A box gutter is a type of rain gutter made up of two boxes connected by a horizontal pipe.
If the gutters are not cleaned and maintained regularly, they can become clogged with debris and cause water damage to your home. A gutter replacement cost depends on the size of the gutter, roofing material, gutter repairer, the type of material it is made from, and the gutter installation location. Generally, gutter replacement costs range from $50 to $200 per hour, depending on the gutter installers. Local gutter repairers will need to inspect the issue by accessing the roof and will provide an estimate for the repair work. If you are experiencing any issues with your box gutters, it is essential to have a box guttering repair as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Box gutters are prone to blockages, leaks, and damage, hence needing a box gutter replacement. Box gutter blockages happen when debris accumulates in the two boxes of the gutter. When this happens, water is prevented from flowing freely through the system, resulting in overflowing gutters or leakage into your house or property. Leaks occur at points where pipes enter and leave the ground surface. They generally come about due to cracks or corroded joints made of metal or damaged seams between sections of plastic material. A small hole may only cause an overflow during heavy rainfall, while a large leak could see water cascading into your home, garage, or office. Damage can also occur to the gutters due to branches or leaves falling on them, high winds, or even animals. Branches and leaves can block water flow, while high winds can cause the gutters to tear away from the roof, and animals can chew through the plastic material.
In addition, it is a good idea to trim any branches that are close to the gutters and keep your property clear of any debris that could accumulate in the gutters. Drainage issues such as blocked downpipes require removal without delay to prevent overflow from gutters unclogged.
Most homeowners invest in a gutter guard system to avoid problems with new gutters in the future. These ensure that the box gutter is working correctly, preventing all large debris from entering the gutter and causing blockages that require you to replace gutters. They are made from long-lasting aluminium or stainless steel materials and can offer protection against animals.
Repairing box gutters by replacing them with eaves gutters is a skilled job that an experienced tradesman should only complete with specialised equipment. The material the gutter is made from will determine the cost of repairs.
If your gutter is constructed out of expensive material like aluminium, stainless steel, or copper, the repair work may be covered under warranty if a qualified tradesman installed it. However, if it was not correctly installed or damaged due to external factors such as high winds or animals, you may have to foot the bill for the gutter replacement.
Suppose your gutters are from affordable materials like vinyl guttering, rubber, or EPDM. In that case, they generally need to be repaired on a metal roof with new sections rather than fixed with traditional sealing methods because these types of gutters are prone to leaks. Their surfaces are also susceptible to high winds, which can cause them to tear away from the roof and leave holes that need mending.
Local tradies or even builders may need to inspect your gutters to determine the extent of repairs required and the viable option. They will check for damage by climbing onto your roof and using a machine with a special nozzle to clear blockages out of the gutters while checking for any leakage or additional damage. A Colorbond box gutter is an excellent gutter replacement for a full gutter box. Also, a square gutter is best for areas with a heavy downpour.Once they have determined the problem, they may recommend you replace gutter guards, gutter clips or install a new box gutter instead of repairing them if there is extensive damage or if they need repainting because of rusting metal parts. If only one hidden gutters section has been damaged, it may be possible to repair it without replacing other sections if it is not too difficult to reach.
Gutter replacement cost for aluminium or stainless steel gutters can cost between $500 and $1,000, depending on the size of your property. It typically includes labour charges combined with the price of materials such as screws, sealant, elbow joints, and half-round sections. Repairing damaged areas in EPDM gutters will be slightly cheaper, while PVC repairs will likely set you back around $400.
A simple fascia installation will cost an average price of $3000. Fixing damage caused by animals may take between one and two hours to complete, while repairing blockages requires approximately one hour's work. If additional sections need replacing, it may take longer than usual so allow plenty of time for completion.
Additional gutter replacement cost incurred during box gutter repair is the replacement of screws. It may also be more than the average cost if you want to replace a sealant, elbow joints, and half-round sections. The material cost tends to be necessary if the damage is extensive. You should also allow for labour charges when getting an estimate for repairs. Generally, repairing aluminium or galvanized steel gutters will cost between $500 and $1,000, while PVC, also called vinyl guttering, and EPDM repairs are around $400. If you have a particularly large property with a tall roof, your typical costs could be significantly higher.Aluminium and stainless steel gutters generally have a lifespan of up to 25 years when properly installed. EPDM gutters usually last for around 15 years, while PVC gutters can last for ten years with regular maintenance.
It is vital to get your gutters regularly inspected at the same time, especially if they are made from plastic materials, as they are more prone to leaks and blockages. By catching any potential problems early on, you can save yourself the hassle and save money to repair them later on for your home improvement.
Gutter replacement can be costly, and the gutter installers make estimates based on box gutter design installation and other factors. Gutter replacement is necessary to maintain the health of your home. If you live in an area prone to high winds or your gutters are plastic materials, it is crucial to have them checked regularly and damaged pieces replaced.
For more information on guttering, take a look at the Australian Building Codes Board.