Vacuuming clears loose leaves and needles from a gutter, but it tells you little about how the water drains. A winter service should cover the outlets, downpipes and joints, right through to the discharge point. Check whether water stands in the gutter after cleaning: a vacuum cannot correct the fall or repair a cracked joint. Wet leaves packed against an outlet may also need a different cleaning method. When arranging the work, agree which parts of the system the contractor will inspect.

Choosing between steel and PVC guttering starts with establishing how much water each run must carry, not with the material itself. Check the roof area drained by that run, the outlet positions, and the local rainfall conditions and roof geometry. Compare the capacity tables for the specific system, because gutter diameter alone does not tell the whole story — shape and outlet connection also matter. Consider the material only within a layout with adequate capacity; an attractive colour will not compensate for an undersized outlet.

The choice between square and round gutters depends primarily on the performance of the whole system, not on the profile shape alone. Check the dimensions, outlet positions, material and installation method, and compare the complete set of components, because corners, bends and downpipes can be very visible. Shape affects the façade's appearance but does not determine durability. Before making an aesthetic decision, establish the catchment size and the locations for water discharge.