Concrete guttering

crispypickering

please let me know how you got on with the compaany you went with in the end.
kind regards
Me

gladsocks

I have worked with concrete gutter systems for many years as a surveyor to housing associations and a local authority.
I now run a small design and build company which works throughout the UK.
I have done several concrete gutter replacements and take a slightly different approach to the so called "established companies". I have written a full guide to concrete gutter replacement (its about 5 A4 pages long). I don't know how to do it, but I would be happy to PDF it and send it to any interested parties, or provide a link. I have worked with manufacturers and suppliers and have a fully specified replacement system, with all the necessary structural and thermal calculations. The major problem with concrete gutter is cold bridging which tends to manifest itself as condensation and mould to the inner wall. A major failure with the general "cut off method" is that it fails to adequately raise the thermal qualities of the concrete gutter. We have a comprehensive concrete gutter replacement system that is uniquely designed and engineered to address the problems with concrete gutters at a reasonable price. Most people aren't aware, but there is a legal issue with concrete gutters in respect to The Party Walls Act 1996 (just google it or ring a local chartered surveyor who I am sure will explain free of charge). If not dealt with correctly this could leave you open to litigation on properties with party structures or party walls. We are the only company in the uk to recognise this, and provide assistance, at no extra charge. We don't employ salesmen, just a surveyor and our fitting team. Yes, we are small, but we can provide all the advantages of a larger company with independent warranties etc. We can provide references and we work to a fixed cost with no up-front charges. Anyone considering concrete gutter replacement is welcome to contact us and we are happy to advise in any situation.

Anjohannes

Six years after renovating our house and after a very hard snowy winter, a major leak appeared over the window in the first floor guest bedroom.When it rained water started to leak through.We tried sealants externally had various workmen in to no avail.Then it was suggested that the problem was our Finlock gutters.We investigated several solutions and a number of companies.One neighbour had his done by Trent Valley, so we got a quote, very expensive, couldn't afford it.We did some research and found no negative reports on TV.A year or so later, when we had some spare cash and needing a solution, we called in TV and a couple of the other companies mentioned on this site, we got quotes from them all, TV was the most expensive;however, we felt that the representative from the company was the most serious.We went ahead and were very pleased initially with the results, the workmen worked quickly and cleanly, were very polite.So far, so good.The Summer was very warm and it wasn't till the storms of October that the work was put to the test.MASSIVE failure,water pouring in over the window in the guest room.Additionally there are now damp patches and cracks over the window in our son's bedroom, along the ceiling in the bathroom and in other rooms. We have phoned, e-mailed countless times and we get no response apart from one e-mail to say that the owner of TV is travelling and will be in touch.Very poor customer after-care, I would say! We have had a very wet Winter and we have buckets on the windowsills.We have paid out a large amount of hard earned cash and have no solution, in fact the problem is now worse.There has been no attempt to investigate/resolve the situation on the part of TV and if we bring in 'other' specialists the TV work guarantee is invalidated.Perhaps the leaks/problems have nothing to do with replacement guttering, but if TV can not be bothered to respond to us, we can not know.
Perhaps this post will motivate the company to action?I note that one of their competitors was named and shamed on a BBC consumer programme, perhaps that should be our next course of action.

fredfreebie

Sorry you have had problems.
Did they cut through the concrete or leave some to be chiselled off?
Did they install felt support trays?
Did they lap them under the existing felt?
Did they replace the first row of felt?
Did they check your loft and ensure that the roof and felt was in good order?
I suggest that you engage the services of a local chartered surveyor to compile a specific defects report, give them the opportunity to remedy the defects he identifies and pay his fees.

Before anyone contemplates concrete gutter removal I would suggest that they read the impartial advice in the blog:
How to Replace Concrete Gutters: The Right Way.
On the cgrltd.com website.

Anjohannes

Thanks for your response.

Yes..the next step is a specialist surveyor.Once this is done, we will give TV one more chance to put things right.Then, if no joy, well we will have no choice. Given the weather we have had the past 6 days, it is all very annoying.

Johnwakeman68

Im getting two quotes today, one from trent valley and one from finlock solutions, will report back when i get given the quotes.

scottyboy235

Hello,
I came across this forum back in 2013 when I was looking for a company to replace the Finlock guttering on my house. Read on for my experience of dealing with this issue


In the end I selected Trent Valley Fascias because they seemed to have positive reviews on this site and others. Much to my dismay the experience has been negative and a big disappointment.


The work was done OK apart from a few minor points which needed correcting. They promised to come back and sort things out. From this point on communications with them was difficult, it was impossible to get a date out of them for completing the work. In the end they turned up several weeks later, unannounced but completed the work. Thank god for that


Now this is where things start to turn sour. I was inspecting the guttering early 2014 and much to my horror came across 2 leaks, one at the front and one at the rear of the house. Water staining is evident on the brickwork where there is a joint in the plastic guttering.


I duly contacted TVF by email, complete with photos and expected to hear back from them. After a period of complete silence I phoned them up and they confirmed yes they have the details - and yes we'll send someone out.


Needless to say I am still waiting. I have now emailed and phoned TVF several times and their response is extremely poor - it's one of non-commitment (excuses from relevant people on holiday, can't trace the installers who did the job..etc).


The experience is such that I wish I'd never gone with TVF - they've taken the money, done a bodge job and aren't doing anything to rectify the faults. A shameful way to deal with a customer.


So if you are dealing with TVF - beware, don't expect them to honour any obligations after money has changed hands.

Roy_Archer

I'm in process of obtaining quotes for my replacement Finlock guttering. I live in Essex, any good reviews of companies that people have used?

Littlemissmoff

Just having work done by concrete gutter replacements limited will let you know how it goes!
My neighbour is having it done too!I too live in essex....

Kirsty*_2

I'm currently looking in to company's that remove finlock guttering. I,m in the south east and have found 2 small company's so far So will be doing my home work but there dosent seem many company's down here in kent.