Guttering: Your Most Common Questions Answered

As one of Galway's most established providers of quality guttering, we have installed and repaired gutters on a massive variety of buildings.

Our expertise extends to domestic homes, farmyard buildings, industrial guttering and the maintenance and repair of fascia and soffits. Due to our high level of knowledge, we often get questions on gutters from our clients. Although gutters are everywhere, most people aren't clear on what they do and the kind of damage that can be created if they're not maintained. To make this information more accessible, we've compiled some of the most common questions below and added comprehensive answers.

What is the function of guttering?

Guttering, also known as rain gutters or simply gutters, is a system of narrow channels or troughs typically installed along the eaves or edges of a roof to collect and redirect rainwater away from the building's foundation. The function of guttering is to prevent water from running off the roof and causing damage to the walls, windows, doors, and landscaping of the building's exterior.

Without gutters, rainwater can collect on the roof and overflow, causing it to run down the walls and potentially seep into the foundation of the building. This can lead to water damage, mould, and other issues that can be costly. Guttering helps to direct rainwater to downspouts, which carry it away from the building and deposit it onto the ground or into a drainage system.

In addition to protecting the building, guttering can help prevent erosion and damage to the landscape around the building. Overall, guttering is an essential component of a building's drainage system, helping to protect both the structure and the surrounding environment.

Does uPVC guttering crack?

uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) guttering is a popular and durable material for guttering systems. uPVC is known for its strength, resistance to weathering, and low maintenance requirements. However, like any material, uPVC guttering can crack under certain conditions.

One of the main reasons why uPVC guttering may crack is exposure to extreme temperatures. uPVC can become brittle in freezing weather and may crack or break if it is subjected to heavy impacts, such as falling debris. Similarly, uPVC guttering can become distorted or warped in high temperatures.

Another factor that can lead to cracking is the age and quality of the uPVC material. Over time, uPVC may degrade and become less flexible, making it more prone to cracking.

Proper installation and maintenance can help to minimise the risk of cracking in uPVC guttering. It's crucial to ensure that the guttering is installed correctly, with appropriate support and alignment, to prevent stress on the material. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help to prevent blockages and other issues that can put a strain on the guttering and increase the risk of cracking.

Overall, while uPVC guttering is generally resistant to cracking, it needs to be installed and maintained by experts, such as those available from KCL Roofing.

How often should I schedule gutter maintenance?

Gutter maintenance should be scheduled at least once a year, although the frequency of maintenance can vary depending on a variety of factors like the amount of debris that collects in your gutters, the type of trees and vegetation around your home and the slope of your roof.

If you live in an area with trees surrounding your property, you may need to schedule gutter cleaning and maintenance more frequently, such as twice a year or every few months. Generally, once annually should be enough to keep your gutters in tip-top shape.

How much does a gutter replacement cost?

The cost of a gutter replacement in Ireland can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your home, the type of gutters you choose, and the complexity of the installation.

We can offer fully customised and competitive quotes based on the gutter needs of your property. To request a quote, please get in contact with us today.

Do you have specific questions about the gutters on your property? Are you interested in a gutter repair quote? Then please get in contact with us today. Our friendly customer service team will be more than happy to answer all your enquires.