What is a parapet gutter?

underoneroof.scot - Parapet Gutters - Under One Roof

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Parapets will have a gutter behind them. This type of gutter is also found behind a cornice with a single stone course above it. These gutters are long and will normally have steps formed in the lead to ensure the rain flows down to a sump. The sump feeds rainwater into a downpipe and should have an overflow to prevent leaks into the building and to warn people of blockages. Parapet with gutter behind John Gilbert Easily missed leaks in these gutters can lead to rot Leaks in these gutters often go unnoticed until rot is found in timbers. These timbers tie in a large weight of stone from the parapet. If the timbers rot there is danger of the parapet stone peeling away from the building.

Problems

outlet from sump to downpipe blocked by debris (or snow)

shallow gutters overflow in heavy rainstorms which are becoming more frequent with climate change

lack of expansion joints in lead linings cause cracks and leaks

failing asphalt linings

iron cramps or staples fixing the cornice can rust and crack the stone open joints allow plants to take root and the roots can force the stones apart leading to further water penetration problems if the gutter is not properly tied into the wall, a build up of water or snow in the gutter can cause the parapet to tumble if the lead in the parapet is not laid correctly, it will eventually crack through thermal stress and leak

Blocked sump in parapet gutter Greyfriars Roofing

Solutions

1 close coping 2 close cover flashing 3 close staple 4 close stepped expansion joint 5 close secondary overflow 6 close wire leaf cage 7 close sump 8 close rafters 9 close drainpipe 10 close joists fit a wire leaf cage to prevent blockages further down the outlet pipe - but keep the cages themselves clean fit a secondary overflow to warn of blockages and reduce risks of overflow into the wallhead replace gutter linings with Code 7 or 8 lead laid to a fall, with stepped joints to allow for expansion stepped joints may not be possible with shallow gutters - a rubberised expansion joint can be used and will have a 30 year life so is likely to need replaced before the lead has failed stone wallhead gutters can be reformed using hot applied mastic asphalt laid over stainless steel mesh and a membrane to allow thermal movement resins set in a glass fibre mesh may be a medium term solution.

when releading the gutter, consider protecting copings and cornices with lead caps

raise edges of gutters that are too shallow with lead dressed over a stainless steel angle

Professional help recommended?

This can be a complicated repair which needs good supervision so seek professional advice if your building needs this kind of work.

Who Pays?

Gutters are normally a common repair.

Further information

The Building Conservation Directory 'Lead Gutters: Common Defects'

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Do you need to clean your gutters if you have gutter guards?

Many homeowners choose to have gutter guards installed to keep the gutters clear; while they typically do a good job, both the gutters and the gutter guards will need to be cleaned once or twice a year. Cleaning gutters and gutter guards is not an easy task, especially on a two-story home.

mrhandyman.com - Do I need to clean my gutters if they have guards on them?

If your home has gutters, then you know how they can get dirty and clogged with leaves, mud, and other debris. Many homeowners choose to have gutter guards installed to keep the gutters clear; while they typically do a good job, both the gutters and the gutter guards will need to be cleaned once or twice a year. Cleaning gutters and gutter guards is not an easy task, especially on a two-story home. If you are older, or have trouble with heights or balance, it's best to have a professional clean them for you. Gutter guards dramatically reduce the amount of crud and debris that get into gutters. However, they cannot keep everything out, especially seeds, insects, and smaller pieces of dirt. The method for clearing out the gutters and cleaning the guards will depend on the type of gutter guard system on your home. Brush guards and foam guards can get dirty and messy over time. With brush guards, leaves and debris do not bounce off and fall to the ground; a lot of it gets caught in the brush and collects, eventually causing a clog. These need more frequent cleaning but are generally easy to lift and clean around. Foam guards collect debris around the edges and underneath the foam, but this can also be raised up and cleaned in sections. Mesh guards are the easiest to lift and clean and are simple to put back into position. Gutter covers are more difficult to clean, as they are securely installed and are not as easy to lift and clean underneath. While they are the most durable type of gutter guard, it is best to leave the cleaning to the professionals to reduce the risk of breaking the covers.