Concrete Gutter Problems

Temporary repairs may be possible, depending on the nature of the issue/s you are experiencing and severity of the damage. However, with all temporary repairs, these are not lasting, so you need to be aware that you may be paying more in the long run to resolve ongoing issues.

There are companies who do lining of the internal gutter, which may last between 4 - 8 years, depending on the type of lining, skill of the fitters and so forth. However, this does not prevent the continuation of the natural degradation of this type of gutter, and if it is cracking, then you need to be mindful that it is already damaged internally...and could break off and fall.

A handyman may be able to polymer external cracks in the short term, but again, this solution would be temporary and will only be as good as the workmanship and products used.

We however, do not repair concrete gutters, as it is not possible to make a lasting repair to the internal/ external cracking and general concrete degradation in any type of concrete / finlock gutter. We only do complete removal and replacements of this type of guttering. This is the only sure-fire way of ensuring the problems are gone forever!

The cutting off of the concrete gutter take (on average) about 30 minutes for between 6 to 8 meters of concrete gutter. The removal and replacement of say 12M of gutter (standard front and rear), can take between 1-2 days, depending on weather conditions, available light and start and finish times.

Unlike UPVC Guttering, seamless aluminium gutter has no joints in its system. The lack of joints in seamless aluminium means that there is no opportunity for the gutters to leak, as is common in traditional jointed UPVC guttering products. A no joint system means that water can be carried safely and effectively away from your home. If your gutter system has leaks, water can spill down the walls of your home, creating fascia and soffit rot, build up of dangerous internal mould and mildew, as well as possible foundation damage and basement flooding.

Furthermore, UPVC joints are not covered under warranty or guarantee from the manufacturers, and their distributors alike, as the failure rate on these items is generally high. Rubber seal failure, is perpetuated by the sand residue off your roof tiles getting into the rubber seal area. Theses abrasive particles wear the rubber seal away with the contraction and expansion of the gutter over time.

In addition, aluminium guttering is expected to last for 30 years and more, which is longer than the life expectancy of the uPVC equivalent. Therefore, they constitute better value in the long run.

Aluminium gutters are extremely robust, hard wearing, non-fading and 100% recyclable. However, with UPVC guttering, their colour may fade somewhat after years of continuous weather exposure, and with extreme temperature changes can cause splitting and cracking over time.

Aluminium gutters are able to hold more water volume than any other type of gutter system and therefore are ideal for periods of heavy downpours.

First and foremost, consult the deeds to your property to see what they say about the shared gutter and drainage.

Often on semi-detached properties and mid-terrace properties, there is only one downpipe servicing the attached properties.

Even when there is one downpipe on each side of a semi-detached property, due to settlement of the properties over time, the level gutter may have subsided on one or both sides. This may in turn create a gentle angle in the flow of water between the adjoining properties, which means that the water may generally only flow towards one of the two existing downpipes anyway. If you then close off where the new gutter will join the existing remaining concrete gutter, the flow of water may pool on the neighbour’s side where it adjoins your gutter, and in turn overflow and cause water ingress into both their and your cavity wall. This could lead to internal and external property damage.

If there are adequate downpipes in place already on your neighbour’s side to cope with this issue, then it is possible that you can close the gutters off. It is best practice to liaise and agree with the neighbours in advance of the action you intend to take.

If you have adequate drainage facilities in existence on your side of the party wall, it is no problem to add additional downpipes as required to facilitate the flow of water as appropriate.

Our custom designed and manufactured aluminium joints ensure we are able to seamlessly join your new aluminium guttering rainwater system to the remaining concrete gutter on your neighbour/s side, ensuring that any flow of water between the adjoining properties can continue uninterrupted.