https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/canterbury-guttering-and-downpipes-near-me/ The Importance of Replacing Guttering and Downpipes The correct guttering and downpipes channel rainwater away from your home, preventing flooding, foundation damage, soil erosion and the growth of mould. Regular maintenance ensures that they are free of clogs and work efficiently. Sizing your downpipes to match the size of your roof is vital to ensure proper drainage of water. This will ensure that the performance is in top shape. Placement Gutters are intended to take rainwater and drain it. However if they're damaged or placed improperly, water could be able to seep into the walls and foundations of homes. This can cause structural damage, soil erosion and flooding, as well as damp basements and crawlspaces. Proper guttering and downpipe installation is crucial to prevent this from happening, and is often controlled by building regulations. Downpipes are the drainage pipes that connect to a spouting or guttering and let rainwater (and melting snow in cold climates) down and away from the home via efficient gravity flow. They also shield foundations and walls from water damage, and help prevent rotting fascia boards and leaks. Correct downpipe sizing is vital to a gutter system's efficiency because oversized downpipes could cause overflows, and if placed too close to a home could increase the risk of flooding. The ideal size of the downpipe depends on roof size and pitch, and a rule of thumb is to have one downpipe for 9m (30ft) of guttering. There are a range of downpipe materials available, including vinyl and plastic. Metals like galvanised steel and aluminium are strong and corrosion-resistant, making them robust in all weather conditions. Plastics like PVC or vinyl are lightweight and affordable. They are also simple to install. However, they can be prone to UV degradation under intense sunlight. After the gutters and downpipes have been installed, seal them together using h