Gutter, downpipe and rainwater channel cleaning

Why regular gutter cleaning matters

The roof drainage system is one of those building elements whose maintenance owners often overlook. Many owners and managers also do not realise or consider that gutter condition directly affects the occurrence of building damage and creates various risks. Gutters are designed to channel water off the roof in a controlled, effective way. When regularly maintained and kept in good condition, they do their job throughout the year, leaving the owner or manager with one less thing to worry about.

Exposed to the weather as they do their job, gutters collect leaves and other debris carried in by rainwater and melting snow. This is particularly noticeable in autumn, when leaves, small branches, acorns and other material fall from trees, and in spring, when melting snow sliding off the roof carries roof moss and debris accumulated over winter into the gutters. Over time, this material fills and blocks both the horizontal gutters and the vertical downpipes.

Blocked gutters cannot do their job, inevitably creating various risks. First, when water cannot drain away, it spills over the gutter edges, wetting the walls and other structures and causing damage. Second, water collects in blocked gutters, which is particularly dangerous in winter. This water adds weight that the system must constantly support. During Latvia’s frequent winter thaws and sudden temperature drops, standing water repeatedly freezes and thaws. This causes gutters to crack and deteriorate and often produces icicles, adding still more weight, frequently reaching several tens of kilograms. Gutters can consequently deform or even fall off. All of this can be prevented through regular roof drainage maintenance, at least once a year, and by analysing sources of heat loss, water leaks, leaking roofs, condensation and mould formation.

We use various gutter-cleaning methods

We select the method best suited to each building. We remove debris by hand or with a dedicated, sufficiently powerful gutter vacuum. We use the vacuum where direct access is not possible: it allows us to clean gutters from the ground. Whenever possible, however, we prefer manual cleaning, which lets us both clean thoroughly and inspect the drainage system and assess its condition. We access gutters from the roof using professional rope-access equipment, from ladders, or from a telescopic access platform. We bag all removed debris and take it away ourselves.

We also clean and inspect downpipes and check water flow. If a downpipe is blocked, we clear the obstruction and always check afterwards that water flows freely. Where necessary, we repeat cleaning until the blockage is completely removed. We also check where the water goes once it reaches the ground: it must not pool beside the building or flow towards the house. If we discover this, we always inform the owner or manager.

Our appropriately trained, professional and experienced staff have the technical equipment needed for all these tasks. We also arrange removal and proper disposal of the collected debris.

Gutter guards — clean gutters all year round

Gutter guards are a good solution for protecting your gutters from leaves and other debris. They prevent debris entering horizontal gutters and help keep downpipes from blocking. Once installed, maintenance is needed only every four or five years rather than annually, and the guards can last up to 15 years. Guards do not have to be fitted around the entire roof perimeter: they can be installed only where leaves and debris collect.

When is the best time to maintain your roof drainage system?

Gutter and downpipe maintenance is not normally carried out during freezing weather because the accumulated material is frozen, although work is possible in cold weather in some cases. Cleaning in autumn immediately after the leaves fall reduces the risk of winter damage. Spring and especially dry summer weather are well suited to thorough cleaning and inspection, particularly if maintenance is long overdue and grass and saplings are already growing in the gutters. Ideally, however, gutters should be cleaned regularly once a year. This extends their service life, prevents unwanted building damage that would cost money to repair, and makes cleaning and maintenance easier.

We guarantee careful, professional work, with respect for the customer and their property. We also guarantee that everything removed from your property after drainage maintenance will be disposed of correctly and in accordance with legal requirements.

A full range of services in one place — call us, and we will help keep your property in good condition and extend its service life!

Make a booking or ask a question

To receive an approximate quote or make a booking, complete the enquiry form. Please describe the service you need in as much detail as possible. We may ask you to send photographs or visit the site to assess the work.