Gutter problems
Water pouring over the edge, a downpipe that will not drain, grass growing out of the gutter, or a gutter nobody can reach. These are the problems Newcastle homeowners call us about, and how we deal with each one.
Overflowing gutters
Overflowing water is the most common reason people call us. It is nearly always a blockage somewhere along the run, at an outlet or in the downpipe.
A gutter over a front door or porch usually overflows because the nearest outlet is blocked, so water backs up and spills at the lowest point. We clear the run and the outlet, wash the channel and run water through to show it reaches the downpipe.
Why water pours over guttersIf the gutter copes with drizzle but spills in a downpour, something is slowing the water down: silt lining the channel, a part-blocked outlet or a downpipe narrowed by debris. Washing removes the silt that a quick scoop leaves behind.
How gutter washing helpsOn terraces and semis, an overflowing or dripping shared gutter often lands on next door’s wall, path or extension. We find where the water is escaping, clear the blockage and point out any leaking joints we see, with photos you can share with your neighbour.
Our gutter cleaning serviceBlocked downpipes and outlets
Not every blockage is visible from the ground. These jobs need the outlet, the top of the downpipe or a hopper head checking properly.
If the gutter looks empty but water still backs up, the blockage is usually just inside the outlet or at a bend in the downpipe. We check every downpipe as part of each clean and clear any that are not draining.
Downpipe clearingLeaves and moss often collect where the gutter meets the downpipe and form a plug. We clear the outlet from above and then flush the pipe, so you are not left with a clear gutter sitting on a blocked pipe.
Signs of a blocked downpipeMoss washed off the roof tends to pack around outlets, where it holds water and traps silt. We remove it by hand, wash the outlet and channel, and check the water runs freely.
Where moss comes fromHopper heads (the open boxes at the top of some downpipes) are common on older and larger Newcastle buildings. They fill with leaves and silt, then overflow down the wall. We empty and wash the hopper and clear the pipe below it.
Downpipe clearingPlants, moss and gutter guards
When gutters have not been cleaned for a few years, the debris turns into soil and plants take root.
Grass, weeds or even small saplings in a gutter mean it has been full for a long time. We pull out the plants and roots, clear the compacted soil and silt, then wash the channel so water can flow again.
Signs your gutters are blockedMesh and brush guards stop leaves, but moss and silt still get through or build up on top. We lift and clean the guards where they come out safely, clear the gutter underneath and put them back. If a guard is damaged, we will tell you.
Cleaning methods comparedHard-to-reach and older homes
Some gutters are hard to reach or need a gentler approach. Tell us about the property when you ask for a quote and we will plan the job around it.
Gutters above conservatories and flat-roof extensions are awkward to reach without damaging the roof below. We regularly work around them. Mention the conservatory in your quote request so we come prepared.
Access questions answeredMany Newcastle terraces have no side path, or a back lane with a locked yard. We plan rear access in advance: through the back lane, through the yard or, if the only way is through the house, at a time that suits you.
Gutter cleaning for terracesThree-storey townhouses, tall terraces and houses with dormers need high-level work. We clean them regularly and check every run with a camera, so you can see gutters you cannot see from the street.
Our gutter cleaning serviceTyneside flats share a roof and gutters between the upstairs and downstairs flat, so working out who arranges the clean can be the hardest part. We can quote either owner, or both, and send photos to both.
Tyneside flats explainedOlder Victorian and Edwardian homes often still have cast iron gutters. They are heavy and can be brittle, so we clear them by hand and wash them with a gentle method suited to their age. We point out any cracks, rust or loose brackets we notice.
Why the washing method mattersFAQs
Usually yes. Most overflows over a door or porch are caused by a blocked outlet or downpipe nearby. We clear the blockage, wash the gutter and run water through to show it drains. If we see a damaged joint or bracket, we will tell you.
The blockage is often inside the outlet or downpipe, or the channel is lined with silt that slows the water down. We check the outlets and downpipes as part of every clean.
Yes. Mention it when you ask for a quote so we can plan access and protect the roof below.
Yes. We clear them by hand and wash them gently, and we point out any visible cracks, rust or loose brackets.
A photo from the ground helps us price it quickly.