Repair
- Suits isolated leaks, a cracked section or a loose bracket
- Keeps sound sections and brackets in place
- Often completed with minimal disruption
- Does not correct a system that is undersized or poorly fallen
Roofing
Gutter Repairs, Clearing and Replacement
Gutters carry rainwater from the roof to the drain, and when they fail, water tends to run down walls, rot fascias and soak the ground near foundations. Many gutter problems are simple to put right. Here is how we check, clear, repair and replace guttering.
Gutters explained
How a gutter system works
A gutter system is made up of the gutters themselves, which collect water along the roof edge, the downpipes that carry it down the building, and outlets at ground level. Brackets or fixings hold the gutters to the fascia. Each part needs a gentle fall towards the outlet, so that water moves along instead of sitting.
A healthy system keeps water well away from walls and foundations. When one part fails, such as a joint or a bracket, the whole run can be affected. We look at the system as a whole rather than only the section that prompted the call.
Early warnings
Signs of gutter trouble
Gutter faults are often visible from the ground. These are the signs we see most often.
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Sagging or loose runs
Gutters that dip between brackets, or pull away from the fascia, can hold water and may come down in strong wind.
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Overflowing in rain
Water spilling over the front of the gutter usually points to a blockage, a lost fall or an outlet that is too small.
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Staining on walls
Dark streaks, green growth or damp on the wall beneath a gutter can show that water is escaping at a joint or outlet.
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Cracked or split pipes
Cracks in downpipes, or joints that have separated, let water spill onto walls and the ground close to the building.
Clearing and maintenance
Blocked gutters are one of the most common causes of water damage around a roof. Leaves, moss, grit and nesting material build up in bends and outlets, and water then backs up behind them. Clearing is often the first step, and it should be done from a stable position. Please do not lean out from a ladder or climb onto a roof to do it.
Clearing does not always solve the problem. If gutters block repeatedly, the fall may be wrong, the outlet may be too small, or a bend may be poorly placed. We look for these faults during the survey so that the solution addresses the cause rather than the symptom.
The process
How we repair and replace gutters
Many repairs are quick, but a poor fall or a rotten fascia needs more work before the gutter is refitted.
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Inspect the run
We check the gutters, brackets, joints, outlets and downpipes, and look at the fascia behind them. Any loose or rotten timber is noted.
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Clear and flush
Debris is removed and the system is flushed through to check that water flows freely to the outlet.
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Repair or replace sections
Cracked or split sections are replaced, and joints are resealed or remade. Damaged brackets are upgraded where the fixing point is sound.
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Set the fall
Gutters are refixed to a consistent fall so that water runs towards the outlet. This stage largely determines whether the system works in heavy rain.
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Final test
We run water through the system to check the joints and outlets, tidy the area, and explain what was done.
Survey
Gutters not draining properly?
Tell us where the water is going and we arrange an inspection. We explain the cause, the repair options, and whether the fascia or the outlets need attention too.
Replacement
Choosing a new gutter system
A replacement system should suit the size of the roof and the amount of water it sheds. Discuss these points before you decide.
- The size of the gutters and downpipes compared with the roof area
- The material, such as uPVC, aluminium or steel, and the finish required
- The fall, and the number and position of outlets
- The brackets or fixings, and whether the fascia will take them safely
- How joints, stop ends and angles will be sealed
- How the old gutters will be removed and disposed of
- How the system will be cleared in future, including access points
Options
Repair or replace the gutter
A repair can be the right answer for a single leaking joint, but a run with many faults may be better renewed.
Replacement
- Suits systems with widespread cracking, sagging or corrosion
- Allows the fall and outlets to be corrected
- Gives a consistent finish across the run
- Involves more work and removal of the old system
Gutters and the wider roof
Gutters work together with the roof covering, the fascia and the walls. A slipped tile that spills water onto the gutter, a verge that lets rain run down the wall, or a valley that discharges onto a gutter can all overload a section never intended to take that load. When we check gutters, we also trace where the water is coming from, so that the gutter is not blamed for a fault elsewhere.
Downpipes are part of the same picture. A downpipe that is cracked, loose at its bracket or blocked at the bottom will hold water in the system and spill it at the joints. We check that each pipe discharges clear of paths and walls, and we report any water that pools at the base of the building.
Related
Related roof edge work
Questions
Gutter questions
Common questions about clearing, repairing and replacing gutters.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
It depends on nearby trees, the roof shape and the amount of debris. Gutters under trees usually need more attention than those in open areas. Check them after autumn and after storms, and clear them whenever debris is building up.
Can you fix a leaking joint without replacing the gutter?
Often yes. Many joints can be resealed or remade, provided the gutter itself is sound. If the joint is failing because the gutter has moved or the fixing has failed, we explain the underlying cause.
Why does water run down my wall in heavy rain?
The gutter may be overflowing because it is blocked, the fall is wrong, or the outlet is too small for the roof. A leaking joint or a damaged downpipe can have the same effect. The survey shows which applies.
Do I need new gutters if mine are old?
Not always. Age alone is not the deciding factor. The condition of the fixings, the joints and the fascia matters more. We tell you whether a repair or a replacement is likely to give the more dependable result.
Are plastic gutters strong enough?
uPVC gutters are widely used and can perform well when correctly sized, fixed and supported. Their strength depends on bracket spacing and fall, and we discuss the material with you during the survey.
Where we work
Roofers serving five regional areas
We work across five regional areas: North London, North West London, West London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire. Not sure if we cover your street? Call us on 01632 960123, or see all areas we cover.
Next step
Keep water where it belongs
If your gutters are overflowing or leaking, arrange an inspection before damp spreads. Use the contact page to get in touch.