What is a gutter?
Firstly you need to understand what a gutter is before we discuss problems.
A gutter is simply a trough into which collects water run off and disperses in to drainage outlets. Gutters normally collect water run off from roof coverings and take it away from the building by dispersing in to the sewers underground.
Common Problems caused from Gutters:
If gutters are not present, the water will discharge directly on to the ground below which could eventually cause serious structural problems such as subsidence. cause foundation damage and movement of the soil.
Gutters often become blocked due to a lack of maintenance. Blockages are often either caused by vegetation growth or a build up of leaves (if trees are within close proximity) or due to slipped roof tiles. A blockage means that the water is forced over the side of the gutters rather than being directed in to the sewers.
If the joints are loose or not maintained they can begin to leak, this can also be caused by blockages as mentioned above. You can normally tell if a joint is leaking (if not visibly leaking at the time of inspection) due to a deposit of a white powdery substance around the leak.
Loose gutters can normally be seen from ground floor. Although these do not tend to cause the worse water related issues if left loose it will likely cause an overflow in heavy periods of rain.
Where gutters and down pipes are of metal they are normally aged and poorly maintained. As such they are likely to be subject to more corrosion. Ideally metal gutters should be replaced with PVC-u.
Some problems with gutters are created by man. Misaligned or poorly designed guttering can create all of the above problems plus others. Gutters should not overhang or be undersized for the amount of water run off.
If you have or think you might have problems with your gutters or have any defects we provide a range of RICS Building Surveying services including defect reports, building surveys and planned maintenance programmes across Rochdale, Manchester, the North West and the UK.
Speak to us today to see how we can help you.