When were Finlock gutters originally used?
Finlock gutters (concrete gutters) were originally built between 1950s-1970s due to the scarcity of materials such as steel, due to the war. Finlock gutters are not particularly common, but they can still be found on homes across the UK. Though they were considered reliable when they were first built, Finlock gutters now present a lot of problems for homeowners. Finlock gutters begin to break down 30 years after installation and as such can result in costly Finlock gutter repairs or a concrete gutter replacement.
Why do Finlock gutters fail?
There are several reasons concrete guttering begins to fail. Chiefly it is because Finlock gutters are porous and do not hold water very well, which can lead to many problems for your guttering and your home.
Lining failure
Lining failure occurs due to the expansion and contraction of the lining due to temperature changes. The temperature changes can lead to weaker points in the structure separating. As a result of this, the heavy concrete troughs begin to crack and create access points that water can enter through and cause further issues. Lining failure is a serious failure and should be addressed and resolved immediately. If you choose to repair your concrete gutters, this can be costly and there is no guarantee the problems will not return. For this reason, we recommend a Finlock gutter replacement to keep away the issues.
No pitch on the gutter
Modern guttering is tilted to allow rainwater to run down the downpipe and away from your home. Finlock gutters were installed on top of level walls and therefore have no slope for the water to run away. The water ends up sitting in the drainpipe for a long time and can result in sagging, puddling and even collapse. As well as mold growth.
Sagging/uneven gutters
Finlock gutters can begin to sag over time, due to poor installation or general wear and tear. This can cause damage to your home, making the windows more difficult to open/close.
Cold/thermal bridging
Cold/thermal bridging can be problematic in all weather conditions, but in the winter, it can be especially problematic as it can affect how well your home insulates and its energy consumption. This can cause drafts in your home and lead to a higher energy bill.
Damp and mold
Because Finlock gutters aren’t very good at draining away water, the water will remain in the gutter and can cause issues with the fabric of the building. This can then lead to mold growth in the gutters and in your home. Mould and damp can begin to grow in areas of your home and destroy the interior décor of your home, peeling away wallpaper and posing potential health risks. Redecorating will only fix the issues for a time, as the problems will return. The only way to fix the issues completely is to contact a concrete gutter specialist and have them perform a concrete gutter replacement.
FAQ
What are concrete gutters called?
Concrete gutters are also known as Finlock gutters.
How do you stop concrete gutters from leaking?
You can choose to line the gutters, but the best method to fix all the problems with concrete guttering is to contact a specialist and arrange a Finlock gutter replacement.
Can you remove concrete gutters?
Yes. Concrete gutters can be removed and should be replaced. This can be a big job to take on alone and therefore you should contact a concrete gutter specialist before any removal or Finlock gutter replacement.
How much will it cost to replace my guttering?
If you are considering a concrete gutter replacement, contact us for a free quote today and we can discuss prices and options.
