Legal advice: finding a roofing resolution

Moss, leaves and weeds are the most likely causes of blocked gutters. Annual cleaning is necessary where such material is prevalent. Moss usually breaks down and flushes away with heavy rainfall, leaves can be more difficult as some [like holly and pine needles] take much longer than others to decompose or disintegrate. Weeds will become established if any moss or weeds remain in the trough and then they start to prevent the water and debris flowing towards the downpipe leading to a build-up of sediment that harbours more weed seeds.

I no longer feel safe getting up on a long ladder to deal with the gutters and should be interested to know how the franchised companies that specialise in gutter cleansing from ground level perform. I have employed various trades people in the past with mixed degrees of satisfaction but have become increasingly worried about their lack of safe methods of work.

I have not seen many roofs with gutter guards although they are a widely-promoted solution for gutters prone to getting blocked. But do they not allow a build-up [between the edge of the roof and the gutter guard] of material that is prevented from entering the gutter? This could become a nuisance in its own right and lead to water ingress into the property causing damp, decay and mould growth.

Getting the right amount of overhang of the bottom row of tiles or slates, ensuring that any roofing felt or sarking exposed beneath the roof covering is trimmed correctly, making sure the guttering is aligned correctly with a slight fall towards the downpipe, and ensuring there is sufficient capacity in the troughs and downpipes, are the key to a trouble-free roof. Plus regular maintenance, of course.

At a previous house, a pair of wood pigeons would build their nest in the angle of the swan-neck connecting the gutter to the downpipe so we had to be careful not to disturb them while nesting and raising chicks.

Thanks, Beryl. That video led me to look at other ways of preventing gutter blockages shown on YouTube. The balloon guard does stop stuff going down the drainpipe but the demonstrator pointed out that it still requires regular maintenance. Some of the other gutter fittings didn’t seem to be much use and, in fact, caused more problems than they solved, so periodic cleaning and removal of debris is necessary. I think using a specialist firm, with long reach apparatus, is probably the best answer. Some firms do a ‘before & after’ video so that the customer can see the results. I shall now make some enquiries and get quotations.

I have recently had all mine done by a local family specialist cleaner, who used a ladder with his son firmly supporting it on the ground, i wouldn’t recommend long reach apparatus as this can damage a UPVC guttering and may not completely clear the gutter of debris. A specialist cleaner should be able to inspect the gutters at close contact, and be close enough to inspect the condition of the downspout for blockages and also clean the balloon guard at the same time.

Balloon guards are an inexpensive essential piece of kit to prevent the build up of debris entering the downspout pipe on the bend lower down or underground which, if blocked, can prove very expensive to repair. A balloon guard will collect moss and leaves and will be a good indicator to tell you it is time for your gutters to be cleaned as this will be evident from the ground.