Gutters, fascias and soffits
Clearing, repairing and replacing the whole rainwater line.
In short
Guttering is the cheapest part of a roof to maintain and one of the most expensive to neglect. When a gutter blocks or splits, water runs down the wall instead of into the drain, and it soaks the masonry, the fascia and eventually the ends of the rafters. Most gutter problems are solved by clearing and refixing; where the fascia behind has already gone soft, the fascia, soffit and gutter are usually replaced together.
On traditional Scottish property the rainwater goods are often cast iron, and cast iron is worth keeping where it is sound: it can be cleaned, repaired and repainted. Where a previous owner has already swapped to plastic, replacing like for like is straightforward.
Signs your rainwater goods need work
- Water spilling over the front of the gutter in heavy rain
- A vertical stripe of green algae or staining down the wall
- Plants or grass growing out of the gutter
- Gutter sagging between brackets or pulling away from the fascia
- Fascia board soft, split or showing rot at the ends
- Soffit boards sagging, or birds getting into the eaves
What the job involves
Every roof is different, but the shape of the work is usually the same. Here is how a typical gutters, fascias and soffits job runs.
Clear and check the run
Gutters are cleared out and the whole run is checked for falls, splits and loose brackets rather than just the bit that was overflowing.
Check the timber behind
The fascia and soffit are checked, because a gutter that has been overflowing for years has usually been soaking the board behind it.
Repair or replace
Sound cast iron is repaired and refixed where it is worth keeping. Failed plastic or rotten timber is replaced.
Reset the falls
Brackets are set so the gutter actually runs to the downpipe, which is often the real reason it was overflowing.
Test with water
The run is flushed through and checked before we leave, rather than waiting for the next downpour to find out.
Want someone to take a look?
Call 07464 695657 or send a photo on WhatsApp and you will get a straight answer on what it needs.
Gutters, fascias and soffits near you
E Stewart Roofing Ltd covers Glasgow, Ayrshire and Central Scotland. Pick your area for local detail, or call 07464 695657 if you are not sure whether you are in range.
Frequently asked questions
How often should gutters be cleared?
Once a year is enough for most houses, and twice a year where there are trees close by. In the west of Scotland autumn leaves and moss washing off the roof are the two things that block a gutter fastest.
Can you repair cast iron guttering?
Yes, and it is usually worth it. Cast iron lasts a very long time if it is kept clear and painted, and it suits traditional property far better than plastic. Individual sections can be replaced where they have cracked.
Do fascias and soffits need replacing at the same time as the gutter?
Not always, but often. If the gutter has been overflowing for a while the fascia behind it has usually taken the water, and putting a new gutter onto a rotten board just means doing the job twice.
Why does my gutter overflow only in heavy rain?
Usually either a partial blockage further along the run, or a fall that is not steep enough to move water fast enough when it really comes down. Both are fixable without replacing the guttering.
Can you do gutters without scaffolding?
Clearing and small repairs can normally be done from ladders or a tower. A full replacement along a two storey elevation is usually safer and quicker with proper access, and that will be in the quote.