Replace cast iron guttering with plastic or cast iron again?

[SirGalahad]

A small property I rent has two leaks and I am thinking it might be better long term to replace the guttering which is currently cast iron.

Now is it recommended to replace with more cast iron or go with plastic guttering? If going with plastic guttering what is a high quality brand or make?

Its a standard terrace - about 5.5m with one downpipe. So what length does guttering come in?

 

[Nige F]

Replace with aluminium powder coated gutter. Better in all ways than cast and can use the same brackets

 

[Leofric]

Are there any Planning considerations , is it in a Conservation area for example

 

[SirGalahad]

Are there any Planning considerations , is it in a Conservation area for example

Nope as far as I know but will check thanks.

 

[Notch7]

Or Brett Martin imitation cast iron

http://www.brettmartin.com/en-gb/plumbing-and-drainage/products/cast-iron.aspx

If you want metal then cast aly is best.

Cast iron is horrible to fit -its heavy!

 

[SirGalahad]

Had a quote £300 for replacing the gutter with a cast iron one.

This seems too cheap? and I will have to rely on agent to sign off.

 

[johnny2007]

Replace all with plastic.
It's cheap, lightweight and indestructible.
With brackets placed correctly even the strongest storm won't move it, tried and tested.
One thing to consider is what the landlord has to say about this, it should be his problem and priority to fix it.

 

[OwainDIYer]

Is the guttering itself leaking/split or is it the joins?

 

[bobasd]

yes, as above, take pics of the guttering and point out where its leaking - its often easier and safer to repair some kinds of CI leaks rather than take it down.
get up on a footed ladder, and have a look at the CI and the brackets and condition of the fascia.

 

[conny]

The danger with using plastic is that someone wanting to work on the roof, (or even clean out the gutters at some future date), will not use a ladder stand off but rest the ladder against the gutter. This will distort, and potentially break, the guttering or at least lead to distortion resulting in leaky joints.

 

[SirGalahad]

Is the guttering itself leaking/split or is it the joins?

Its leaky in two places. I am the Landlord but relying on my Agent to inform me.

The gutter for some reason is actually 4 pieces and its leaking at two joins.

 

[bobasd]

the "joins" are simple to repair.

first you clean and dry the gutter as best as possible.
then you open up the joins usually at a fitting.
you might have to hack saw the gutter bolt off.
and then clean out the fitting connector.
then use gutter sealant or putty to seal the join, fit new bolts and nip the join up.
then water test it/them.

 

[johnny2007]

The danger with using plastic is that someone wanting to work on the roof, (or even clean out the gutters at some future date), will not use a ladder stand off but rest the ladder against the gutter. This will distort, and potentially break, the guttering or at least lead to distortion resulting in leaky joints.

I suppose that the landlord would be there if someone has to use a ladder to go on the roof, so could tell the worker to simply unclip the gutter and put it back it when finished.
I always do, i would never rest s ladder on a plastic gutter, some of the new ones are really really thin.

 

[datarebal]

Oh my!
And of course dont forget full scaffold , fall arrest harness......

If you can't fix the joints, cast aluminium is a good option , as mentioned by others

 

[FrodoOne]

OMG
You wrote "cast iron guttering"

Was/is "cast iron guttering" (or even wrought steel guttering) actually used in the UK.
Perhaps you mean "Galvanised iron" - as opposed to Aluminium, or Plastic.

Of course, the main problem with "plastic" guttering in Australia is that it can be UV sensitive. (Maybe that is not such a problem in the UK.)