| Every
roofer is looking for ways to maximise profits and
add value to their business. Next time you’re quoting
for a job, why not offer to check and overhaul guttering
and get it ready for the rigours of the British winter?
The benefits for your customers are obvious. Blocked
gutters can cause costly flooding and dangerous water
damage to the fabric of a building. This might be
easy to spot, such as water pouring from the gutter
during heavy rain or dark marks on the external wall,
but could show itself as damp patches on internal
walls caused by leaking or blocked and broken gutters
or downpipes. Debris from gutters can also lead to
blockages and problems in the underground drainage
system that can be expensive and difficult to cure.
Give them the brush off: A whole magnitude
of debris can collect in the gutters. It only takes
one small obstruction to have a dramatic effect on
water flow to the downpipes. Large pieces of debris
can be lifted out, while smaller pieces can be removed
using a hand brush and a small garden trowel, mosses
and lichens may need scrubbing with a brush and warm
soapy water to loosen them.
Turn over a new leaf: Hunter Plastics’
Leaf Guard can be installed to help prevent debris
from getting into the gutters. Leaf Guard is a handy
clip-on mesh designed to protect gutters from blockage
by leaves and other debris, and maintain optimum flow
rates. Fully compatible with Hunter’s Surefit 112mm
Half Round and Squareflo gutter systems, it is available
from SIG Group companies in packs of ten 500mm lengths.
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Seal of
Approval: As well as visually checking that
brackets are still secure, ensure that none of the
seals between gutters and fittings have become dislodged,
leaving gaps that may lead to leaks. If there is a
leak in a joint between lengths of guttering, then
the seals need to be repositioned or replaced; spare
seals are available to order.
Location! Location! Location!
One of the biggest causes of leaks is gutters not
installed in the correct position. To allow thermal
expansion Hunter Plastics’ products have handy “Insert
to Here” lines to show exactly where the gutter should
sit. If any parts are fitted incorrectly, then it
is simple to remove them and refit them correctly
to the “Insert to Here” line. If a single PVC gutter
section is cracked or damaged in any way then it can
be easily taken out and replaced without having to
take down the whole system.
Better Safe than Sorry: It’s important not
to hang on to the guttering when carrying out repair
and maintenance work as any weakness in the gutter
fixing could lead to a costly and potentially serious
accident.
Hunter rainwater systems are available ex stock in
Half Round, Squareflo and the attractive stepped Regency
profile as well as the high capacity 125 profiles
in a range of colours.
Contact
your local branch to make your order |
