Gutters are not the most glamorous or sexy part of our homes. But they're an essential part in keeping water off your floors and out of your basement, so it's important to know how to fix a leaky gutter before you find yourself with more than just wet furniture on your hands - especially when things go wrong (and they will at some point).
A relentless downpour of rain can lead to a rainy day disaster if your gutters are not in good working order. The torrents from the sky will cascade onto our roofs and ground, or run down walls - causing brick and stonework to be constantly soaked with water for long periods of time.
This could cause devastating issues that most people do not think about until it's too late: leaking ceilings, mold growth on surfaces like wood floors due to wet insulation beneath them etc., all this leads up towards costly repairs which you may likely have never thought would happen because they were fixed ages ago; but when everything goes wrong (and they inevitably will at some point), fixing these items is inevitable-but always expensive!
Guttering installation & repairs can include
Standard benefits:
- Keep your gutters in good condition for years to come.
- Ensure the safety of your property and family.
Emotional benefits:
- Your home will look beautiful with clean gutters.
Gutters are probably the single most overlooked feature of our homes. As long as they are working properly, we don't need to think about them. But when they fail, they can cause damage that can cost far more than gutter repair in the first place.
If you're concerned about the state of your guttering, this guide will help to answer any questions you may have on the subject and let you know whether you need guttering repair specialists to assist you.
Gutters are specially designed to direct rainwater (and melted ice and snow) away from a property. Here in the UK, we have an average of almost 854.8 mm (33 inches) of rainfall every year. This varies depending on the exact location, with London and the South generally at the lower end of the scale. However, there is still a significant volume of water falling on our homes throughout the year.
To put it a different way, even if the rainfall is only 1 mm, then every square metre of roof will receive a litre of rain, and that's a lot of water by anyone's standards!
Without adequate guttering, this torrent of water would cascade down our roofs and onto the ground, or run down the walls. Brick and stonework would be constantly soaked, and would eventually absorb much of the moisture.
Long-term exposure to moisture from overflowing gutters will result in problems such as penetrating damp, dry/wet rot, and mould or mildew. If left untreated, the water damage can become severe enough to affect the structural integrity of your property as wooden beams and rafters start to decay.
Without gutters, rainwater would also saturate the ground around the base of our walls, making it permanently wet. Properties in dense, urban areas would have puddles of water outside much of the time, and rain would pour down onto passers-by from buildings that open directly onto the street. Basements may be affected by water constantly leaking in, making them damp and unusable.
Properly installed guttering in good working order does an amazing job of diverting and gathering all this water. It sends it safely into the drainage system or can be stored on-site for recycling.
As you can see, they are essential pieces of equipment, and gutter repairs are necessary to their continued efficiency.
Basically, there are three types of guttering system: metal, plastic, and concrete gutters.
Older properties may still have cast iron guttering that was installed in the Victorian era. It has an expected lifespan of between 50 - 70 years, and many thousands have been extensively repaired or replaced by now.
However, there's still a lot of Victorian guttering out there, which is a testament to its strength and usefulness, lasting well beyond expectations. But many of these will be in poor condition by now and will have had their life extended through several layers of paint, which is virtually holding it together in some cases!
A cast iron downpipe will often rust at the base, allowing the run-off water to spread across the ground rather than enter the drain. When this happens you will notice moss, algae and plant growth on the surrounding surfaces, which can cause damage to bricks and masonry.
New cast iron gutters are still installed today, although mainly on period and heritage properties.
Aluminium is lightweight and rust-resistant, but it dents easily and perhaps needs more maintenance than steel guttering does. However, it is fairly durable and will withstand extremes of weather. The baked enamel finish means that it won't need repainting too soon.
A fantastic choice for low-maintenance guttering, zinc is lightweight, corrosion-free, and resistant to fungi and algae. It doesn't need painting and is very versatile.
Mainly seen on older buildings in cities and rarely used in new builds. Lead is one of the oldest metals used by humans for water management and has an average lifespan of 100 years (although Roman lead water pipes are still usable today!). This material is highly effective, but the main drawbacks are its weight and cost, as well as the ever-present threat of theft.
Rust-free and low maintenance, durable and self-cleaning, galvanised steel is a viable alternative to PVC guttering. It is also environmentally friendly and highly resistant to the affects of pollution, making it ideal for urban settings.
One of the most attractive-looking options, copper guttering changes colour with time, taking on a bronze hue that turns to a green/blue patina due to oxidation. It is sustainable and virtually maintenance free, but comes at a premium price.
PVC or uPVC guttering is probably the most frequently used in the UK. It is lightweight, strong, and doesn't rust or corrode.
The difference between PVC and uPVC is that the former is more flexible and the latter is more rigid. This makes uPVC more prone to cracking when impacted. However, they are both extremely durable, usually keep their shape*, and can be made in a range of designs and colours that last for many years.
Perhaps surprisingly, plastic gutters are stronger than metal ones, and are more environmentally friendly. They are reasonably priced and lightweight, making them easier to install.
*long-term exposure to high temperatures can cause some plastic gutters to warp.
Also known as Finlock gutters, these were used in the 1950s and 1970s on some properties as a cheap replacement and alternative to steel, which was scarce. They served their purpose at the time but most have been replaced with PVC by now.
These consisted of a concrete slab that capped the space between the roof and the walls. In some cases, they doubled as lintels in the supporting walls. The drainage channel was usually lined with bitumen or mineral felt.
There were three main problems with this type of guttering: they could not cope with the constant expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes and began to crack, leading to leaks. They also sagged, which caused problems where the gutter ran over window apertures, as it made it difficult to open the window. Finally, some concrete gutters contain asbestos, which makes repair or removal a particularly precarious job.
Overall, uPVC and PVC guttering offers an affordable and durable option for most situations. Because it is lightweight, transport and installation is quicker and easier, which helps to reduce overall costs. It is also available in a wide range of colours and designs.
Secondly, galvanised steel might be a good option as it offers many of the same benefits but has more aesthetic appeal.
Other types of metal guttering is still used, particularly in high-end, self-build, or heritage properties. In the right setting, each one looks absolutely stunning. Modern technology allows metal guttering to be moulded seamlessly, meaning that there are no joints to split and less likelihood of bolts eroding and snapping reducing the need for guttering repair in the future. However, the main negative factor with these types is the higher price.
Cast iron guttering doesn't appeal as much as the other metals, as it is heavy and cumbersome to handle, which increases the working time and therefore adds to the labour costs.
Finally, concrete gutters are perhaps the least attractive option of all. The spectre of asbestos removal is an obvious factor. In most cases, a professional roofer or guttering specialist will recommend the replacement of the existing guttering.
Maintenance work is essential for all types of guttering system. Even if they're still in good condition, leaves and debris can gather and cause blockages that can result in an overflow of rainwater. When this happens close to gutter brackets can be affected as the fittings begin to rust.
High winds can be a problem too, either moving the gutter around and loosening it, or bringing tree branches down. UV rays can affect some plastics, making them brittle. Even a sudden, heavy hailstorm can cause them to crack.
Constant expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature eventually causes fatigue in the joints, making gutter repairs necessary.
The decision as to whether you need guttering repairs or complete replacement is depends entirely on the severity of the damage. Hopefully, they will suggest that gutter repair is the preferred option.
It's difficult to assess whether you need gutter repairs for yourself as they are usually beyond easy reach. However, there are several ways to judge whether you need gutter repairs.
The most obvious one is that you have leaking gutters. A blocked gutter may only need cleaning out, but if debris has built up over time it will loosen the gutter bracket, making it sag. Prolonged contact with dirt and other substances such as pigeon feaces can cause corrosion. Small holes will appear in metal gutters that allow water to leak through.
Overflowing guttering will be apparent from the flow of water from a hopper head or leaking gutter joints. Loose or broken downpipes will lean away from your property, forcing the joints and resulting in further leakage.
If you notice any signs like these, roofing services and guttering specialists will be able to quickly assess the situation and confirm what the problem is before recommending any repairs. If the damage is considerable, they may advise you that new guttering is the best option.
Much of this depends on the state of your guttering and which type you have installed. Ideally, the only tools required will be pliers, a screwdriver, a spirit level, a brush, emery cloth, and a hacksaw.
The main concern, however, is safety. Any gutter work will be taking place at height. For some jobs a scaffolding tower will be necessary, whereas a smaller job could be undertaken using a ladder. In the latter case, the guttering specialist will use a ladder stand-off, a specially designed frame that allows them easy and safe access to the gutter.
For repair work on cast iron guttering, the following methods will be used:
A wire brush or emery cloth will be used to remove small patches of rust. The area will then be covered with anti-rust primer, followed by bitumen or gloss paint.
Any small holes will be filled with gutter sealant. Bigger holes can be filled with fibre-glass filler.
It may be that the problem is in the downpipe, in which case the hopper head (if there is one) will be checked for debris. Otherwise, the contractor will insert a drain rod into the downpipe to loosen the blockage.
A loose and leaking gutter joint will be repaired using an applicator gun to inject sealant into the cracks. The joint should be cleaned and dry beforehand.
Plastic guttering repairs might involve the following action:
Leaking gutters may be caused by a damaged gasket in the joint. The contractor will release the union piece by squeezing the gutter, then peel away the damaged gasket and replace it with a new one.
Brackets often become loose, or were fixed in the wrong place initially. The contractor will check the screws and remove any loose ones. They will insert a wall plug where necessary and replace the screws. They will also fit extra brackets if needed to provide more support, or reposition any brackets fixed in the wrong place.
Connecting bolts sometimes shear and fall out, causing the downpipe to lean away from the wall. The contractor will replace the missing piece with a galvanised bolt of the same size. Wall plugs also work loose, and these will be replaced and the screws refixed.
Small leaks can often be fixed with gutter sealant or gutter repair tape. The leaks will usually be around a joint, which needs to be cleaned and dried thoroughly before the sealant or tape is applied.
This is only a general overview of what's involved in gutter repairs, but it gives a good idea as to what you should expect.
Repairing guttering may seem an easy job, but it can be tricky because you will be working at height. It is always worth employing a roofing services specialist who will have experience of this type of work and will be trained in all safety aspects.
The shape of the guttering will have an effect on its efficiency in handling water flow. Here are the most commonly used ones:
High flow rate and decorative, these have a moulded face that is suited to buildings old and new.
These have a modern, contemporary look. The angular design gives increased capacity to deal with more rain water.
Very popular, but lower capacity. These are used more frequently than most other types and are long lasting and suited to most properties.
The best choice for larger properties with expansive roofs, this type can cope with a much heavier flow of rainwater.
Guttering repairs are vital to the efficiency and lifespan of your gutters. Regular maintenance, including the cleaning out of blocked guttering, will save you money in the long term. Severely damaged guttering systems may need replacing.
The total cost of gutter repairs will vary according to the extent of any damage, the type of guttering, and other factors such as the ease of access to the site. If a scaffold tower is needed, then the cost will rise. Finally, labour costs need to be taken into account.
Guttering repairs can be time consuming as can replacement tiles, as the work needs to be undertaken safely at all times and must be completed to exacting standards. Professional guttering specialists take pride in providing the best possible service, which means that the work will not be rushed. Their main concern is that the work is done properly and safely.
Also, the type of property will have an affect on the job in hand. Gutter repairs on semi-detached or terraced houses will obviously be more complicated, as the guttering is usually joined to your neighbour's.
Guttering repairs don't have to cost the earth, but each case has its own challenges, making an average cost difficult to project. We believe that a free quote and a personal service is better, rather than offering vague prices.
Professional guttering repairs are the best way forward. Guttering specialists can repair your existing guttering system and extend its lifespan considerably. While there is always a chance that it will need replacing, expert repair work may be the best solution. Replacing guttering can be expensive, which means that to repair gutters is generally the best option.
If need someone to repair gutters then call today for a friendly, free quote on your guttering repairs.
