Guttering

Gutters are the channels fixed around roof edges specifically to collect rainwater and direct them towards a drain. They are usually quite simple structures, made of half-piping and positioned at the edges of your roof as a way to collect water easily as it runs off the tiles.

Different Types of Gutters

If you have an old building then your guttering will most likely be made from cast iron. They could be painted on the outside, and other types of guttering are not normally painted in this way. Cast iron guttering can last for a long time if properly maintained. They should be painted regularly, as this is what helps to protect the material from erosion and rust.

As you can imagine, guttering made from cast iron can be extremely heavy so you should always check that they are properly secured. Check each of their fixings in case they have come loose. If they are not securely fastened then you are opening yourself up to the problem of irreparable damage.

PVC guttering is more common today than cast iron guttering and is generally found on any new property. They are a lot lighter, making them cheaper and easier to attach than traditional cast iron gutters. They also do not require any painting.

Pressed steel gutters are more than PVC or cast iron gutters, but are still sometimes found. They are lighter and stronger than cast iron ones and usually come primed ready to be painted.

Common Problems With Guttering

Since guttering is usually quite simple, it can become blocked from time to time. Materials such as leaves and other debris collect within the piping which blocks the route for the pouring water. Whilst this is not necessarily a serious problem, if left un-cleared it could cause serious problems for you and your home.

Since the guttering has become blocked, water no longer has a clear path of travel and tends to overflow across the edges of the gutter. When this happens the water can come into contact with materials of your house, and has the potential to damage your brinks or mortar on the outside walls. If it seeps in through the bricks then there is even the chance that it could damage your furnishings inside the house.

Apart from disrupting the normal flow of water through the pipes, a blocked gutter is a perfect place for seeds that have blown in the wind to lay root. This means that weeds can start to grow in your gutter without you realising, which will eventually increase the blockage problems.

Depending on what kind of guttering you already have in your home, it may need more or less maintenance. Make sure that you clear the guttering of blockages regularly as a way of protecting your building and ensuring the free flow of water away from your roof. Guttering is relatively easy to maintain so long as you keep on top of things rather than leaving it until things have already gotten worse.