Why Should You Replace Your Gutters?

Determining whether to invest in repairing or replacing guttering to your property?
Below are some of the factors to consider when replacing gutters.

1. Cracks, Rust, Holes: A few of these can be fixed using some sealant and maybe a little flashing. But if you see more than half a dozen sections where this is apparent, then you may want to opt for all new gutters.

2. Missing or broken Brackets? These are the pieces of metal that hold your gutter to your roof and keep it level. If you can repair a few screws and brackets, great: but if these problems persist, the gutters themselves may be the issue.

3. Nails or screws on the ground. Sometimes, the nails or screws that fasten the gutter to the fascia can work themselves loose. Replacing them isn’t difficult; but again, repeated instances of this may indicate gutter wear.

4. Separated gutters. Guttering systems only function if they are fastened together in a continuous channel. If they begin separating from one another frequently, it may be time for a gutter replacement.

5. Gutters pulling away from the roof. If spaces appear between your roofline and your gutters, the fascia boards may be rotting. A gutter replacement will fix the fascia problems along with giving you new gutters.

6. Sagging or low pitched gutters. If a proper pitch is not maintained along your gutter system, the water will pool in certain sections and possibly spill over or worse, cause leaks. Consider replacing your gutters if you are unable to fix this problem.

7. Flooding. Water constantly overflowing from the gutter will cause issues with your fascia and also contribute to leaks appearing on the inside of the roof cavity.

What Does Gutter Replacement Involve?

Guttering requires regular maintenance and cleaning to prevent dilapidation and deterioration over time. Some of the most common issues with gutters:

• Rusting through, due to standing water or moist debris
• Becoming leaky
• Pulling away from the roof or sagging
• Fading or otherwise looking old
• Becoming dented or damaged due to rough weather

The following steps outline the process involved in replacing gutters:

1. Layout Lines 

• Lines are chalked to the highest point of the gutter run on the fascia 1 ¼ inches below the flashing 
• At the other end of the fascia (or at the downpipe location if there’s one in the middle of the run), the low end of the gutter run is also marked, to assure symmetry and ensuring the gutters will be ‘level’.

2. Brackets and Fascia

• A ⅛-inch-diameter pilot hole is drilled through the fascia and into the rafter at each mark previously chalked out.
• Fascia brackets are then fastened.
  Fascia brackets with ¼-inch stainless steel hex or other screw  long enough to penetrate rafters 2 inches are then used to secure the brackets.

3. End caps

• At the square-cut end of the gutter, attached are a spherical end cap with aluminium pop rivets. (If the gutter doesn’t wrap a corner)

4. Downpipes

• Downpipes are then marked to their location on the low end of the gutter. Drilling a ¼-inch-diameter hole through the centre of the circular outline.
• The gutters are then turned over and cut to allow for the downpipe. 

5. Installing Gutter

• The gutter into is then layed onto the brackets that have been screwed to the fascia.
• The gutter is then rotated upward until its back edge slips into the hooks at the top of the back of the brackets.
• The gutters are then secured to the bracket with a 1-inch-long #8-32 stainless steel machine screw and flanged nut.

6. Install Downpipes

• Downpipes are fastened and secured to the the gutter with four pop rivets or screws.
• Downpipe Swan Neck or Dog Legs are then secured to the outlet tube protruding down from the gutter.
• All downpipes are then fastened together with pop rivets or screws.

How Much Does Gutter Replacement Cost?

How much gutter replacement costs will depend on the amount of guttering you need and the installation cost. We recommend having one of our specialist at King Group Australia provide in assisting you with a free measure and quote for Supply & Install.
Below is a guideline for supply only pricing: 

• $30 to $35 per lineal metre for vinyl (PVC) guttering
• $30 to $50 per lineal metre for zincalume
• $45 to $67 per lineal metre for colour coated zincalume
• $85 to $160 per lineal metre for stainless steel guttering

These prices are for guttering only. Downpipes, fascia, fixings and installation will cost more. Some typical costs for installing guttering may be:

• $1900 for guttering on a small home (7m X 11m)
• $3000 for guttering or $4300 for guttering and fascia on a smaller home
• 90 metres of guttering and fascia might cost $6100 in the Sydney area

The above prices include guttering and installation. Prices will vary in different areas and the cost will depend on the type of guttering you choose. You may have a two storey home and the installation will cost more, depending on the pitch of the roof and access to the property. King Group Australia bases our estimates based on the type of gutter, the profile, the material and the access/pitching of the roof or property.
If you need assistance in choosing the right guttering for your home, or are experiencing any issues – give one of our specialists at King Group Australia a call today!