Maintenance: Gutters, Downpipes, Fascias

In this chapter we explain some drainage & building terms, along with problems commonly faced by unit groups. We also look at preventative maintenance.

Legislation - Strata Titles Act

Click on Legislation above, to view strata title legislation and hints.

Legislation - Community Titles Act

Click on Legislation above, to view community title legislation and hints.

The components

The picture below is a view of a typical gutter, scotia, fascia and downpipe at a group of units.

gutters & facias

Common Problems

gutter rust
  • Rusting of the gutter due to a lack of cleaning.
  • In this case weeds are growing in the gutter.
  • The soil and moisture accelerate the corrosion of the gutter.
gutters downpipe rusted
  • Rusting of downpipes in the bend under the eaves.
  • In this case the problem is caused by the accumulation of leaves and other roof debris.

gutter scotia rot
  • Rotting of the fascia and scotia due to the gutter leaking.
  • This can result in costly timber repairs.
facia rotting
  • Fascia corners are especially vulnerable to rot, as the mitred timber corner has exposed end grain.
  • Rotting of the fascia and scotia due to the gutter leaking.
  • This can result in costly timber repairs.
gutter box type
  • Box gutters can overflow into the unit below, as the gutter is 'boxed in' behind the facade so trapping the water.
  • Are hidden allowing problems to go undetected.
sump in driveway
  • Stormwater sumps can quickly fill up with leaves and rubbish.
  • Residents tend to overlook or grow accustomed to the driveway sumps, and their maintenance is taken for granted.

Hint

Rot: Small areas of timber rot may be treatable with an anti fungal agent. Fascia corners can be treated and capped with a galvanised plate to fit. This is then primed and painted to match.

Best Practice

Arrange for all gutters, downpipes, sumps and storm water drains to be cleaned in April/May each year. Where there are over hanging trees cleaning may be needed more often.

In salty environments we suggest that unserviceable gutters & downpipes be replaced with colorbond or similar.

Tools

The following tools may assist in the maintenance of your group's gutters.

Gutter Clean & Roof Checklistgutter clean checklist
Click on picture for printable version