Cast Iron Guttering

[tigerbright7]

Need advice. Was told by a trader that my cast iron guttering needs replacing with UPVC ones. I have a 1930 cottage. I personally cannot see what condition it is. However it doesn't make sense to me to have sturdy cast iron guttering replaced with pvc which is not as sturdy. Would really appreciate some advice. Thanks.

 

[HERTS P&D]

The question is: is your guttering leaking and 'falling down', did you call the trader to give you an estimate or was he just passing by?

Andy

 

[Nige F]

The question is: is your guttering leaking and 'falling down', did you call the trader to give you an estimate or was he just passing by?

Andy

Given the OP`s location - I`d say it was the latter

 

[Alastairreid]

You would pay around £30 for a 2 metre length of cast, for the same price you would get 8 metres in plastic, thats not including fittings.

If your cast gutters are original to the build they may well need replaced.
Apart from the joints it is always the back of cast gutters which rot 1st so they may look ok from ground level till you get on a ladder and discover the back has disintegrated.

What you replace them with would be your decision but i would not entertain cold callers and be sure to get 3 quotes.
Recommendations from family/friends would be the preferred option.

 

[tigerbright7]

The question is: is your guttering leaking and 'falling down', did you call the trader to give you an estimate or was he just passing by?

Andy

Given the OP`s location - I`d say it was the latter

Thank you Andy - I called the trader to repair my flashing around my chimney. He came along with a roofer who view the work from the street level at the front of the house (the guttering is on the chimney side on the side of the house that faces my neighbours' gardens, and then told me I should replace me cast iron guttering. As I said, I could not see the problem, but they told me I should replace them. So yes I agree, I should get another quote. Thank you all.
Sandy

 

[tigerbright7]

You would pay around £30 for a 2 metre length of cast, for the same price you would get 8 metres in plastic, thats not including fittings.

If your cast gutters are original to the build they may well need replaced.
Apart from the joints it is always the back of cast gutters which rot 1st so they may look ok from ground level till you get on a ladder and discover the back has disintegrated.

What you replace them with would be your decision but i would not entertain cold callers and be sure to get 3 quotes.
Recommendations from family/friends would be the preferred option.

Thank you, I will get a second opinion - it's a good idea.
Sandy

 

[joe-90]

Don't replace them. Just repair as necessary.

 

[Alastairreid]

Don't replace them. Just repair as necessary.

How do you know they aint completely gubbed joe?

 

[tigerbright7]

Don't replace them. Just repair as necessary.

How do you know they aint completely gubbed joe?

Hi
Just got a call from the trader who told me that they were coming 22nd Oct, so I asked what exactly was the problem, whether the guttering was leaking or something, and he said that they did not themselves see anything wrong and no leak marks, but thought I should replace them because they were old. In which case, I told him I did not feel that they should be touched as they were not leaking or damaged, and I would do something if and when they started to leak. Is this what you call 'gubbed'?

Thank you all, you saved a damsel in distress. There should be more guys like you. Sandy xxxx

 

[datarebal]

Cast gutters can look good from the ground. but could be totally shot..verging on dangerous...support brackets are often rusted badly, on ogee the back usually rusts away and this can not be seen from the ground.
it needs a proper inspection.. if it's in good shape then great! just remake the leaking joints if thet are....

 

[SASroofer]

Ask for some pics of faulty areas to be taken, I always take photos for customers so they can see the problems themselves.

 

[Alastairreid]

I told him I did not feel that they should be touched as they were not leaking or damaged, and I would do something if and when they started to leak. Is this what you call 'gubbed'?

As i already stated you cannot tell from ground level if cast gutters are in need of replacement , only a proper inspection of the hooks/brackets and to the inside from a ladder will determine this.

 

[tigerbright7]

I told him I did not feel that they should be touched as they were not leaking or damaged, and I would do something if and when they started to leak. Is this what you call 'gubbed'?

As i already stated you cannot tell from ground level if cast gutters are in need of replacement , only a proper inspection of the hooks/brackets and to the inside from a ladder will determine this.

OK - I hear you, and have in fact already asked him to take some pictures once the scaffolding is up. So if in fact there is any damage, will get it sorted out then.

Thank you.
Sandy

 

[Nige F]

So there is going to be scaffold put up anyway You sure you`re not in Essex

 

[tigerbright7]

So there is going to be scaffold put up anyway You sure you`re not in Essex

Hi Nigel,
Yes, there's going to be scaffolding. The original work was for them to do the 'flashing' around my chimney, and to paint that external wall. They suggested taking off the cast iron guttering simply because it was old (which they neglected to say there was no damage or leaks, and gave me the impression at that time that there were damages), but now admit there are no damages/or leaking, so I said no - not unless they can show me from the photos that the guttering was damaged and in danger of falling off.
I'm in Surrey - how does Essex make a different????
Sandy