Every building should have guttering installed, but it is even more important for flat roofs, as it prevents water pooling on the top, which could cause lots of structural problems in the long-run. 

If your plastic guttering is looking tired and outdated, here are some reasons why you might want to install new ones. 

Stops water accumulation 

As flat roofs do not have a steep slope, they need a bit of assistance to stop water from accumulating on them. 

If water is left to create pools on a flat roof, this can seep into the roof and weaken the foundations. In extremely cold conditions, the water can become ice, which expands in small cracks and causes bigger crevices. 

This damage can result in leaks, as when the ice thaws the cracks left behind will allow rainwater to seep into the building. 

Mould and algae

Water pooling can also encourage moss and algae to grow. This is bad news for a roof, as they retain water, so the surface of the roof may feel constantly wet. This can result in rotting of the tiles and roof structure. They also attract birds and insects, which can cause further damage to the roof. 

Water pooling can even cause concrete damage if it seeps through, which can be very costly to fix, and leave the room underneath feeling cold, damp and mouldy. 

Mould inside the house can have negative health effects, causing respiratory problems, aggravate allergies, and encourage the spread of bacteria and viruses. 

Protects walls

Gutters are also important to protect the walls of the house, as it directs the water to run down the pipe instead. This prevents discolouration, but also prevents the brickwork becoming too wet, which could cause structural damage.