CASE STUDY: Gutter Cleaning in Newport
LOCATION: Newport, South Wales
WORK REQUIRED: Gutter Cleaning
Sometimes, the first sign of a blocked gutter isn’t what you see — it’s what you feel: a damp patch on the ceiling, an unexplained musty smell, or streaks on the wall after heavy rain.
That’s exactly what happened in this recent case from one of our customers, who reached out after noticing water spilling over the edge of their gutters during a heavy downpour. Luckily, they got in touch before the issue escalated into internal water damage — but what we found was a classic example of how blocked gutters and downpipes can build up quietly over time.
The Problem: Overflowing Gutters After Heavy Rain
With weeks of torrential rainfall, the customer noticed water cascading over the edge of their guttering system rather than draining away. This isn’t just an eyesore — it’s often the first clue that something’s not flowing right.
On inspection, here’s what we found:
- Gutters completely clogged with moss, leaves, and vegetation
- Downpipes blocked with earth, compressed debris, and even small stones
- In one section, the debris was packed so tightly it had formed a solid plug at the pipe entrance
This kind of blockage doesn’t happen overnight — it builds slowly as organic matter falls from the roof, especially in autumn or after high winds.
“We’ve seen everything from small ferns to full-on shrubs taking root in people’s gutters,” says our technician. “In this case, it was a mix of roof moss and decayed leaves that had solidified.”
Why Gutters Get Blocked So Easily
Gutter systems are designed to be simple — water in, water out. But nature has other plans:
- Roof moss dislodges in rain and rolls right into the gutter
- Leaves from overhanging trees pile up and compact
- Seeds settle and grow, creating full root systems if left unchecked
- Broken tiles, grit, and small debris can slide off the roof and settle at junctions or downpipe openings
Combine any of the above with prolonged heavy rainfall, and water starts spilling over the edge instead of flowing away — potentially causing rot, damp, or even foundation issues if the overflow hits the same spot repeatedly.
What We Did
Using our high-reach gutter cleaning system, we removed all debris manually and flushed out the downpipes. A blocked section near the rear of the property needed extra attention — the pipe had filled with earth and stones, completely sealing it off.
After clearing, we ran a water flow test to confirm everything drained properly and shared before-and-after photos with the client.
“We were surprised how much was in there. We hadn’t really looked at the gutters before, but you could hear the difference once it was cleared.” – customer feedback
When to Book a Gutter Cleaning
Gutters don’t give much warning until something goes wrong. Here’s when you should act:
- After heavy wind or storms
- If your property is surrounded by trees
- Each autumn, before winter sets in
- If you spot overflow or staining on walls
We recommend booking at least once a year, or twice if you’re in a high-debris area.
Don’t Wait for Water Damage
Blocked gutters are one of the most common causes of preventable water damage — and one of the easiest to fix with regular maintenance.
If you’re in Cardiff or South Wales and suspect your gutters are full, get in touch today. We’ll take care of the mess so you don’t have to.
✅ Safe, high-reach gutter cleaning equipment
✅ Before-and-after photos provided
✅ No ladders, no damage, no guesswork
Book your gutter check today and keep the rain where it belongs — off your roof, and away from your walls.
