Box Gutters... good or bad idea?

[robinbanks]

If I have to replace its going lead

There are other, better, better value materials

Don't do it. You already know it's a terrible idea!

But that said, it's once a year, if that. I've a box gutter in the middle of 250sqm of valley with trees on two sides. I clear it once every 3 years. This one can be cleared from a step ladder. I wouldn't do it, but equally I wouldn't be so emphatic that the maintenance is going to be horrific

 

[noseall]

Don't do it. You already know it's a terrible idea!

Not really, no. Broad well constructed valleys are not an issue.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Broad would be better, make it higher so wider. But what you then have is a (small) flat roof, with the same issues of weathering and wear. So no issues have actually been eliminated - you had a flat roof, now you have a flat roof. Just smaller, and £5k less in the bank.

 

[noseall]

Broad would be better, make it higher so wider. But what you then have is a (small) flat roof, with the same issues of weathering and wear. So no issues have actually been eliminated - you had a flat roof, now you have a flat roof. Just smaller, and £5k less in the bank.

Valleys cost money, yes. Same as hips do (to build).

 

[cdbe]

1.5mm EPDM. No joins required, although they sell stuff for patching and joining you can generally just fold the corners.

 

[ree]

OP'
Using EPDM the box gutter wont need drip steps like lead would - it will be built as one smooth fall using a suitably wide one-piece roll of EPDM.
Wind & rain will make the gutter self-cleansing.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Or... Buy a single sheet of EPDM big enough for the existing flat roof. Chuck it over the thing, clip on the edgings and spend £5k on something fun.

 

[robinbanks]

Chuck it over the thing, clip on the edgings

The correct installation method involves at least a couple of different adhesives too, btw

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

OK, up the budget by a tenner!

Obviously there's more to it. Removing the existing coating, then finding out what cans of worms you've opened. Probably a whole new plywood surface.

 

[robinbanks]

OK, up the budget by a tenner!

And the rest. Methinks you've never actually installed one

 

[Notch7]

The run would be about 3m overall so not too many steps... why exactly are steps needed? Wouldn't a slope be better, even a shallower one?

the steps are needed for weathering purposes, with a min 50mm step the lead can be overlapped without any risk of water leaks

a slope doesnt resolve the problem of the joint

you can put in an expansion joint -but thats a joint, I wouldnt recommend it

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

And the rest. Methinks you've never actually installed one

Did you know that "gullible" has just been removed from the dictionary?