https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/hillingdon-guttering-and-downpipes-near-me/ The Importance of Replacing Guttering and Downpipes The proper guttering and downpipes channel rainwater away from your house to prevent flooding soil erosion, foundation damage and mould growth. Regular maintenance keeps them clog-free and functioning efficiently. Sizing your downpipes to match the size of your roof is vital for proper water drainage. This will ensure that the performance is in top shape. Placement Gutters are designed to collect and drain rainwater. However if they're damaged or installed improperly, water could get into the walls and foundations of homes. This can lead to structural damage and soil erosion, flooding and damp crawlspaces and the deterioration of the roof. To prevent this from happening, it's important to install guttering and downpipes correctly. This is often covered in the building regulations. Downpipes are drainage pipes that connect with a spouting system or guttering. They channel rainwater and melting snow (in cold climates) away from your home using gravity. They shield foundations and walls against water damage, and help prevent the fascia board from rotting and leaking. The correct size of the downpipe is essential to a gutter system's efficiency, as oversized downpipes can cause overflow, and if placed too close to a home could increase the risk of flooding. The size of the downpipe is contingent on the roof pitch and the size. A good rule of thumb is one downpipe for 9m (30ft). There are a variety of downpipe materials to choose from, including metal, plastic and vinyl. Metals like galvanised metal and aluminium are strong and corrosion-resistant, making them robust in all weather conditions. Plastics like PVC or vinyl are light and inexpensive. They're also easy to install. However, they can be prone to UV degradation in intense sunlight. Once the gutters and downpipes are installed, the next step is to seal them all together with hi