Why is it necessary to remove the old fascias and soffits? 

It is important to remove the old fascias so that the rafter ends can be inspected and repaired/treated. Overbording fascias will just cover up any problems hidden behind such as wet and dry rot. These problems will get progressively worse if overboarded resulting in expensive repairs and the removal of all fascias and guttering. It is far better and more cost-effective to deal with any issues at the same time, giving you peace of mind that your roofline is fully protected.

Will my property need to be scaffolded?

The Working at Height Regulations 2005 prohibit the use of ladders for installing roofline systems if an alternative is available. However, if there is ladder access to your property then we have a staging system that can be erected in 10-15 minutes that attatches to two leaning ladders. We can also use scaffold towers for areas which the staging system cannot be used. In some cases however, such as above conservatories, scaffolding will be required. This can be discussed at the point of the survey.

I heard that gutters should be laid level. Is this true?

In some cases it is acceptable to install level guttering, but in all cases a fall of 1:600 significantly improves the performance of the gutter. Also, any tiny deviation in level gutters (which are invariably installed using a spirit level and string line) results in ponding that can get blown under the eaves causing serious damage.

Why do you double fix the gutter brackets?

According to BS EN 12056-3:2000 gutter brackets should be fixed with one 38mm no.10 stainless steel screw or two 25mm no.10 stainless steel screws. In areas of high snowfall they must be fixed with two 25mm no.10 stainless steel screws. Therefore we adopt the two screw approach as a best-performance measure.

What is wrong with using galvanised screws?

We have extensive experiences of repairing faulty gutters. Galvanised screws are often to blame and are commonly undersized and rusty, causing sagging of the gutter and often resulting in damage to  soffits, fascias, and eves. Galvanised fixings only have a protective coating which deteriorates over time, where as stainlewss steel screws are protected through the material so will never rust.

Why do you lubricate the joints?

Guttering is prone to thermal movement. This causes the irritating "ticking" sound on hot days or when it has just rained that is often heard. Lubricating the joints allows the guttering to move freely and silently eliminating the "ticking"

Can I have water butts installed?

We are very enthusiastic about water butts, especially since the hosepipe ban was introduced locally. We use Rainsava rainwater diverters (with overflow) for their superior performance and Sankey waterbutts for their rugged construction and aesthetical qualities.

How do I know if my gutters need clearing?

Chances are you don't. Well not unless you've been up a ladder to see. It is a classic case of out of sight, out of mind when it comes to gutter clearance in the UK. This explains why so much damage is done every year because of gutter problems. Gutterwise is proud to offer a free inspection service for your peace of mind.

Having your gutters cleared regularly; extends the life of the guttering, prevents damage being caused by blockages and means potential problems are spotted early.

However, your gutters do need clearing URGENTLY if your gutters overflow when it rains or have plants growing out of them. 

What causes a blocked gutter? 

A suprising amount of debris can find its way into your gutters in a relatively short amount of time, from leaves and moss, to bits of roof tile and lost tennis balls. The longer gutters are left unchecked, the more chance of a blockage occurring.

What are the advantages of using a vacuum system?

A vacuum clearance system has several advantages over doing the job by hand. It is virtually mess free, safer and a lot more efficient resulting in better value for money. 

Are you able to clear gutters above conservatories?

In most cases, yes we are. However, we may need access from a neighbours property (with their permission). We are fully insured in the unlikely event of any accidental damage occurring.

My gutters don't leak, so why should I have them cleared?

Waiting for your gutters to overflow/leak is like waiting for your car to break down before checking the oil. Your property is your most valuable asset so it makes sense to protect it from rainwater effectively.

I don't live near any trees so my gutters can't need clearing?

Probably the most common mis-conception that we come across. Moss and lichen, bird droppings and other muck washed off a roof can build up at an alarming rate. Call Gutterwise for your free inspection to ensure that your gutters are free flowing.