cast iron gutter leaking joint - repair or replace with plastic?

usignuolo

Following on from my earlier email - I have a problem with a leaking joint on the cast iron guttering on my roof. It will be difficult to access as it overlooks the conservatory but it is only the joint between two sections which is leaking. (The house is Victorian but the roof was replaced 20 years ago and is generally in good shape).

The roofer who came to look said it would all have to come off and be replaced with plastic guttering. I am dubious about this, my guttering is fine apart from the leaking joint (as far as I can see) and painted a handsome red. I like my old house and don't really want a lot of plastic guttering although I know there are issues (like weight when it snows).

I have found a firm on the web which supplies cast iron guttering and joints etc for historic houses, and a single joint, which is all I think I need, would not break the bank. It might be more difficult to work on, than ripping it all off and replacing it with plastic, but surely should not take as long.

On balance I want to keep the cast iron. Has anyone else any experience of this?

Sirbendy

According to my (beloved) readers digest home DIY manual, you can always "reseal" the guttering using such things as silicone sealer...

jockster211

Hi

Is the joint rusted or broken? Or just leaking? If just leaking then you can get a specific gutter sealant from B&Q or screwfix that stays flexible. You may need to grind the old bolts (it may or may not have then) out to take the joint apart.

In an old building like yours its always best to 'preserve' the character of it.

Good Luck

Jockster

plumb1_2

If its just the joint that is leaking, you can use the traditional method of renewing the joint, use putty and paint.
Just like they did when 1st installed 80yrs ago, and still as good.

usignuolo

Thanks for this - there is even a section on B & Q website about repairing cast iron guttering. It is just the joint, maybe galvanised bolts need replacing but that will most likely do it. Why are some builders so keen on ripping out all the decent old materials and putting in cheap new ones?

latecomer

Because they get paid for it.

usignuolo

I think it goes a bit deeper than that. I have an old house and I like the old features but it is a hard job stopping builders from removing them even when I am paying more on a job for better quality materials for a restoration or conservation job. Some still hanker after the cheapest option. I think it stems from giving themselves the least effort to get the most money yes - but there also seems to be a total lack of appreciation or understanding by many builders of the features which make an old house attractive to those of us who live in one.

roddydogs

Isnt it a problem with leaking Gutters that they expand and contract with the weather, so sealants dont work for long?

latecomer

Well if they have been ok for the best part of 80 years then I dont think there can be many complaints.

on_a_money_mission

If cast iron guttering is properly maintained (ie regularly painted and joints sealed) it should last for well over 100 years! Whereas plastic guttering won't.

When you have your gutter fixed, ask the builder to check condition (or use binoculars) as it may need repainting too.

27col

I bet plastic guttering expands and contracts several times as much as cast iron. Anyway, if the cast iron is not split then, as has been said, it can easily be repaired and last for many years more.