Do I really need to replace the gutter?

Kai77

discovered a small leak inside on a ceiling next to the wall where the gutter is.

Got someone to look at it and they showed me that there’s a hole in the gutter (hopefully you can see it on the right corner area). It was clearly leaking water when they tested it. I’m also showing a photo of the other side of the gutter.

They cleaned the gutter as it was full of moss. 

They say that the whole gutter needs replacing because it’s an old one-piece type. Otherwise they’d just fix the union area on a new style gutter.

The issue I have is that the ceiling leak was on the side of the gutter that looks fine. So could it have been the moss that was causing the ceiling issue?

They also said the floor above (where the roof and upper gutter is) is probably full of moss but it’s too high to come and clean without a taller ladder. Couldn’t that blockage have caused the ceiling leak from water running down? 

Lastly could I try and get the hole that has been identified on the lower gutter blocked up without replacing the whole gutter?

I’ll probably sell the place next year so just want to avoid paying more than I need to now.

Kai77

Sorry the photos didn’t post before! 

TELLIT01

You could probably fix the leak by using self adhesive flashing tape.  Just make sure the inside of the gutter is dry and press the flashing down firmly.

colalba

Might be tricky getting good seal with flashing due to  the shape of your gutter.  If so I'd suggest buying a tin of emergency roof repair. Ideally one with acrylic fibres as it is better at bridging small gaps. I've had success with both approaches in the past. 

Kai77

Thank you, will look into this!

ThisIsWeird

Kai77 said:

Sorry the photos didn’t post before! 

That looks like the culprit, as the plastic fascia below looks very water/mossy-stained.

That has got to be fixable! Beautiful cast guttering? Gorgeous, and lasts a lifetime.

I'd be inclined to try the fibrous roofing repair stuff as Colalba suggests. I've used Cromopol to very good effect on an old felt roof. Can be applied to even damp surfaces, the fibres bridge sizeable gaps, and it seals instantly. But you would need to wire-brush the inside thoroughly to make sure it's clean. Apply on the inside, fill that gap thoroughly, and used a gloved finger to smooth the outside to match the gutter (yes, use black colour!). On the inside, brush it firmly along the inside a good 6+" either side of the join. The next time it's dry, add another layer inside.

This will likely last for years, but should certainly see you through to next summer, where there may be a more permanent material that could be used - but it would also need to be flexible. I can imagine that StixAll would be very effective here - sets to a very tough rubbery consistency. But, the Cromo (or similar) could well continue to do the job.

Have a look on Facebook Marketplace now - see if anyone is selling a part-tin locally; you'll only need a small amount. Make sure it's 'fibrous', and any colour will do - you can always paint the outside visible part afterwards. 

Nuts to consider replacing that lovely guttering - assuming it isn't about to fall off....

Kai77

Thank you. The guttering company suggested it was a really old type of guttering (20 years), but sounds like it’s actually quite good quality and worth keeping! I guess the main issue is you can’t just take out one union on it as you could with modern types.

They’ve cleaned the gutter entirely so that should have stopped the moss, hopefully someone can come and repair it that way. Would it have been the blockages that caused the hole in the first place?

I still haven’t got to the bottom of the internal leak though, which is on the opposite corner of the bay window where the gutter looks fine. 

ThisIsWeird

No idea what could have caused the hole. I hope it isn't rust, as this would suggest it's all pretty thin by now! But, no, the moss or a blockage wouldn't, in itself, cause it.
But, surely very fixable.
Can't help with the internal leak either - sorry. It'll be interesting to see if it stops, now the gutter has been cleaned.

Kai77

Thanks yes I’m going to just wait and see. There’s been more rain recently but no sign of further internal leaks.

Will give it some time, then try repairing the hole if needed, as there’s a charge of £300 including labour to fit the new gutter (I’m in London but not sure if this is expensive or not)!