Gutters quietly protect your property from water damage all year round but are often only thought of when problems arise.
Unnoticed gutter troubles can cause continuous water damage that simple maintenance tasks could have prevented. Spotting and fixing issues early is much cheaper than replacing your entire gutter system.
Maintaining your gutters isn't just about keeping up appearances; it's crucial for safeguarding the integrity of your roof, walls, and even your home's foundation.
When gutters work as they should, they expertly direct rainwater away from your house, preventing many issues like damp walls, foundation damage, and dangerous pests.
Insufficient gutter capacity or having sagging, leaky, clogged gutters is a different story. Improper drainage causes gutters to overflow and allows water to seep into all the wrong places, potentially causing structural damage and leading to expensive repairs.
The good news? Many common gutter problems are preventable with some basic knowledge and proper maintenance. Regular gutter cleaning isn't strictly necessary, but debris removal and spot checks after bad weather can go a long way.
This article will guide you through identifying and troubleshooting the most typical gutter issues without needing a busy maintenance schedule.
So, let's roll up our sleeves and dive into the world of gutters, ensuring your home stays dry and damage-free!
Understanding Your Gutter System
Before diving into troubleshooting, let's get familiar with the different types of guttering systems and their components.
uPVC Gutters
Plastic, or uPVC gutters, are common due to the affordability and the wide availability of components. These types of gutters are cost-effective and relatively simple to install, making them popular throughout the UK.
Gutter problems homeowners should be aware of include the tendency of uPVC to become brittle and crack under cold weather conditions. Modern uPVC systems have better flexibility to withstand freezing temperatures, reducing the likelihood of splitting.
Concrete Finlock Gutters
Finlock gutters are concrete gutters commonly found in houses built in the 1950s and 1960s.
With a shortage of timber and metal materials after the Second World War and concrete readily available, the finlock guttering system was rolled out across Britain from 1950-1970.
Because finlock gutters can contain asbestos, we recommend using a specialist to repair or replace them.
Cast Iron Gutters
Known for their traditional look, cast iron gutters are incredibly durable and can last 50-70 years with maintenance, with some systems thought to have lasted for over a century.
One of the best-known metal materials, cast iron guttering is perfect for period properties or those seeking a classic aesthetic.
Aluminium Gutters
Lightweight like uPVC but more robust, aluminium gutters are corrosion-resistant and can be painted to match your home's exterior. Various aluminium gutter types are available, from cast iron alternatives for period homes to contemporary profiles for modern buildings and seamless gutter systems.
Steel Gutters
Steel gutters are incredibly durable and withstand heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions. They're an excellent long-term investment for any home.
Galvanised guttering is popular and looks equally good on homes and commercial buildings. Coloured steel gutters and downpipes look great, too, giving you a metal guttering system that won't need regular maintenance.
Copper Gutters
Copper offers a distinctive look that ages to a beautiful patina over time. Copper gutters are highly durable and long-lasting, though they come at a higher price point.
Guttering Components
Now, let's break down the basic components of a rainwater drainage system:
Gutters
Rain gutters are the channels that collect rainwater from the roof. Gutters come in various shapes, styles, sizes and materials. Major gutter manufacturers use standard sizes to make gutter replacement possible.
Downpipes
Downpipes are the pipes that carry water from the gutters to the ground or drainage system.
Gutter brackets
Gutter brackets secure the gutters to your home, often using fascia brackets. Without fascia boards, rafter brackets are used in their place, securing the gutter to the rafter. Metal gutter brackets can be supplied uncoated or with a galvanised or colour finish to match the rest of your rainwater system.
Stop ends
A small but vital piece, gutter stop ends are fitted at the ends of gutters to prevent water from spilling out.
Unions
Unions connect two lengths of gutter or a gutter length with a corner, providing a watertight seal.
Unions are also referred to as union connectors, gutter joints and couplers.
Rainwater hoppers
Also referred to as hopper heads, rainwater hoppers have been used for centuries and were often decorated with ornate motifs or initials.
Hopper heads can increase the water capacity of your guttering system during heavy rainfall, preventing gutter overflow.
Gutter outlet
An outlet connects a gutter to a downpipe, allowing water to flow through the system.
Offsets / Bends / Elbows
Offsets are bent pipes that direct water flow in downpipes, carrying water away from the property and into the drainage system. Two offset bends are often connected to either end of a small piece of downpipe to create a swan neck.
Downpipe
A downpipe collects water from the gutters and sends it down, usually into a drainage system.
Rainwater Diverter
As the name suggests, a rainwater diverter connects to the downpipe and diverts water, usually to a water butt or a rainwater storage tank.
Looking For Potential Gutter Troubles
Taking the time to check your guttering system for damage or debris occasionally can save you money and unnecessary hassle.
Well-maintained gutters ensure efficient water flow, preventing leaks, blockages, and potential water damage to your property.
Regular checks and cleanings extend the lifespan of your gutter system, saving you from unnecessary expenses and hassle in the long run. Just a little care can go a long way in keeping your gutter system working optimally and your home safe from water-related issues.
How To Spot Potential Gutter Issues
Identifying issues with gutters early can save you a lot of trouble.
Let's look at some common types of gutter problems, what causes them, and tips on preventing them.
Gutter Leaks
Causes: Split seams, holes, and rust can all lead to leaky gutters. Seam splits can occur where sections of the gutter meet - the gutter joint.
Holes can be a result of wear or accidental damage. Rust is a common issue in metal gutters, particularly in older systems.
Prevention Tips: Regular inspections can catch minor problems before leaky gutters become a significant problem.
Re-applying gutter sealant, patching holes, and applying rust prevention treatments can extend the life of your gutters. Modern, durable metal materials like steel or aluminium are less prone to leaking.
Blocked Gutters
Causes: The most common culprit for blocked gutters is debris, such as leaves, twigs, and sometimes even nesting animals. Over time, this debris can build up, obstructing water flow and leading to overflows.
Prevention Tips: Debris removal, especially after autumn and spring, can clear clogged gutters. Gutter guards or mesh can prevent debris from getting into the gutters in the first place.
Droopy Gutters
Causes: Drooping or sagging is typically due to improper installation, normal wear and tear, or the additional weight of debris and standing water.
Incorrect spacing of brackets and hangers can also lead to sagging over time.
Prevention Tips: Ensure your gutters are correctly installed with adequate support to cope with the excess weight of rain water.
Clear out debris and inspect for signs of sagging or blockages following heavy rains. If you notice any sag, adjustments or reinforcements may be needed to prevent further damage.
DIY Gutter Repairs
Some common gutter repairs are relatively simple if you're a competent DIYer. If you're unsure about anything or don't have the right tools, it's probably best to get help to prevent further damage.
Here, we provide a brief overview of how to fix damaged or leaky gutters, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of hands-on home maintenance. For more detailed guidance, you'll find plenty of in-depth tutorials on YouTube that can walk you through each step.
Remember, safety first - ensure you have a sturdy ladder and someone to help if needed.
According to NHS data, injuries from falls from ladders resulted in 5,793 hospital admissions in England in 2022. Any gutter cleaning service or roofing company will have tools and equipment to work at height safely.
Let's dive into some straightforward DIY fixes for the most common gutter problems.
Fixing Leaks
Some small gutter leaks can be repaired, even if only temporarily. Gutter replacement may be necessary to ensure proper drainage throughout your entire gutter system.
Get professional help if you have a leaky roof or problems with several sections of gutter. Ignoring gutter issues can lead to expensive repairs or risk the structural integrity of your home.
Materials Needed: Gutter sealant, patching material (for larger holes), wire brush, and gloves.
Steps:
- Clean the area around the leak thoroughly and let it dry.
- For small holes or cracks, apply gutter sealant on the inside of the gutter.
- For larger holes, use a patching material like metal flashing, cut to size, and seal it in place.
- Regularly check the repair to ensure it holds up over time.
Clearing Blocked Gutters
The extra weight of water pools causes droopy gutters to overflow, leading to a steady stream of water that could cause foundational damage to your property.
As well as causing a strain on your guttering for the excess water weight, blocked or clogged gutters cause water pooling and become the ideal breeding ground for mould and plant growth.
Without a regular flow of water, any excess water pools in your blocked gutter. The stagnant water becomes the perfect home for wasps, gnats and other dangerous insects.
Materials Needed: Gloves, ladder, gutter scoop or garden trowel, and a bucket.
Steps:
- Safely position your ladder near the blockage.
- Remove debris with your hands or a scoop, placing it in the bucket.
- Check the downpipes for blockages; clear any debris that may have travelled down.
- Flush the gutters with tap water to ensure clear water flow.
A gutter cleaning service will have professional tools and equipment to clear blockages safely and keep your gutters clean.
Correcting Sagging or Drooping Gutters
A lack of gutter supports or excess water weight, heavy loads from plant growth and debris can all lead to sagging, droopy, or loose gutters and a stream of water pouring down exterior walls.
Materials Needed: Ladder, screwdriver or drill, and possibly additional brackets or hangers.
Steps:
- Identify the sagging sections of your gutter.
- Tighten any loose screws on brackets or hangers.
- If the sagging persists, you may need to add new brackets or hangers for additional support.
- Ensure that the gutter is correctly aligned and slopes towards the downpipes.
Insufficient Gutter Capacity
A lack of gutter supports can be fixed easily, but persistent droopy gutters or consistently poor drainage in a recently installed system could be a sign of a major gutter problem.
Without an adequate system fitted correctly for proper water drainage, you'll have problems.
Rainwater that is not properly diverted away from the house and its foundation can cause serious damage to the structure of your home. Deep flow gutters could be a better option if you have a property with a large roof area or a steep roof or if your property is in an area with heavy levels of rainfall.
When To Call The Professionals
DIY gutter repairs can be effective for minor issues, but some problems will require professional attention.
If you're unsure or the issue doesn't improve, it's always best to seek help from a gutter repair specialist or a reputable roofing company.