Maintaining guttering is often one of those ‘I’ll get around to it’ jobs. However, regular clearing and maintenance can prevent a host of problems for your roof and property.
Maintaining guttering is often one of those ‘I’ll get around to it’ jobs. However, regular clearing and maintenance can prevent a host of problems for your roof and property.While the concept of guttering is pretty simple, there are often a host of questions that crop up regarding guttering and downpipes that can cause confusion. Below, we delve into the most asked questions on the topic.
What’s the most common type of guttering?
On most properties, you’ll find eaves guttering. This is the type of system that runs along the edge of the roof, and the rainwater runs along into a downpipe and into a drain below.
Eaves gutters come in various designs and materials to suit your home. Some of the most common include:
Half-round guttering
You’ll see this style of gutter on most properties, and it’s a half-pipe design. This is one of the most affordable options and is ideal for standard properties.
Deep gutters
For areas affected by heavy rainfall frequently, deep guttering is a great option. It’s similar in design to the half-round version but is deeper and handles higher volumes of water.
Box or square gutters
This more modern gutter design is just as the name describes due to its angular shape. This provides a deeper channel for water flow. Plus, this system is straightforward to install due to the straight edges on each side.
Ogee or K-style gutters
Another modern style is the ogee or K-style gutter. It has a flat back, but the front has a slightly decorative look, and they are deeper to channel more water flow.
What types of downpipes are available?
The downpipe joins to your guttering and allows the water to flow to the drain below. There are two common types of downpipe to accommodate the above gutter styles – round and square.
What material is best for guttering?
There are two common materials used for guttering and downpipes – plastic and metal. Both are considered a great choice for your home, depending on the aesthetic you are looking to achieve.
Some believe metal slightly pips plastic to the top spot for guttering, as it’s more durable and less prone to major damage. However, plastic guttering is made with modern PVC, so this is flexible, weather resistant and durable, plus it’s cheaper to install.
Choosing which option is best is often down to personal preference and factors such as the property’s appearance and environmental aspects.
How long does guttering last?
Fortunately, guttering, whether plastic or metal, can last many years if properly maintained. Both materials are durable and weather resistant. However, if they’ve never been cleaned, have leaks, or you spot cracks in the surface, then it’s time to think about getting a professional in to repair or replace the affected sections.
Rust can be a major issue for metal guttering. But it’s possible to keep this at bay with sealants and weatherproof paints.
Why do you need to clean gutters?
While it’s natural to think that rainwater is the only thing your gutters collect, other things can end up accumulating in the system. For example, the moss from your roof may roll into the channels or nearby trees shedding leaves could blow into them. It’s surprising what you could find in them, especially as you can’t see from ground level.
Over time, this debris builds up, and if you’re unlucky, it’ll start to block the downpipe section so the water cannot flow away. Water pooling here can lead to roof issues and create damp in your walls, which could cost a significant sum to fix if the gutters aren’t cleaned regularly.
How often should you clean guttering?
There’s no hard and fast rule about when you should clean guttering. We recommend doing it at least twice a year. However, that could be more, depending on where you live.
This is particularly important if the area has experienced heavy storms, rainfall or snow, as debris is more likely to be dropped into the gutters during these times.
How do you clean gutters?
It’s possible to clean your gutters with some simple products and equipment. However, the risk of undertaking this task at height can make it trickier to do a thorough job.
The best solution is to hire a professional to come and clean your gutters. They have specialist equipment and tools and ensure a complete clean to remove debris and blockages before they become a bigger problem.
Getting a professional to do the job also helps to identify any issues that may need resolving. For example, if the guttering is misaligned or repairs are required, they can recommend solutions to reduce the need for expensive replacements in the long term.
When does guttering need replacing?
Guttering can last many years if it’s maintained properly. However, there are some instances where repairs might not cut it. For example, if the system has large cracks and holes, it’s usually time to replace it.
This is particularly true for older metal systems where there is a lot of rust. In this case, it’s not just important to remove degraded sections to reduce leaks and water flow issues, rusted pipework can break and fall, which may cause damage to anything nearby.
Can the guttering be repaired?
Yes, it’s possible to repair gutter sections depending on the extent of the damage. Smaller cracks and holes can be filled with specialist sealants. However, this only lasts for a limited time before more remedial work is needed.
Gutter clearance services in Wakefield
Cleaning your gutters doesn’t have to be a chore if you opt for a professional gutter clearance service such as DPR Roofing in Wakefield. From regular maintenance to cleaning and repair work, our team have over 30 years of experience in domestic and commercial guttering services.
So, if you need advice on gutter cleaning or would like a quote, contact us at 01924 255 677, and we’ll be happy to assist.