Concrete gutters (also known as Finlock) can negatively impact your home’s interior, exterior, and functionality. These gutters were installed on homes between the 1950s and 1970s as an alternative to metal during wartime.
Concrete gutters are a durable alternative to steel gutters. They were built before modern protections, such as a system of gutter guards. Over time, however, concrete gutters have proved to be a flawed system. Over time, concrete guttering begins to become porous and leaks water. The gutters can also start to cause issues for your home.
Gutter Issues
Lining Failure
Failure is caused by the expansion and contraction of linings due to temperature changes. The heavy concrete may crack or separate as a result, allowing water to escape and causing further damage to your gutters. Lining failure can be a very costly problem to fix. If you notice a lining that has failed, you should repair it immediately.
Cold/Thermal Bridge
Cold bridging occurs when cold materials meet warm materials, causing the latter to cool down. This is an extremely common problem that can occur all year long. It can negatively impact your home during the winter months, affecting how well you insulate it and your energy consumption. A house with faulty gutters can be colder and cause energy bills to increase.
No Pitch On The Gutter
Modern gutters tilt to direct rainwater down the drainpipe, away from your house. Finlock gutters are installed over level walls to prevent water from escaping. Water will sit in the downpipes for a long time, causing damage. It can also cause gutters to collapse or fall and attract pests.
Sagging/Uneven Gutters
When gutters are not strengthened and filled properly, they will begin to sag. This can affect the appearance of your home. It can also make it difficult to open or close your windows, which can cause problems inside your home.
Damp and Mould
Water in the gutters can cause a variety of problems. It can lead to issues with the fabric and structure of your building, as well as an increased risk of mold growth and dampness in your home. Both of these effects can be dangerous to your health and home.
Damage to Interior Decor
The above problems can lead to mold and damp growth. Dampness and mildew can cause watermarks, mold, and moisture in your home. Paintwork can also be damaged. This can only be rectified by redecorating and repairing the gutter issues. Finlock replacement gutters can solve the problem completely. The problems will return if you decide to repair your gutters instead of replacing them. Finlock replacement specialists can help you resolve all gutter problems. Finlock gutters are not reliable and must be replaced.
If you have any problems, it is best to replace the concrete gutters completely. This will create a new, more reliable guttering system that will eliminate all issues.