Drain Depot: How to Remove, Replace and Clean Conservatory Guttering

Conservatories are a great way to add space to your property without having to invest in expensive materials or building work which could take weeks or even months to complete. Over the past 30 years conservatories have become increasingly popular here in the UK; however as with any type of pitched roof structure it’s important that you make sure proper rainwater drainage is in place.

In this blog we look at the basics when it comes to removing, replacing and cleaning your conservatory’s guttering. Usually, whoever is in charge of installing your conservatory will take charge of the guttering and in some cases it may come pre-installed which means knowing how to maintain it is often an afterthought!

So, to make things easier we have broken down each section and provided our top tips:

How to Remove Conservatory Guttering

At Drain Depot we are big believers in doing things yourself, however we also believe that you need to have a plan so you avoid mistakes along the way! In our previous blogs we looked at the basics of installing gutters and downpipes to your property, and luckily this process is very similar for conservatories however fascias and soffits are generally not installed.

If you have chosen to remove and replace your conservatory’s gutters the first thing you should focus on is the downpipe. By removing the downpipe first it will be much easier to dismantle the gutters later on as there will be less weight pulling them down. To remove the downpipe, use a screwdriver to remove the screws fixing the downpipe clips to the wall; start from the bottom and work your way up.

Once the downpipe has been removed you can move on to your conservatory’s gutters. It may be an idea to get a friend to help you at this point, especially if your gutters are particularly long! Firstly, remove the brackets or clips one by one until the gutters become loose and can easily be removed. Take care though – you don’t’ want to scratch your conservatory’s windows or roof during the process!

Replacing Conservatory Guttering

Whether it’s because your current guttering is starting to deteriorate or you want to give your conservatory a new look, before you replace your conservatory’s guttering you need to know which types of brackets and gutters are suitable. Here at Drain Depot we supply a range of PVC gutters, however for conservatories the two most popular are 114mm x 4m White Square Line Gutters and 112mm x 4m White Half Round Gutters.

It’s important that you make sure you buy quality when it comes to your conservatory’s gutters, which is why we only provide those that are 100% recyclable and come with a 10 year manufacturer’s colour guarantee.

Replacing your conservatory’s guttering consists of the opposite of removing it; firstly you need to fix the gutters to the conservatory and hold them in place with the brackets. At this point you will also add any gutter angles or stop ends required as well as the running outlet. Finally, add the new downpipe and connect it to the edge of the wall using downpipe clips.

How to Clean Guttering above your Conservatory

As most conservatories are made out of glass and plastic they can start to look grubby relatively quickly if you don’t clean them on a regular basis. However, some owners tend to forget that it’s just as important to clean a conservatory’s gutters as often as its roof and windows.

Unfortunately, cleaning guttering above your conservatory can sometimes be a difficult job, luckily there are a number of useful tools out there to make your life easier, including Hedgehog Gutter Brushes which consist of stainless steel cores wrapped tightly around nylon bristles. These brushes prevent downpipe blockages due to the fact that they can easily “grab” all the leaves falling onto your conservatory’s guttering.

When it comes to cleaning a squareline gutter, you may need to get creative with your tools. Most people choose to attach a hinged scraper to some flexible drain rods which they can then manoeuvre around the guttering. However, if your squareline gutters are particularly clogged up with leaves or moss you may also want to invest in a pressure cleaner nozzle holder with a swivel lance which will let you control the direction of the water.

Remember, safety should always be your main priority when it comes to cleaning any sort of guttering, so if you are unsure as to what you’re doing or are concerned that you could hurt yourself always call a professional. Some have offers where your conservatory, its gutters and your house’s fascias & soffits are all cleaned at the same time which could be well worth the money!

Even though conservatories are often seen as additions to a home the truth is that they require just as much care and attention as any other room or structure. Regular maintenance of your conservatory’s gutters will ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come and helps keep your conservatory and house walls free of any costly water damage. However if you do need to remove and replace your conservatory’s gutters now you know how!