Guttering is easily one of the most neglected parts of an home, with most of us only ever really noticing it once things go wrong. A leaking, sagging, or overflowing gutter might seem like a small issue however, if left unaddressed, damaged gutters can cause serious damage to your fascia boards, external walls of your home and even the foundations. Luckily, replacing your gutters is a fairly simple job and one that can be easily achieved without the need for a professional. Our quality uPVC guttering supplies are easy to handle and fit, leaving you with a professional finish, without the price tag.

With years of expertise under our belt, we have put together an easy to follow guide that covers everything including, how to spot the signs of failing gutters, what tools and materials you’ll need, and a step-by-step walkthrough of the full replacement process.

What Are the Signs That Your Guttering Needs Replacing?

Before you decide whether to repair or replace, it helps to understand what you are dealing with. Here are the most common warning signs that your guttering is in need of replacement:

Visible cracks, splits, or holes in gutter sections
Persistent leaking at joints, even after any attempts at resealing
Sagging gutters that have pulled away from the fascia
Peeling paint or damp patches on external walls directly below the guttering
Water overflowing during heavy rain despite the gutters being clear of debris
Orange rust stains appearing on or beneath cast iron gutters

If you are seeing one or two of these issues localised to a single section, a repair may be possible however, if the problems are widespread, then a full replacement with modern uPVC guttering is almost always the smarter long-term investment.

Why Choose uPVC Guttering?

Today, uPVC has quickly replaced traditional materials in virtually every modern installation and for good reason. uPVC guttering is lightweight, making it significantly easier to handle when working at height. It is completely resistant to rust and corrosion, requires no painting, and can last for decades with minimal maintenance.

We stock a wide range of uPVC gutter systems including half-round, square, ogee, and deepflow profiles in multiple colours. Whether you are matching existing roofline aesthetics or starting fresh, there is a style and size to suit every property.

What Tools and Materials Do You Need?

Before you climb the ladder and start fixing, make sure you have everything you need to hand.

Tools

Ladders — a platform ladder or scaffold tower is strongly recommended for longer runs
Hacksaw or fine-tooth saw
Tape measure and pencil
String line and spirit level
Guttering sections
Fascia Brackets
Downpipes
Drill and screwdriver or sealant
Rubber mallet
Safety gloves and eye protection

How to Replace Guttering: Step-by-Step

Once you have all your materials, follow these steps for a clean, watertight installation.

Step 1 — Remove the Old Guttering

Start at the downpipe end. Remove the downpipe brackets and work your way along, detaching union brackets and lifting gutter sections away. It is a good idea to have a helper holding the ladder and ready to take any old pieces away easily. Dispose of old materials responsibly.

Step 2 — Inspect and Prepare the Fascia

With the guttering removed, take the time to inspect your fascia boards carefully. Check for any signs of rot, cracking, or damage. This is the ideal time to replace any damaged fascia. Fitting new fascia at this stage will protect your roofline for years to come and provide a solid base for the new guttering.

Step 3 — Set Your Fall

Gutters need a gentle slope towards the downpipe outlet to encourage water flow. Mark the highest point of your gutter run at one end of the fascia with a pencil, then use a string line to establish the correct fall to the outlet position. This is the most critical step to get right. Incorrect fall is the single biggest cause of standing water and overflow problems.

Step 4 — Fix the Outlet and Brackets

Fit the running outlet first, as this is your anchor point. Then work back along the fascia, fitting fascia brackets at no more than 1-metre intervals, aligning each to your string line. Ensure all brackets are fixed firmly into the fascia or rafter ends using stainless steel screws to prevent corrosion over time.

Step 5 — Click in Gutter Sections

uPVC gutter sections simply click into the brackets and union connectors with no special tools required. If you need to measure and cut sections to length, a good quality saw will ensure clean cuts. When fitting union pieces, ensure the rubber seal is properly seated, as this is what makes the joint watertight. Fit stop ends to all open ends of the run.

Step 6 — Fit the Downpipe

Attach the downpipe bend to the outlet, then run the downpipe vertically down the wall, securing it with pipe clips fixed at no more than 1.8-metre intervals. At the bottom of the run, use an offset bend or shoe to direct water away from the wall and into a drain or soakaway.

Step 7 — Test the System

Pour a bucket of water into the highest point of the gutter and watch it travel towards the outlet. Check all joints for any leaking and observe the flow entering the downpipe. A properly installed system should carry water away quickly with no pooling or overflow anywhere in the run.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Guttering Yourself?

The cost of replacing guttering varies depending on the size of your property and the profile you choose, but cost effective materials like uPVC can make all the difference. If you are attempting to replace gutters yourself for the first time, it is often a good idea to read up on useful advice like this guide, to ensure you can get the fitting correct as any problems may only cost you further down the line.

Ready to begin your guttering project? We hope this step by step guide has given you the confidence and knowledge to carry out the work correctly and efficiently.

Browse our comprehensive range of uPVC guttering systems, downpipes and fascia boards online, or visit one of our branches nationwide. Our experienced team is always available to provide expert advice and help you select the right products and quantities to ensure a successful installation.