Guttering & Downpipes

Defective rainwater guttering and pipework can be the source of many sorts of damp problems in the structure of a building. The guttering and associated pipework are designed to carry rainwater away from a building, if they are not properly maintained, the water can run down the outside wall, eventually causing damage within the structure, ruining the decoration and/or causing mould growth.

The best time to carry out work on the gutters is in the late autumn, after all the leaves have fallen - Often problems are only apparent while it is raining, so keep a lookout whenever it is raining for any rain water leaking from the gutters or running where it should not. If you notice any major leaks at any time of the year, treat the repair as a priority.

Chubb Roofing Contractors Ltd supply and fix only the best UPVc and cast iron guttering and downpipes in many sizes, colours, and profiles. The most common being plastic, square or half-round. Chubb Roofing assesses each property on its individual merits and period styles and selects only the best products that will enhance the features of the premises.

Additionally items can be made to your order to meet the specific needs of any project. The standards for rainwater have remained remarkably constant for many years which means that replacing or integrating new with old is easy.

Guttering & Downpipes Maintenance Advice

Gutter blockages

If water is seen coming over the side of the guttering during heavy rain, it may indicate that there is a build-up of rubbish laying in it. It is surprising how much rubbish can build up, the common sources are leaves from nearby trees, moss and other growths from the roof, rubbish washed off the roof, scraps of food dropped by birds etc. If you start to look up at guttering around buildings, it is surprising how often you see plants growing up there, these plants must have a root system and that indicates a build up of dirt and rubbish.

Correcting sagging guttering

Guttering is normally fixed to give a slight slope, from 5-25mm in 3m (1/4 in to 1 in in 10ft), down towards the downpipe. If water collects along the run of the guttering, then you may need to reposition it. If the pool of laying water is only about 5mm, you do not need to do anything, but if the water collects to over 25mm, you do. Between 5 and 25 mm means that you may have a problem developing - check the spacing between the support brackets, if they are too far apart (often 1m maximum but it does depend upon the particular design of guttering fitted), fixing additional brackets may avoid future problems.

Corrosion and cracks on metal guttering

Inspect cast iron and steel systems for any signs of rust and clean back with a wire brush. Corrosion is always worst at the back edge of the gutter and to repair this you will have to dismantle the system and treat each section separately at ground level.

Leaking joints

If you have one leaking joint, the others may also be suspect.

Plastic Guttering System Leaks

If a leak develops at the joints of a plastic system, , you can simply clean the gasket and the underside of the lifted section. If the gasket is worn, insert a replacement gasket or apply three good strips of mastic sealer in its place. Then clip the two sections together again.

Replacing a section of metal guttering

If metal guttering is severely rusted you will have to replace the affected section, or even the whole system. If this is necessary, you may wish to choose a plastic system (it is cheaper and will be easier to handle than metal). However, some metal guttering has been in place for a hundred years and more, so if you can afford it, and can find a supplier, installing metal will last your lifetime. In conservation areas in the UK, you will have little option other than using original style/material for replacements.

Painting guttering

Metal
Metal guttering should be well painted for protection. For the inside of the gutter, check to see if it has previously been treated with bituminous paint. it is probably better to apply a fresh coat of bitumen paint rather that try to paint it. If the inside of the guttering is not bituminous, you can apply normal metal primer (if not previously painted), undercoat and top coat.

Cement and plastic
It is not a good idea to paint either cement or plastic guttering.