The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

SPAB
37 Spital Square
LONDON
E1 6DY

T: 020 7377 1644
F: 020 7247 5296
E: info@spab.org.uk

Charity No. 111 3753

Scottish Charity No. SC 039244

Company No.  5743962

VAT No. 577 4276 02

 

 

 

 

 

A. Frequently, those first noticed are internal. Concentrated and prolonged wetting is likely to cause damp patches and plaster mould on walls and ceilings, and the decay of timber skirting boards, panelling etc. Investigation will often reveal rot in concealed timbers, such as roof truss bearings beneath parapet gutters. Commonly because of poor maintenance. Gutters, downpipes and gullies can become blocked if leaves, moss and debris (for example, broken tiles) are allowed to accumulate. In addition, components can corrode through lack of decoration. Gutters may fracture where bolt fixings rust, and downpipes frequently leak at joints where blockages hasten corrosion..Good maintenance involves regularly clearing out rainwater fittings, particularly after the autumn leaf fall, and checking the system for defects. Periodic redecoration of ironwork is required to inhibit corrosion.

 

A. Commonly because of poor maintenance. Gutters, downpipes and gullies can become blocked if leaves, moss and debris (for example, broken tiles) are allowed to accumulate. In addition, components can corrode through lack of decoration. Gutters may fracture where bolt fixings rust, and downpipes frequently leak at joints where blockages hasten corrosion.

Poor detailing is a further factor. Over-sized and over-fixed lead linings may suffer fatigue, for instance. Eaves gutters supported by too few brackets can sag. Where maintenance is neglected, bad detailing – such as excessive swan-neck arrangements – can accelerate deterioration.

Rainwater fittings may be broken or distorted by mechanical damage. Lead downpipes are vulnerable to knocks from passers-by at low level and ladders higher up.

 

A. Good maintenance involves regularly clearing out rainwater fittings, particularly after the autumn leaf fall, and checking the system for defects. Periodic redecoration of ironwork is required to inhibit corrosion.

It can be advantageous to fit plastic leaf guards to gutters or wire balloons above downpipes. Leaf guards still admit pine needles and are sometimes easily dislodged, and material left to gather around wire balloons may cause blockages. Where visually acceptable, overflow pipes can be introduced above hopper heads.

Snow should be cleared from parapet and valley gutters with wooden or plastic shovels to prevent moisture seeping through joints. Alternatively, duckboards or electric heating tapes can be provided to keep gutters clear of snow.

Fittings are best checked for leaks in heavy rain. Proprietary adhesive tape is available for temporary repairs. Where poor access hinders maintenance, additional hatches or fixed ladders might be considered.

 

A. Paint selection will depend, amongst other considerations, on site exposure and the historical interest of the building or surviving early finishes. Cast iron rainwater fittings at the SPAB’s Grade II–listed headquarters have recently been redecorated with an oil-bound system (without white lead, legally restricted to Grade I and II* buildings). One undercoat and one finish coat were specified. Red lead primer (not restricted) and a base-coat were applied first to areas of bare metalwork. Surface preparation is important and unsound old paint, rust and millscale should be removed. Any defective gutter joints should also be re-sealed. Care should be taken to ensure the backs of downpipes are redecorated, particularly if of the rectangular type. It may be beneficial to fit spacers or holderbats if access is limited.

 

A. Absolutely, where feasible, to retain the maximum historic fabric. Lead, wrought iron and sometimes cast iron can be repaired with various welding techniques. Soldered dots or patches may be used for copper. Remember fire safety, though, when undertaking work of this kind.

Replacement, where unavoidable, should normally be on a like-for-like basis. Inappropriate substitute materials can erode the character of a building (for example, using uPVC instead of cast iron) or lead to premature failure (as with certain combinations of dissimilar metals).

Some changes may be justified. Substituting cast iron with painted cast aluminium might be acceptable where access for redecoration is exceptionally awkward. Such work may require Listed Building Consent.

 

A. This depends upon the circumstances. Where maintenance is likely to be neglected, existing rainwater disposal arrangements are satisfactory or new gutters and downpipes would be hard to install unobtrusively, it may be better not to provide a new system. Where a rainwater system is added, it should be uncomplicated. Downpipes should be sited away from wallpaintings. Again, such work may require Listed Building Consent.

 

 

Further Reading

 

The Repair of Historic Buildings: Advice on Principles and Methods, Bereton, C, English Heritage (1995)

Practical Building Conservation: Volume 4 - Metals, English Heritage Technical Handbook, Ashurst, J and Ashurst, N, Aldershot: Gower Technical Press (1988)