Semi with separate gutters, neighbour asking to join gutters

David Hearn · 2014-03-01T11:48:40+00:00

Our 1930's semi currently has separate plastic guttering systems, with each half having their own single downpipe, although our downpipe is cast iron. We've lived there over 10 years, with our elderly neighbour living there far, far longer. Neither gutter have been replaced in that period, but as neither is cast iron, both have been replaced at some point. Our neighbour approached us to say that she's replacing her guttering. Apparently she also mentioned something about having a damp problem, but I'm not certain where it is, or whether the guttering replacement is meant to resolve this. Apparently there was some discussion about whether we wanted our side replaced as well - we can't afford this. Today we've been asked to confirm whether we want the guttering systems connected. At present they're separate, and doing a quick check around neighbouring properties, there's a mix of both joined and unjoined. I suspected originally they were joined, but over the years some have been separated as one half replace theirs. When I said I was happy to leave it as is, she was fairly polite, but pressed the point that (she was advised?) as there would be a gap (however small), that water could run down and cause damp. She repeatedly said that she's fine with our decision, but to make it clear she's warned us of the potential problems. I think she was trying to make it clear that if things go wrong, its our fault. My reason for not wanting them joined was mainly that it's not been a problem for the last 10 years (and likely longer), and that I'd like to avoid shared systems were possible to prevent potential disputes should one side leak/overflow etc. What do people recommend? Should we connect our guttering (assuming it's possible) or keep separate? Is there a real chance of damp due to the gap, or is it best to keep as-is? Thanks David

Mar 01, 2014 22 Replies

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harryagain 12 years ago

The normal way here is one has the front pipe and one has the rear.

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Dave Liquorice 12 years ago

(assuming

This is the way to go, water coming down the roof does not hit the top of the end stops or down the small (1/2 inch) gap between them.

As others have said don't share "services" with neighbours unless you really, really, have no option. Even then such shared things ought to be in the deeds and the procedure etc for dealing with and paying for problems laid down.

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John Rumm 12 years ago

I would opt for a shared system since it gives extra downpipes in case one gets blocked.

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