Guttering

Installing new guttering involves choosing materials (like uPVC, aluminum, or copper) and styles (half-round, square) to manage rainwater, requiring a slight slope (fall) for drainage and professional installation for safety and proper function, with costs varying by material and house size, typically replacing gutters every 20-30 years. Key steps include removing old gutters, fitting new brackets with a 1mm per meter slope, connecting sections with unions and sealing, and installing downpipes with offsets if needed, all while ensuring the roof felt sits inside the gutter. 

Types of Guttering

• UPVC: Budget-friendly, popular, low maintenance but might not last as long as metal.
• Aluminium: Mid-range, durable, rust-resistant.
• Zinc/ Steel: Stronger, longer-lasting but more expensive.
• Copper Premium, very durable, long lifespan, aesthetically pleasing, but costly.
• Styles: Half-round (smooth flow), Square (large capacity), Ogee (decorative, good flow). 

Installation Process (Professional Recommended)

1. Removal: Remove old gutter sections, clips, and downpipes.
2. Bracket Placement: Install new brackets, ensuring a slight downward slope (fall) of about 1mm per meter towards the downpipe for drainage.
3. Gutter Sections: Fit stop-ends, attach gutter lengths to brackets (clip in), connect with unions, and cut the last piece to size.
4. Downpipe: Install the downpipe from the outlet, using offset bends if needed to clear eaves, securing with clips. 

When to Replace

• Gutters typically last 20-30 years.
• Signs to replace: Rusting, cracks, sagging, pulling away from the fascia, or significant leaks. 

Cost Factors

• Material: uPVC is cheapest, copper is most expensive.
• House Size/Gutter Length: More linear feet equals higher cost.
• Labor: Professional installation costs vary by region and complexity.