causing water damage to the building’s structure. Water saturating masonry may also result in frost damage and staining, and will make a wall feel cold, while downpipes may freeze and fracture if water is trapped,' says Roger Hunt, author of Old House Handbook.