As we make the transition from cooler conditions into summer, many people will notice mould in their homes that has gathered over the winter months.
While most will put it down to things like condensation, poor window sealing and lack of ventilation, according to one building expert, there's actually a part of your house that's often forgotten about that could be the cause of your mould problems - and it can be fixed for less than €11.
Clive Holland, a former builder, the damp conditions in your home could be caused by issues with your guttering, as a blocked gutter outside your home can cause damp - and mould - inside.
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Clive, who is now a broadcaster on tradespeople radio station Fix Radio, told The Sun: "Your gutters redirect rain away from your roof and foundations to prevent water damage. But if they become blocked by wet debris, they may not be working properly."
If your gutters are blocked, rain won't have anywhere to go, meaning it can be pushed under your roof tiles and into your home, causing damp and kickstarting the process of mould growth.
But according to Clive, there's an easy way to fix the problem of blocked gutters - and it costs less than €11 to do.
The former builder said all you need is a gutter guard, which will stop leaves and other debris from collecting in your guttering and blocking the pipe, while still allowing rainwater to flow easily.
Amazon sells rolls of gutter mesh for €5.93, while you can also find a 10-pack of Floplast gutter guards for €13.45 from Screwfix, although other retailers may have better deals.
And Clive said the guards should be relatively easy to fit once you've cleared out your guttering.
He said: "Lay the mesh down and use the pegs to hold it in place. If you've bought guards, these will often clip together without you needing screws."
The expert also said you can buy a product known as a "bird's nest" or a "balloon" for your downspout, which is the part of the guttering where the water disperses.
The product - which can be bought from Amazon for around €11 for a pack of four - will allow water to pass through but will stop debris in its tracks.
Clive said: "Damp can cause quite a lot of grief. If it gets into your property, it can damage your belongings.
"Mould can also cause a whole host of allergies and irritants. That's why keeping gutters unclogged is so important, as it can help minimise both damp and mould."
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