Your Home's First Line of Defence
It's easy to ignore your gutters—until it rains. Then, that annoying drip turns into a damp patch on your bedroom ceiling, or a waterfall soaking your brickwork.
Water is the biggest enemy of any building. If it isn't channeled away effectively, it causes penetrating damp, rots timber window frames, and can even undermine your foundations.
At C&S Maintenance Works, we see guttering not just as plastic pipes, but as an essential engineering system for your home. In this ultimate guide, we'll explain how to spot problems early, the benefits of modern uPVC, and why "capping over" old wood is a terrible idea.
Understanding Your Roofline
It's not just "gutters." The roofline is made up of three key components, and they all need to work together.
Fascias
The long board that runs along the lower edge of the roof. It supports the bottom row of tiles and carries the guttering.
- Old Style: Painted timber (rots easily).
- New Style: 18mm solid uPVC (maintenance-free).
Soffits
The board tucked underneath the fascia, bridging the gap to the wall. Crucial for ventilation.
- Function: Allows air into the loft to prevent condensation.
- Upgrade: Vented uPVC soffits for better airflow.
Do I Need a Full Replacement?
Not always. Sometimes a simple repair is enough to get you through another few winters.
When to Repair
- Leaking Joints: Often just a perished rubber seal. We can unclip the joint, clean it, and fit a new seal for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
- Blocked Downpipes: If water is overflowing, it might just be a tennis ball or a bird's nest. A thorough clean and a "hedgehog" gutter guard can solve this.
- Loose Brackets: If the gutter is sagging, we can re-fix the brackets or add extra ones for support.
When to Replace
- Rotten Timber: If the fascia board behind the gutter is soft or crumbling, it can't hold the screws. It needs to go.
- Brittle Plastic: Old uPVC can become brittle from UV damage and crack easily.
- Constant Leaks: If you're repairing a different joint every month, it's time for a new system.
Why Choose C&S?
Deep Flow
We install high-capacity gutters that can handle heavier storms.
No Capping
We remove all old timber. We never just "cap over" rot.
Leak Test
We water test every installation before we leave to ensure it's watertight.
Get A Quote
Gutter problems? Contact us today for a free inspection and quote.
Send Us a Message
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
"Had all my fascias and gutters replaced. The difference is amazing, and no more drips! Highly recommended."
David Peters
West Bridgford