Preserving wooden gutters

I have old wooden gutters on my property. They are at a point where most would simply have them replaced, however, they’re extremely important to me as it's a family home and my grandfather built them by himself sixty years ago. So I am willing to pay more than most would to preserve these gutters as long as possible. What efforts can I have, even radical efforts to keep these gutters going for at least another say ten to fifteen years? At what point, do worn down gutters become a danger? 

Asked by Catherine on 20th Jul 2021
Expert Trade Answers
"Without actually seeing the job I can only advise going what you have told us. Rot is killed with bleach easily, the rot is a living plant or organism that eats wood under the right conditions, so kill it first. Remove any loose parts with a scraper and chip out any rotten areas and brush the timber with a stiff brush. Then solvent thinned epoxy for sealing - then either thickened epoxy with perhaps chunks of wood for filling in chipped out areas, etc., then a FLEXIBLE epoxy paint (marine epoxies are brittle and will not handle the expansion and contractions of the wood). Then optionally a coat of paint as epoxies will slowly break down over time. New steel brackets can be fitted to ensure the gutters are sufficiently held in place."
Answered on 25th Sep 2021 - Member since Aug 2020 - report
"Without being able to see what you are asking about, my suggestion would be to remove them, fix any damage/rot, soak in wood preserver and line them with firestone rubber, make sure brackets are sound and put re-furbished gutters back up. Hope this helps."
Answered on 20th Jul 2021 - Member since Jan 2021 - report
"Put some good quality waterproof varnish on them."
Answered on 22nd Jul 2021 - Member since Jul 2021 - report
"You can make it safe as long as you know what you are doing."
Answered on 29th Jul 2021 - Member since May 2021 - report
"Hi there
Your best bet is to take care of the wet rot then replace any missing wood then make good. After everything is straight again I would overlay with fiberglass which would then last a minimum of thirty years.
We could provide you with a quote to undertake this work for you.
Regards
Richard"
Answered on 26th Jul 2021 - Member since May 2021 - report
"You can do this by painting your wood gutter every few years. This will help your gutters fight off the harsh elements. Additionally, you'll also want to keep the inside of the wood gutters well-oiled with shingle oil or mineral oil. Finally, be sure to clean out your gutters at least once a year"
Answered on 30th Nov 2022 - Member since Nov 2022 - report
"Realistically, you need to clean your wooden gutters twice a year and paint the center-well out with bitumen paint and the outside with an all-weather paint Acrypol is a great alternative to bitumen, also check any joints which should be joined with lead thanks.
Mitch mbdenby roofing"
Answered on 26th Aug 2021 - Member since May 2021 - report
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