How to replace guttering
Efficient guttering is essential to keep rain away from the walls of your home which could cause damage to the masonry and damp problems inside the property.
The majority of rainwater systems are made from galvanised steel, PVC or aluminium, giving them a lifespan of around 20 years. If correctly maintained, they can often last as long as as 50 years - but eventually, they will need to be replaced.
If you're experiencing issues such as blockages or leaks in your guttering, your first port of call should be our guide to repairing common guttering problems.
However, if your guttering is beyond repair, then it’s time to replace it with a new guttering system.
Guttering comes in a wide range of lengths, profiles, colours and materials, so make sure you choose a product that’s most suitable for your home. Pipes can be easily cut to size with a hacksaw, but be sure to de-burr any cut surfaces with sandpaper and wear safety goggles when sawing.
Before you begin, remove and dispose of all your old guttering at your local recycling centre. You can also upcycle it - guttering pipes are ideal for sowing seeds, as you can simply slide the seedlings out of the gutter and into a channel in the soil to avoid disturbing their roots.
Here we explain how to install standard half round guttering, which is lightweight, robust and suitable for most homes.
You will need:
- Ladder
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Hacksaw
- Plumb bob & line set
- String
- Combi drill
- Drill bits
- Spirit level
- File or medium grade sandpaper
- Guttering
- Downpipe
- Suitable screws
- Suitable wall plugs
- Lubricant
- Safety goggles
- Protective gloves