PVCu/Plastic is by far the commonest and the cheapest option around. There are dozens of manufacturers which also offer roofline materials in a variety of colours and styles, as well as different sizes. PVCu is cost effective and long lasting, a good quality system will last 25 years of more and you can even get colours and profiles to mimic cast iron. The disadvantages are that the cheaper options may need replacing in ten years and the rubber seals used to join sections are often the weak point, shrinking and cracking as they weather producing leaks. Cast iron was the main material used for guttering and rainwater pipe before the advent of plastics. It's still used, but mostly for conservation work.
Cast iron is very long lasting, with some 19th century pipes still in good working order, plus it looks great, especially on period-style homes. On the downside to keep it in good order it needs repainting at least every five years and is expensive to buy. There are also a surprising variety of other metals used for rainwater pipes and guttering, including copper, galvanised steel and aluminium. All of the these metals offer many years of maintenance free service and look great on contemporary-style homes. They cost slightly less than cast iron models, but are not quite as robust.
Guttering and drainpies should be part of the overall roof design, in modern properties PVCu is most often use, period homes, cast iron is the favourite, although copper is sometimes used on barn conversions. Guttering is available in various materials up to 3m lengths and should be fitted sloping gently downwards towards the running outlet in order to provide effective drainage. Guttering needs to be fixed at 1m intervals with a support bracket.
Gutter union brackets connect two gutter pieces and gutter angles are available to run guttering around a corner. The stop end outlet is fitted at the end of the guttering to close the pipeline, and the Hopper is the funnel shaped rainwater collector that diverts rainwater into a downpipe. The downpipe itself is available in lengths up to 2.5m and is fixed to the wall with a specially designed bracket positioned near the top of the first pipe and then every metre after that.
Fitting rainwater systems is within the scope of competent DIY enthusiasts, but you must be comfortable working at heights and possess all the safety equipment required. For those who do not have the equipment, skills, head for heights or time - roofing specialists can carry out the work for you and will often source all the goods to your specification. The usual rules apply when hiring any tradesman, go with personal recommendations wherever possible and always get at least 3 detailed written quotes to compare. Never pay for the job upfront and always check references too!
Typical costs for hiring a roofer to replace guttering in an average property are around £900 if using uPVC, £2200 for cast iron (including materials and labour). To get an exact price for your property, use the free "post your job" quote service on this site to have local recommended roofers get in touch with you to arrange a visit and provide a written quotation for the job.
GLOVERS JOINERS have been trading mostly in the East Dunbartonshire area for some 25 years now , doing ALL things carpentry / joinery based with great effect. Glovers joiners is a small family firm consisting of Martin the father, & Adam the son...
"Mr. Glover was just the sort of workman that we wanted and we have no hesitation in rating him as the best! I would not hesitate to recommend him and in fact have already done so!"
Glovers Joiners reply: Hillary you & par we're lovely people to work for it was a pleasure keep safe & anything else you want just call cheers Martin
London Roofing is a family run business which has been running for 20 years with highly skilled and fully insured workforce. We cover all aspects of roofing from a single tile replacement to a complete re:roof, we are based in Greater London with e...
"Got the job done quick, good price and didn't charge more than quoted."
"Friendly guys turned up quoted and then did the work, was very pleasant, brilliant job went above and beyond the call of duty too."
We are a building business covering a variety of trades including general maintenance, roofing and ground work. We have a great work ethic and will try our best to accommodate your needs.
"Highly recommended. All men were lovely and good company. Very high standard of work. Rob made sure that I was happy with the job. Thanks you."
"Did the job quickly and efficiently, communicated well, I would happily use them again."
JL ROOFING & LEADWORK SERVICES Fully insured We Provide a 100% satisfaction service to all our customers Established since 2012 What we do as a company Lead work Tilling / Slatting Heritage work New roofs / strip a...
"Very friendly and helpful. Good quality work. Would use again definitely."
Here at Westwood Roofing Services we take pride in our work and are a family run business and have been operating since 1988 when my grandfather set up which was then passed down to my father and now me. We specialise in all types of roofing from fl...
"Excellent job & excellent service. Highly recommend Leon & his team."
Friendly, trustworthy, reliable and competent family business. Over 28 years experience in roofing.
"Quality work - really happy with the finish , happy to recommend 10 out of 10"
D and S BUILDERS Formed in 2008, D+S Builders has many years of experience in the building contractors trade, and provides building services to clients throughout the region. The company is based in Nanpean (St. Austell). No job too small and free e...
"Great service responded to the job within 15 minutes and same day to look and quote for the job. Work carried out the next day Definitely use D and S again"
J & M Roofing have been established for over 20 year's.we have 20 years experience in the roofing industry and undertaken all aspects of roofing project there is nothing we have not seen.our reputation is very important and take great care...
"Professional and polite, worked very hard on my garage roof. Tjanks mark for a great job"
I’m a sole trader who has just started he’s own business trying to help those in need so if you have any more questions regarding work that you may need doing don’t hesitate to ask
"From start to finish my experience of dealing with Pat from Total Care Home Improvements was a very good one. After posting my job online Pat made contact straight away, I informed him that I had a flat roof that was leaking and h..."
Here at AP Building & roofing we are a family run business. Between us we have over 65 years experience in all trades and always strive to give our customers the best results possible. We carry ou a wide range of work from structural, to kitchens...
"Very efficient ,and a job well done. Very reasonable and comes with a 10 year warranty . Would hire again if needed."
‼️ We cover all Aspects of roofing ‼️ • upvc fascia soffits & guttering • flat roofs torch on felt & rubber epdm • new roofs & roof repairs • repointing • dry ridge system & dry verge ❌no pressure ❌no sales talk ❌no call...
"The team of roofers worked extremely efficiently together. So far the leakage problem on the flat roof appears to have been solved."
WEATHERSEAL ROOFING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LTD have been trading as a Roofing company around the area of West Yorkshire & surrounding areas, with 16 years experience.... WEATHERSEAL ROOFING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LTD can help with:...
"Arrived on time, polite, and finished job to my satisfaction."
Top Rank Roofing and Building Ltd can guarantee all work, no matter how big or small, is completed to a high standard, evidenced by a fantastic reputation. With years of experience, the team achieves organisation on site alongside a well managed wo...
"Excellent service. Kept me informed of short delays which were due to the weather. Completed the work to a very good standard and in a timely manner. Good value for money."
I am fully qualified roofer apprenticeship in 2007 i am very reliable hard working good price work will never cut corners nothing in roofing that i cant do also i do loft boarding 2 types loft zone or full timber floors can show work what i have inst...
"He gave a fair quote and came on time. He did the job quickly and efficiently. It looks good. I would recommend him"
We are a family run business that are hear to help u make your home how u want it. We also have public liability insurance for peace of mind as well. We specialise in fencing and gates and decking and all aspects of landscaping including patios and d...
"Bradley's business partner, Dave, came and he was GREAT!! Dave was very thorough and informative about the GRP roof that I had selected. The price given was competitive and fair. They are flexible and punctual - another bonus!..."
Paul owner of PB Maintenance Roofing and Building has over 18 years experience in the construction industry. We offer a 24 hour 7 day a week call out service. A friendly, reliable and honest sole trader.
"Paul was really good got straight onto job and drain was unblocked within an hour. Friendly service reasonable price would highly recommend."
PB Maintenance reply: Thank you for your review
"Excellent job! Minimum fuss, no mess. Pleasure to do business with - would definitely use Eric again, and can highly recommend him. Many thanks!"
Able roofing and building have over 25 years in the construction trade from small jobs to new builds extensions etc . Brickwork jobs planning work from drawings to specific needs . All roof work from 1 slate to full re roofs flat roofs all work car...
"Warning – Will not honour 5 year guarantee Lance was very quick to come out first time to do the work and take payment but the roof repair has already failed after only a year I reported the fact that the roof had begun leak..."