National Gutters Day 2023 Heavy Downpours Cause Gutter Chaos

Wales-based foundry, Tuscan Foundry Products, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of cast iron drainage products, has reported that many local properties’ gutters are failing during the torrential downpours that are getting worse, year on year.  The Welsh foundry is urging homeowners to inspect their rainwater systems now and clear out any debris or leaves.

Blocked or leaking pipes could cause structural damage to many Welsh properties if the water isn’t channeled away correctly.  Tuscan Foundry Products, who support the SPAB’s (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) National Gutters Day (Friday 25^th November), is urging homeowners to check that:

• Gutter junctions are watertight
• Gutters are sloping the right way,
• Rust is treated and sections repainted
• Leaks are repaired
• Blockages are cleared
• Vegetation is removed from behind the downpipes

Paul Stenning, of Tuscan Foundry Products comments:
“I drive through the towns and villages of Wales every day and have noticed that many rainwater systems are not coping with the heavy downpours we are experiencing.  This is because they are either blocked, have plants growing out of the rainwater heads or are leaking, all of which are causing water to run down the side of the house which eventually will cause structural damage.”

Tuscan Foundry Products and SPAB stress that preserving and maintaining a rainwater system contributes immensely to the external appearance of a property as well as its architectural heritage. If sections are beyond repair replacements should be made of the same material as the originals and designs replicated. Original historical sections such as hopper heads may date right back to the early 19^th century and should be maintained as part of the building’s heritage.

Always wear protective gloves when necessary and act safely and responsibly.