Anybody who has ever rented a property will know that the landlord and tenant have specific responsibilities, generally detailed in the tenancy agreement signed when the tenant moves into the property.
However, in addition to any tenancy agreement, many laws govern the relationship between a landlord and a tenant, and the most prominent of these within the United Kingdom is the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1985.
Landlord and Tenant Act
Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1985, the landlord is responsible for maintaining and repairing external structures, including drains, gutters, and pipes.
In addition, while it is often thought that the tenant can be responsible for keeping the gutters on the property clear of such things as leaves, this is not the case, and the tenant’s only responsibility is for any blockage or damage caused by his actions.
Landlords can Face Serious Expenses
So, if you are a landlord, you should carefully consider your responsibility for the guttering on your property because replacing it could be expensive.
That said, there are ways to save money on replacement and maintenance in the future.
Many people choose to fit plastic or PVC guttering because it is generally relatively easy to install, is a reasonably cheap option, and does not rust.
Perils of Plastic Guttering
Elements
Plastic guttering, however, does not stand up to the elements very well.
Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, widely differing summer and winter temperatures, and snow, rain, and wind cause plastic to deteriorate, which can buckle or crack over time.
Appearance
In addition, plastic guttering does not match the property’s appearance, often clashing with it and, quite frankly, simply looking cheap.
Superior Alternatives to Plastic Guttering
A better alternative is to fit aluminium, copper, zinc, cast iron or GRP guttering.
Yeoman Rainguard, established 30 years ago and providing nationwide service, has been a leading player in this field for several years.
Aluminium
Aluminium gutters are ideal for many traditional buildings but can also fit perfectly into plans for new building projects.
Unlike many other forms of guttering, aluminium can be easily styled to fit both older, traditional property designs and modern designs.
Aluminium guttering is highly durable and can be given either a paint finish or left unpainted. In this case, it will gradually oxidize to a dull grey, and its oxidation protects the surface from further weathering.
Cast Iron
If you want to capture that truly classic look, you will need to turn to cast iron gutters, which look beautiful and extremely durable.
However, depending on how exposed your property is, they must be repainted every 3 to 5 years.
Copper
For an aesthetically striking result, you cannot do much better than choosing zinc or copper guttering.
In both cases, these metals can be left to weather naturally to produce a wonderful appearance and an oxidized finish that will protect the system for many years to come.
Finally, GRP is also a perfect replacement for traditional guttering and is one of the most versatile and durable materials available for rainwater systems today.
This is a very good choice if you wish to maintain the property’s traditional image while working with materials designed for the twenty-first century.
Choosing the correct guttering is essential if you want your property to look good, wish to cut down on maintenance costs, and want something that will last for many years. Investing in the right rainwater system today will save you time, trouble and expense later on.
