Gutter Replacement Blackburn

When should gutters be replaced?

Gutters should be replaced when repairs keep coming back, when the material itself has failed, or when the system is too small for the roof. Signs include cracks along the length of the gutter rather than at the joints, plastic that has gone brittle and faded, cast iron rusted through, and several sections sagging at once. If you're having new fascias and soffits fitted, it usually makes sense to replace the gutters at the same time.

Which gutter materials are available?

The main gutter materials are uPVC, aluminium and cast iron:

• uPVC is the most common choice on Blackburn homes. It's light, needs little upkeep and comes in several profiles and colours, including black, white, brown and anthracite grey.
• Aluminium is stronger and longer lasting than plastic. Seamless aluminium is formed on site in one length per run, so there are fewer joints to leak.
• Cast iron is heavy and very long lasting when painted regularly. It suits older stone and brick terraces and is often expected on listed buildings and in conservation areas.

Which gutter profile suits a Blackburn home?

The right gutter profile depends on how much rain the roof collects. Half-round gutters suit many terraced houses and smaller roofs. Deeper square or ogee profiles carry more water, which helps on large roof slopes and on houses that take the brunt of heavy, wind-driven rain. A contractor will look at the roof area and the number of downpipes before suggesting a size.

What happens on the day?

On the day, the contractor sets up safe access, takes down the old gutters and downpipes and checks the fascia boards. New brackets go up at the right spacing, set to a gentle fall towards each outlet, and the new gutter clips in. The downpipes are fitted to the walls and connected to the drains, then the system is tested with water. Most houses are done in a day.

Do you need permission to replace gutters?

You don't usually need permission to replace gutters like for like on a house. Listed buildings are different: changing materials, such as cast iron to plastic, may need listed building consent. In a conservation area, check with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council before changing materials or styles on the front of the house.

What should you include in your request?

Say what type of property it is, what the current gutters are made of and whether you own it. Mention any material or colour you'd like, and whether fascias and soffits need replacing too.