What are Concrete Gutters?
Concrete gutters are made from cement, sand, and water, and were popular in the 1950s and 1960s. These gutters were built in situ, which means they were cast on-site, making them a cost-effective solution at the time.
Concrete gutters were designed to last for several years, but this is no longer the case. Over time, concrete gutters have become prone to cracking and leaking, leading to significant damage to property.
Problems Caused by Concrete Gutters
There are several problems caused by concrete gutters that property owners should be aware of, including:
Cracking and Leaks
One of the most significant problems with concrete gutters is cracking. This can cause leaks and water damage to the property, which can then lead to further problems, such as rot and mould – both harmful to health.
Damage to Property
Concrete guttering systems that have started to deteriorate can cause significant damage to the property they are attached to. In addition to mould, the damage can also include crumbling plaster, sagging, and even cracks in building foundations.
Maintenance
Maintaining concrete gutters can be difficult and expensive. As they are built in situ, any repairs or maintenance work requires specialist knowledge and skills.
Solutions to Overcome Concrete Guttering Problems
The problems caused by concrete gutters can be overcome with modern guttering solutions. Some of the most popular solutions include:
uPVC Gutters
uPVC gutters are a popular replacement for concrete gutters. They are lightweight, easy to install, and require little maintenance. They are also available in a range of colours and styles, making them suitable for all types of properties.
This option is the most popular for anyone looking to remove and replace their concrete gutters with a more up to date system.
Cast Iron Gutters
Cast iron gutters are a traditional solution that is more suited to period properties. They are durable, long-lasting, and also require little maintenance. These gutters are also available in a range of styles and finishes. However, due to the price of metal, they can be quite costly.
Aluminium Gutters
Aluminium gutters are a popular choice for modern properties. They are another lightweight and durable option that requires minimal maintenance. As with uPVC gutters, they are available in a range of colours and styles, however, they can be noisy, especially when it’s raining.
Gutter Lining
Gutter Lining is a solution that can be implemented quickly and easily if done by professionals. It’s also cheaper than any of the other options listed above, however, this is not a permanent solution. This option will put off the problems you are having in the short term however, opting for lining after lining will turn out to be a false economy.
Choosing the Right Guttering Solution for Your Property
When choosing the right guttering solution for your property, it is important to consider factors such as the age and style of your property, as well as the location and weather conditions in your area. Modern guttering solutions such as uPVC, cast iron, and aluminium gutters offer a range of benefits, including durability, longevity, and low maintenance requirements.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, concrete gutters were once a popular solution for properties, but they have become problematic over time. Cracking, leaks, and damage to the property are just some of the problems caused by concrete gutters. However, modern guttering solutions such as PVCu, cast iron, and aluminium gutters are available to overcome these problems.
By investing in modern guttering solutions, property owners can ensure that their properties are protected from water damage and other associated problems.
Mr and Mrs Ashed | Coventry
We had our gutters lined by Finlock Removals, they were very professional and we aren’t experiencing problems anymore. If we decide to get them removed we will go back to Finlock Removals.
Mr and Mrs Rees | Surrey
We were looking at selling our property but found that buyers were trying to haggle money off because our property had concrete gutters. We decided to get them removed and replaced with upvc and we got our asking price.
Mr and Mrs Barker | Plymouth
Our concrete gutters were leaking, we’d had them lined by another company but apparently that counted for nothing. We decided to get them removed by Finlock Removals and haven’t looked back
Mr and Mrs Mason | Whitby
We’d had quotes from other companies but Finlock Removals really seemed to stand out and we’re so glad that we went with them.
Mr Franklin | Cheshire
I can’t believe how quickly the fitters completed the work and now it all looks so much better
Ms Ward | Essex
What a fantastic job! Signed the order form online, the fitters came with the access equipment, were polite and helpful and took the access equipment away with them