Concrete Gutter Removal
We are an experienced concrete gutter removal contractor. Finlock gutters are prone to issues such as movement and settlement, leading to dropping and sagging above windows. This often causes expensive and permanent damage to homes, a nightmare for homeowners.
A knowledgeable and experienced contractor is required to safely remove and replace the old guttering with uPVC. We have 20+ years of experience, nationwide fitters, and offer a 10-year insurance backed warranty.
Have peace of mind
Not only do we provide a 20 year warranty, but we also provide an additional 10 year insurance backed warranty
Qualified installation teams
Fully trained and insured craftsmen equipped with the latest access equipment to save you on scaffolding.
Selection of styles & colours
We use only the very highest grade uPVC materials from top manufacturers. We can offer woodgrain effect finishes to match your windows.
Dedicated customer care
We have an installations department as well as a service engineer, our aftercare is as important as the sale.
Why we recommend removal
Finlock / concrete guttering were invented during the 1950s to account for the shortage of steel as a result of the UK’s efforts in the war. Although reliable when they were first built, many of these gutters have been left alone, despite their lack of longevity.
Those properties that do still have concrete guttering are subject to plenty of problems as a result of the deteriorating concrete, often incurring heavy amounts of damp.
Finlock gutter removal is an option available to homeowners who are experiencing the many drawbacks concrete guttering brings today.
Poor installation, combined with the sheer weight of the concrete lead to an array of problems. With weather changes, joints in the Finlock guttering will move by expanding and contracting, therefore allowing water to penetrate the cavity wall. The results in damp issues inside the property, as well as making the internal temperature much colder.
The main problems we see are:
Flooding and leaking
Interior and exterior building damage
Damp and mould
Sagging and uneven appearance
Cold bridging & condensation
The order process
Quotation
We use a diamond tipped cutting blade to cut away your finlock concrete blocks. This is a noisy, dusty process and one that has to be done properly to avoid any structural damage to the property
Quotation
We use a diamond tipped cutting blade to cut away your finlock concrete blocks. This is a noisy, dusty process and one that has to be done properly to avoid any structural damage to the property
Order Placing
When you place your order with us we will confirm your chosen options for colours, gutter shape etc and then a formal order form will be drawn up for you to sign. We do not take any deposit and the balance is paid in full once the job is done.
Order Placing
When you place your order with us we will confirm your chosen options for colours, gutter shape etc and then a formal order form will be drawn up for you to sign. We do not take any deposit and the balance is paid in full once the job is done.
Installation
Once the office receive your order our installations department will contact you to arrange your fitting date and explain how things will work with regards to any scaffold or waste removal, they will also let you know the name of the fitters attending your home.
Installation
Once the office receive your order our installations department will contact you to arrange your fitting date and explain how things will work with regards to any scaffold or waste removal, they will also let you know the name of the fitters attending your home.
Completion
Once your work is complete you can pay via bank transfer or card payment over the phone to our office. A full invoice is provided before hand and your warranty is activated upon receipt of payment.
Completion
Once your work is complete you can pay via bank transfer or card payment over the phone to our office. A full invoice is provided before hand and your warranty is activated upon receipt of payment.
The removal & replacement process
We have invested heavily in supplying our teams with the latest Easi-dec access equipment which reduces the need for scaffolding, saving you money and hassle. The fitters will erect their Easi-dec upon arrival and remove it the same day.
We have invested heavily in supplying our teams with the latest Easi-dec access equipment which reduces the need for scaffolding, saving you money and hassle. The fitters will erect their Easi-dec upon arrival and remove it the same day.
The first steps involve pushing back the first row of tiles, removing any failed aluminium lining and also removing any of the face plates that can be found on the square style of concrete gutters.
The first steps involve pushing back the first row of tiles, removing any failed aluminium lining and also removing any of the face plates that can be found on the square style of concrete gutters.
We use a diamond tipped cutting blade to cut away your finlock concrete blocks. This is a noisy, dusty process and one that has to be done properly to avoid any structural damage to the property
We use a diamond tipped cutting blade to cut away your finlock concrete blocks. This is a noisy, dusty process and one that has to be done properly to avoid any structural damage to the property
We install a pressure treated timber faceplate to the remaining concrete, this gives us a straight and solid base to attach the uPVC products to and also helps eliminate cold bridging.
We install a pressure treated timber faceplate to the remaining concrete, this gives us a straight and solid base to attach the uPVC products to and also helps eliminate cold bridging.
Using only the best materials is paramount to our work, we will install a uPVC fascia, soffit and guttering to your property. All of our materials have a 50 year manufacturers guarantee and they will not fade or discolour.
Using only the best materials is paramount to our work, we will install a uPVC fascia, soffit and guttering to your property. All of our materials have a 50 year manufacturers guarantee and they will not fade or discolour.
We will install an E.P.S. tray to your property, this slides underneath the felt and overruns into the new guttering. It provides ventilation to your roof space, stops water getting through any tears or holes along the bottom of your felt and directs all water perfectly into the new guttering.
We will install an E.P.S. tray to your property, this slides underneath the felt and overruns into the new guttering. It provides ventilation to your roof space, stops water getting through any tears or holes along the bottom of your felt and directs all water perfectly into the new guttering.
One of the final and most crucial stages is joining your lovely new uPVC guttering to next doors concrete guttering (if you share a downpipe). We have a tried and tested method for doing this and it require a lot of skill – skill that we have in abundance.
One of the final and most crucial stages is joining your lovely new uPVC guttering to next doors concrete guttering (if you share a downpipe). We have a tried and tested method for doing this and it require a lot of skill – skill that we have in abundance.
Finally we will clean up any mess, put all your rubbish into a heavy duty hippo waste bag which will be collected and then we leave your house looking stunning and the envy of your neighbours.
Finally we will clean up any mess, put all your rubbish into a heavy duty hippo waste bag which will be collected and then we leave your house looking stunning and the envy of your neighbours.
Have a question? Contact us today for a free quote:
Choose a trusted specialist to complete the work safely
Finlock Removals serve over 48 counties and have serviced thousands of properties over the span of 20 years experience within the industry. Finlock thrives on making sure not to cut corners and are so confident in its work that they offer a 20-year warranty, and 10 years insurance with every fitting.
Removing concrete gutters can be a challenging and potentially dangerous task, especially if you are not experienced with this type of work.
Hiring a concrete gutter specialist to handle the job can save you time and ensure that the work is done safely and effectively.
Here are some of the main advantages of working with a specialist:
- Experience and expertise: We have the experience and expertise to handle the removal safely and efficiently. We are familiar with the necessary tools, techniques, and safety precautions required for this type of work.
- Equipment and tools: Our specialists have access to specialized equipment and tools needed. This can include heavy-duty saws, drills, and other equipment that can make the job easier and faster.
- Insurance and liability: Our specialists carry insurance and are licensed and bonded, which protects you from liability in case of accidents or damage during the removal process.
- Proper disposal: We know how to properly dispose of the concrete gutters and any other materials removed during the process. We will ensure that everything is disposed of in an environmentally friendly and safe manner.
- Time-saving: Removing concrete gutters can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are not experienced with this type of work. Hiring Finlock removals can save you time and allow you to focus on other aspects of your home renovation or roof replacement project.
The alternative to Finlock gutters – a uPVC solution
The modern alternative to concrete gutters is a full replacement with a uPVC solution. By replacing Finlock guttering with uPVC, it avoids the potential risk of expensive and permanent long-term damage to your home.
Improved energy efficiency
More visually appealing exterior
Higher chance of a home sale
Less hassle with repairs in future
The cheapest solution in the long run
Our extensive experience helps ensure your property is protected from future moisture and damp problems. You will receive a fit-for-purpose, well-ventilated drainage solution that is hassle-free.
Once successfully installed, they will stop further leaks and damp caused by faulty joints and grouting. It also improves thermal efficiency and reduces the risk of condensation. It is important to note that any pre-existing damp must be properly treated and have time to completely dry out.
Finlock Guttering can contain asbestos and is extremely heavy, so if you go for a full replacement, a knowledgeable and experienced contractor such as Finlock Removals is required to safely remove the old guttering.
FAQs
Finlock Gutters were installed just after the end of World War II in areas that needed rebuilding due to the bombing during the war. At the time there was a shortage of steel and a surplus of concrete, this is when Royston came up with Finlock gutter which were designed to be maintenance free and were integrated into the structure of the wall/ roof.
Unfortunately, the gutters have not performed as to their initial intended design as concrete soaks up moisture. This did not stop them being installed on approximately 90,000 houses across the country though as the issues took years to become apparent.
There are plenty of companies out there who will do the job cheaply for you however, you should question as to where they are cutting corners to get the price so low and how this will adversely affect your property. The cost, when done properly, will depend on numerous factors including but not limited to access issues, asbestos on site, how many sides need replacing, availability etc. If you would like a free quote, then please contact us to discuss this.
The fitting teams at Finlock Removals, do this kind of work- day in, day out, as such we can normally replace a side, all being well, in one to two days. If it is plain sailing, then our experienced teams may well be able to get two sides done within one day. We will normally give you an indication as to how long we expect the fitters to be on your job, but you will not be living on a building site for weeks on end and your property will not be left exposed to the elements.
In short, no. The majority of the work we do is joining to a neighbour and we have a tried and tested method of doing this which ensures that water remains free flowing between the properties and that there are no leaks at this area which is often problematic for other companies.
While this may seem like the cheaper option, it is not more cost effective in the long run. Lining is only a temporary solution, which is why we don’t put our name to it, and you will find yourself having to reline your gutters in the near future. While many companies may offer a guarantee, should you read this in finer detail you are likely to find that it does not cover further deterioration of the concrete gutters themselves. Even the lining companies know that the Finlock gutters are a failing system!
Finlock Removals offer a twenty-year warranty as part of the terms and conditions of each sale which covers the workmanship and materials. We know that we only use the best on both fronts. We, also, offer an independent warranty to all our customers from the IWA (Independent Warranty Association) which covers the above for a period of ten years (the maximum they will offer) so you have the added peace of mind should anything happen to us.
We appreciate that solar panels are becoming increasingly popular however most companies who install them will only allow you to move them twice during the entire duration of them being on your roof. As such, to save you the hassle of having them moved, we have developed a technique so that you do not have to have them moved and we can still replace your concrete gutters with uPVC.
The damp that you are likely to experience from failing Finlock gutters is going to present in the top corners of the upstairs rooms (adjoining to the concrete gutters) or on the external of the property just below the concrete gutters. As soon as you see anything like this, we advise that you get your Finlock gutters replaced with uPVC.
If you are able to get them replaced before it reaches this point, then you will also save yourself redecorating costs.
It will take a few months for your property to dry out completely. If you are able to get a dehumidifier in the affected rooms or open a window on days when it’s not damp, then this will also help.
If you are still experiencing damp issues, then we recommend that you have your roof felt inspected. If this has not been replaced and is still the original felt from when then property was built, then it is likely to be around sixty years old. As the gutters are the same age and proven to be a failing system, we always recommend starting with replacing these.
The asbestos in these downpipes is the lowest grade possible. While we wouldn’t advise handling this yourself, our fitting teams are trained and qualified to handle asbestos safely so we can do this for you, no problem. It will be wrapped and tagged as per regulations. We will then organise for a licensed asbestos removal company to remove the asbestos from site.
A lot of other companies out there use ladder cripples which have been widely condemned by the HSE. We have fully compliant Easi-Dec equipment which wasn’t cheap however means we can access areas safely that other companies cannot and will also be bought and taken away by the fitters. There will be some occasions where scaffold is required. If this is the case, we are likely to have a preferred supplier in your area who we can contact and arrange this.