February 2021

Gutter Health Check On Older Buildings

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Rane Digital

It’s always important to spot common gutter and downpipe problems early, this is especially true for older buildings. As with older buildings the most common method of rainwater disposal is cast iron gutters and downpipes, even older buildings did not even have gutters, this is seen in many Georgian buildings – using a parapet gutter lined in lead instead…

The most common signs of any gutter and downpipe issues on older buildings include:

Blocked Gutters:

This will be evident when water begins running out of the gutters onto your home’s walls and foundation. This is normally caused from a blockage of leaves and debris. It is important to check for a build up of leaves and debris any time of the year as these can lead to vegetation growth and blockage problems.

Blocked Downpipes:

We know the downpipes are blocked when we start to see water backing up into the gutter or the gutter is overflowing from rainfall. This is important to spot as the water in the downpipe joints can freeze especially in winter time causing the cast iron to split open which will be a very costly issue to repair.

Blocked Gulleys:

Any open gulley traps must be free from leaves and debris, it is vital to check as this can cause major blockages in the underground drainage system.

Gutter Brackets:

This holds the gutter together ensuring the gutter is doing what it is designed to, loose gutter brackets can misalign the gutter therefore expelling water on to your home’s foundation and the cause of leaking from the roof.

Downpipe Brackets:

As with the gutter brackets, downpipe brackets can become loose or missing which can cause the downpipes to disconnect from the joints. This will be evident with the overflow of rainwater or staining and algae growth from water.

The Condition Of The Cast Iron:

Cat iron over time can become chipped and the paint can begin to flake heavily and rust, it is important to check for any holes or thinning of the surface.

The Takeaway:

You can keep your gutters running smoothly no matter how old they are with continued health checks and cleans. It is essential to keep your gutters free from any blockages which can be achieved with reliable cleaning, we at BSG Group can provide you with professional gutter cleaning no matter how old your system is.

Receive a FREE quote by calling us:

0800 566 8301

What happens when you don’t clean your gutters?

Posted on February 16, 2021 by Rane Digital

We all dread it and we all put it off for as long as we can, but ensuring your gutters are cleaned is highly important for the health and value of your home. We have talked about the importance of cleaning your home’s gutters and downspouts but let’s point out the issues clogged gutters and downspouts will cause if you don’t clean them out…

What can happen when your gutters are clogged…

Roof Leaks

When your gutters are clean and free from any debris they will do as they are required which is to channel water to the downspouts and away from your home. Should your gutters become clogged the water will sit against your roof which over time can cause the roof to rot and leak. Which will cause a very expensive problem to fix!

Broken Gutters

If your gutters become clogged, when it rains the water will fill your gutters to the brim and water gets heavy very quickly. All of the extra weight could potentially bend your gutters leading to in some cases tearing the gutters from your roof.

Foundation Problems

A clogged gutter will attract more water towards your home, this is of course not what should happen and defeats the whole operation of what you gutter is supposed to do. A clogged gutter will allow water to pool until it begins to spill over the sides and down your home’s walls. This will eventually cause a pool around your home’s foundation which can lead to erosion weakening the walls causing cracks.

Attracting Pests

Damp debris can serve an invitation for wasps and bees to build nests, even attracting bairds to nest around the home more.

Fixing these problems are annoying and expensive, but the good news is that by unclogging and regularly cleaning your gutters you can easily avoid these issues! If you would like to we can ensure your gutters are in top condition through our professional cleaning and gutter services.

Contact our friendly team today – Phone: 0208 581 1636 / Email: [email protected]

How To Maintain Your Gutters

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Rane Digital

Gutters are an essential part of your home’s roofing system, they help to funnel rainwater from your roof away from your home. When gutters become cracked, broken and clogged this can lead to serious water damage down the exterior walls of your home. The result? Extreme damage to your home’s foundation and/or leaks into your crawlspace. In order to avoid these problems from arising we must ensure to inspect and maintain our gutters regularly!

A few essential tips to keep your gutters maintained..

Clean gutters at least twice a year

We recommend cleaning them before winter, and then again in spring time. If there is really stormy weather it is also a great idea to take a peek as leaves and debris gather quicker.

Inspect your gutters for any rust and leaks

When gutters are cleaned we advise to check your gutters for any sign of rust or holes, this can develop over time with the changes in weather or if your gutters have become very clogged. It is important to repair your gutters before they leak into your home causing very expensive water damage.

Prevent ice from forming

Any remaining debris that prevents your gutters from properly draining could lead to frozen water that can expand into the edges of your roof. Over time, this can cause roof leaks and serious structural damage. Plus, the expanding of water when it’s formed into ice can cause your gutters to potentially crack and lead to spouts of water pouring directly onto the ground below, failing to redirect water away from the home. This can be avoided by regular cleaning.

Clear out the downspouts

We recommend inspecting the downspout and any pipes leading away from your home just as regularly as the gutters. If your water is pouring out of the extension pipe that leads into your downspout, it may be due to a seam issue. it may also be because debris has built up within your downspout-you may have to remove it and clear out the blockage, or at least snake the pipe so water can flow freely away from your home’s foundation.

Check for clogged gutters

How do you know if your gutters are clogged?

Are your gutters overflowing?
Is there restricted flow of water from your downspouts?
Do you see ground erosion below the gutter line?
Leaky corners?
Discoloration (not dirt, mold or mildew) on the gutter?

Looking for a trusted and reliable gutter cleaning company to help you clean and tune-up your gutters? Contact us today!

Phone: 0208 581 1636

Email: [email protected]

Why Is Gutter Cleaning Important

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Rane Digital

Gutters play a huge role in maintaining your home’s well being, helping to control the flow of rainwater to protect your walls, roof, landscape and foundation. If we neglect our gutters (by not cleaning them) they can turn from necessity to nightmare!

What can happen to clogged gutters

Your home’s gutter can easily become clogged with leaves, sticks and other debris which can therefore cause a leaky roof or water damage to the interior and exterior of your home. This can cause your home to be more open to rodents and mold which can be a costly job to fix. Regular gutter cleaning eliminates the debris from your gutter, thereby ensuring that they work as intended.

One of the top reasons to clean your gutters is to prevent water damage, the top cause of structural damage. A clogged gutter can cause roof leaks which can damage your ceiling, your walls, your floor, your fascia board and other parts of your home. This can reduce the stability of your building – reducing its value. Gutter cleaning extends the lifespan of your roof, clogged gutters can trap ice which adds unnecessary weight and stress on your roof. The additional weight could cause your roof to then collapse unexpectedly.

Clogged gutters will not drain water as it should, causing the water to freeze in winter which can move your shingles apart causing more roof leaks.

Do you remember to ensure your gutters are cleaned regularly?

If not, we can help to increase their lifespan, increase the aesthetics of your home, extend your home’s lifespan, prevent flooding and water damage. Our team of expert gutters at BSG Group specialise in residential and commercial gutter cleaning, gutter repairs and gutter lining.

If you are based in the South East, home counties, London, Birmingham and Midlands areas please contact us today for a free quote!