How to Seal Leaking Finlock Gutters?

What are Finlock gutters?

Finlock gutters, also known as concrete gutters, are not very common. These gutters are still found on some homes across the UK and cause some issues for homeowners. Finlock gutters were built on homes between the 1950s-1970s as a substitute for other scarce materials (steel) that were being used in the war effort.

Concrete gutters were considered reliable when they were first built, however, as they age, they begin to break down and pose a lot of issues for homeowners. This results in Finlock gutter repairs more often than you’d like and an expensive bill at the end of it. Finlock gutters require consistent repairs due to their porousness. As they age, concrete gutters lose their waterproof abilities and allow water to seep through and cause damage to your gutter system and inside your home.

When concrete gutters fail, the issues will continue returning until the gutters are fixed properly. Some of the common problems caused by concrete gutters are listed below.

The issues

Cold/thermal bridging can be challenging in all weather conditions, but is especially problematic in the colder months, and can even affect your home’s energy consumption and how well your home insulates. When these problems arise, it can sometimes begin to impact the inside of your home and cause the wallpaper to peel away from the wall, damaging the beauty of your home and resulting in costly redecorating costs.

Finlock gutters can wear down and begin to sag which affects the beauty of your home and the guttering’s functionality. As well as possibly putting pressure on your windows.

Because Finlock gutters aren’t very reliable at draining water, the water remains in the gutter system for periods of time and can cause issues with the fabric of the building; increasing the risk of mould and damp growth. In extreme cases, the water will cause a puddling effect and can attract pests or begin to collapse the guttering.

Lining failure is caused by water that has leaked through due to the failing of the gutters. It can be problematic and can lead to other damages. As such, it should be addressed immediately to avoid further costs. Finlock gutter lining is the best way to solve this issue.

Damp and mould can start to grow and cause problems for the interior of your home. The damp and mould can grow substantially, causing the wallpaper to come away from the walls and potentially be an issue for your health.

To fix these issues, it is recommended to get all concrete gutter repairs you need to get your gutters back in working order, and then install a new waterproof membrane secured with concrete gutter sealant to prevent them from coming back. This is called Finlock gutter lining or concrete gutter lining.

To seal your gutters, you need no specialist tools, you just need to

·         Remove all debris and mess from the gutter and allow it to dry.

·         Wire brush inside of the gutter to remove any existing flaky sealant or dirt.

·         Fill any gaps inside the gutter with fast-setting cement.

·         Coat inside of the gutter with an acrylic roof concrete gutter sealant.

·         Apply a thick coat of sealant or two average coats to get the job done.

When considering concrete guttering repairs and replacement it may be worth investing in Finlock gutter lining or relining instead. It will extend the life of your gutters and ensure leaks are gone for good.

If considering concrete gutter lining, it’s best to consult a specialist as the job may be too big for a novice.