If you have received a quote or had a company/installer return to address a leaking box gutter conservatory issue, please do not let them convince you of the following solutions.
1. A box gutter cannot be effectively repaired by lining lead through it. This method creates open joints that will continue to leak. Unless the joints are welded by a specialist lead welder, which is significantly more expensive than a complete replacement, this approach is not cost-effective.
2. A box gutter cannot be repaired using fiberglass, as it will not bond properly to aluminum or PVC materials. Since there are no factory-made outlets for fiberglass applications, you will always end up with a terminating edge on the aluminum or PVC that leaves your conservatory exposed to potential leaks.
3. Additionally, using felt to repair a box gutter is ineffective because felt does not bond with aluminum or PVC. Even if it appears to adhere initially, the changing seasons and sitting water will compromise the felt. Factories do not provide outlets suitable for fiberglass, leading to an exposed area that allows leaks.
4. Repairing a box gutter with fiber paint is not a viable solution. Regardless of the paint's cost, it can only cure when dry, making summer application necessary. This product has inconsistent bonding with PVC and aluminum, rendering it a waste of time for any conservatory maintenance.
5. Only using silicone to fix a leaking conservatory box gutter is no longer advisable. Manufacturers used to recommend this for sealing PVC to aluminum, but with constant water exposure and seasonal expansion and contraction, silicone cannot fully resolve leaks. With about 20% expansion capacity, if used in thicknesses of only 3-5 mm, the movement allowed is less than 1 mm tolerance.
6. Using bitumen tape or butyl tape for repairing a box gutter is merely a temporary fix, if it works at all. These products are intended for wall flashing and are designed for weather runoff, not for constant water exposure as seen with leaking conservatory box gutters.
7. Finally, welding is not a suitable repair method for box gutters since the materials involved are typically 80% aluminum and PVC plastics, which can melt. The only exception might be an aluminum box gutter's bend or joining sleeve. However, the cost of employing a welder alongside a conservatory maintenance team would be excessive.
