Why uPVC is a Better Choice Compared to Concrete Guttering

Concrete gutters can be found on homes built between 1950-1960s. Concrete guttering was originally used as an economical alternative to steel, which was being used in the war effort. The gutters were originally sturdy and robust solutions to the steel shortage and worked well for a time.

However, the gutters eventually began to create issues for the homeowners. This is because concrete gutters are porous and therefore unfit to hold water for extended periods of time. The failure of the concrete gutters can present a lot of issues for homeowners. Some of the issues are listed below.

Cold/ Thermal Bridging

Cold bridging is one of the most common issues with concrete gutters. It is when cold materials meet warmer ones, resulting in the cooling down of the warmer material. The outside is exposed to the elements, which means when it’s cold, the risk of condensation inside your home increases. Resulting in dampness and mould growth.

Sagging and Uneven Gutters

Concrete gutters can act as door and window opening lintels. Without adequate filling or strengthening when they’re fixed, they can sag slightly, causing a bowed effect. Additionally, sometimes new windows cannot handle the weight of the gutters, which also result in sagging, which can be costly to fix.

Finlock concrete guttering problems (2)

The Guttering Has No Pitch

Modern guttering is tilted to allow rainwater to flow towards the downpipe to be carried away into the drains. Unfortunately, concrete guttering was installed on top of level walls. This means the water sits in the guttering, causing pooling. In some cases, rainwater can collect and potentially cause the gutter to collapse in sections. As well as potential dampness and mould growth.

Failing Mortar Joints

This allows water to seep through into your brickwork and causes other issues for the structure of your gutters. Over time, this can cause serious damage and should always result in a concrete gutter replacement.

Damp and Mould Inside Your Home

When water seeps through the guttering instead of being carried away from your property, it will damage the fabric of the building. This increases the risk of damp and mould inside your home and can lead to associated health risks, especially respiratory health.

Damage to Interior Décor

From the above issues, there can be some damage to the interior of your home. For example, wallpaper can come away from the walls, water stains and dampness can be seen, and paint finishes can be ruined. Redecorating is a waste of time as the problem will return again if the gutters remain up.

Concrete gutters have a lot of issues over their lifetime and can be incredibly expensive in the long and short term if you’re having to have frequent repair work. The best method to guarantee your issues go away is to have a concrete gutter replacement. Replacing the gutters with something more reliable such as uPVC is the best method for solving gutter problems.

Upvc Guttering

  • uPVC is made from plastic rather than porous concrete
  • More aesthetically pleasing
  • Come in a variety of colours/shapes
  • Plastic is far less likely to breakdown in the same way
  • Less risk of leaks

 

 

 

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