A 1930s semi-detached house in Barrow-in-Furness had severely deteriorated timber fascias and asbestos-cement guttering that needed complete replacement. Our guttering specialists safely removed the asbestos guttering, installed new uPVC fascia boards and soffits, and fitted a full Deepflow gutter system — transforming the property's appearance while solving persistent damp problems.
This typical 1930s semi in Barrow-in-Furness still had its original asbestos-cement half-round guttering — a material widely used in the pre-war period that is now recognised as hazardous when disturbed. The guttering had cracked in multiple locations, and one 3-metre section had broken away completely from its brackets and was hanging against the wall. The timber fascia boards behind the guttering had been painted repeatedly over the decades but had never been replaced, and severe wet rot had developed across approximately 70% of the total run. The rot was so advanced in several sections that the gutter brackets had pulled completely out of the softened timber. The softwood soffits (the underside boards of the roof overhang) were also rotting, with several sections having dropped away entirely, allowing birds to nest inside the eaves space. Rainwater from the failed gutters had been running down the pebble-dashed walls for so long that ground-floor dampness was affecting both bedrooms on the side elevation.
As the existing guttering contained asbestos fibres, we followed HSE guidelines for its safe removal — all sections were dampened with PVA solution to suppress fibre release, removed intact where possible, double-bagged in labelled asbestos waste sacks, and disposed of at a licensed facility. With the guttering removed, we stripped all the old fascia boards and soffits, exposing the rafter feet for inspection. Four rafter feet had rot damage and were reinforced with bolted pressure-treated timber splices. We then installed 18mm uPVC fascia boards in white, secured with stainless steel pins into the rafter feet, followed by new vented uPVC soffit boards to provide adequate roof space ventilation. The new guttering system is a Deepflow profile — designed to handle higher water volumes than standard half-round — in black uPVC, providing a smart contrast against the white fascia. New 68mm round downpipes were connected to the existing underground drainage system. The Deepflow profile was specifically chosen because the property's large roof area generates high water volumes during heavy rain, and the previous half-round system had been undersized for the catchment area.
The new uPVC fascia, soffit, and gutter system has completely transformed the front and side elevations of this Barrow semi. The clean white fascia and black guttering give the property a sharp, modern appearance that belies its 1930s origins. More importantly, the Deepflow guttering handles even the heaviest downpours without any overflow, and the wall dampness has begun to dry out since the rainwater is now being properly managed. The vented soffits provide continuous eaves ventilation that was previously absent, helping to prevent condensation in the loft space. The homeowner was particularly pleased to have the asbestos safely removed. We provided a 10-year workmanship guarantee and the uPVC products carry a 25-year manufacturer's warranty.
The Deepflow gutter profile was selected for this Barrow property because it provides approximately 40% greater water capacity than standard half-round guttering of the same width. With a roof catchment area of over 80 square metres on this 1930s semi, the Deepflow profile ensures that even the most intense rainfall events are managed without overflowing. The black uPVC is UV-stabilised to resist fading and discolouration over its 25-year warranted lifespan. The system uses push-fit union joints with factory-bonded rubber seals that maintain watertight connections through all temperature ranges.
The 18mm fascia boards and 9mm soffit boards are manufactured from cellular foamed uPVC — a material that combines rigidity with excellent weather resistance. Unlike timber, uPVC fascia never rots, warps, or requires painting, eliminating the maintenance cycle that allowed the original timber fascias on this property to deteriorate so badly. The vented soffit boards incorporate a continuous ventilation strip that provides 10,000mm²/m of free area, meeting Building Regulation requirements for roof space ventilation.
The rafter foot reinforcement splices were specified in C16 strength-graded softwood with Tanalith E UC2 preservative treatment. Each splice was secured with two M10 galvanised coach bolts and bonded with structural adhesive, providing a repair that exceeds the original rafter's load capacity. These hidden structural repairs ensure the new guttering has a solid foundation for decades to come.
All fascia pins and bracket fixings were specified in A2 stainless steel to prevent rust staining on the white uPVC surfaces — a common problem with standard steel fixings in Barrow's damp coastal climate.
From asbestos removal to premium aluminium installations, our guttering team handles every type of gutter project in Barrow-in-Furness. We also serve Dalton, Askam, and Ulverston. All work comes with a written guarantee and free quotation. Contact us today to arrange your gutter inspection.
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