How do I know whether to repair or replace my boiler?

If your boiler is over 10-12 years old and the repair costs more than a third of a new boiler (£2,000-£3,500), replacement is usually the better option. Newer boilers are also significantly more energy efficient, saving £200-£400 per year on gas bills.

Is it worth repairing a washing machine?

Generally yes, if the washing machine is under 6 years old and the repair costs less than 50% of a new one. Common repairs like replacing a door seal (£65-£120) or pump (£80-£150) are usually worth doing. Beyond 8 years, replacement often makes more sense.

How does the Mend or End calculator work?

You answer 5-7 quick questions about your broken item — its age, the fault, previous repairs, warranty status, and urgency. Our algorithm weighs these factors against real UK repair and replacement costs to give you a personalised REPAIR, REPLACE, or BORDERLINE verdict with a confidence score.

Where do the repair and replacement costs come from?

Our costs are researched from trusted UK sources including Checkatrade, Which?, MyBuilder, Energy Saving Trust, and manufacturer pricing. All prices are UK averages for 2025/2026 and include typical labour costs.

Is the tool free to use?

Yes, Mend or End is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser — we don't store any personal data.

Repair or Replace My Guttering? UK Calculator

Should I Repair or Replace My Guttering?

Guttering problems are easy to ignore but important to fix — blocked or leaking gutters cause damp issues, damaged fascias, and even foundation problems over time. The good news is that guttering repairs are generally cheap, and full replacement is affordable compared to most home repairs. Even a complete guttering replacement on a semi-detached house runs £500–£1,200.

Typical UK Guttering Repair Costs

Average UK labour and parts costs — always get multiple quotes from local engineers.

Fault / Repair	Typical UK Cost
Gutter cleaning / clearance	£60 – £150
Joint / bracket repair	£50 – £100
Section replacement (UPVC)	£80 – £200
Downpipe replacement	£80 – £200
Full guttering replacement (semi-detached)	£500 – £1,200
Fascia board replacement	£500 – £1,500

How Long Should a Guttering Last?

UPVC guttering lasts 20–30 years. Cast iron guttering, if maintained and painted, can last 100+ years. The main causes of failure are blockages (leaves, moss, debris), joint failures, and physical damage. Annual cleaning in autumn significantly extends the life of all guttering systems.

When Is It Worth Repairing?

Guttering repairs are almost always worth doing quickly — small leaks and blockages become expensive structural problems if ignored. A £60–£150 annual clean prevents most issues. Individual section replacements (£80–£200) are cheap and straightforward. Full replacement is only needed when the majority of the run is failed or beyond economic repair.

Not sure what to do? Use the free calculator above — answer a few quick questions about your guttering and get a personalised repair vs replace verdict in under a minute.

Types of Guttering and Repair Considerations

The three main guttering materials used on UK homes are UPVC, cast iron, and aluminium — and the type you have significantly affects both repair costs and options. UPVC guttering is by far the most common on modern homes. It's lightweight, cheap to replace (£5–£15 per metre), and widely stocked at builders' merchants. Cast iron guttering is found on period properties and conservation areas. It's far more durable but heavier and more expensive to repair — specialist fitting can cost two to three times more than UPVC. Aluminium guttering sits in between: it's rust-proof, lighter than iron, and increasingly popular on new builds. Knowing your gutter material before requesting quotes helps you get accurate estimates and find a tradesperson with the right experience for the job.

Signs Your Guttering Needs Replacing

Water pouring over the edges during rain — this points to severe blockages or sagging sections that are no longer channelling water to the downpipe.
Visible cracks or splits in the gutter run — UPVC becomes brittle over time, especially on south-facing elevations exposed to UV.
Damp patches on external walls — water running down the brickwork below the gutter line is a clear sign of failure and can lead to penetrating damp inside.
Guttering pulling away from the fascia board — broken brackets or rotting fascia boards mean the system can no longer support itself.
Green staining or algae growth beneath joints — persistent dripping from failed joints causes telltale streaks on walls and brickwork.

Maintenance Costs and Long-Term Value

Guttering is one of the cheapest parts of your home to maintain — yet one of the most expensive to ignore. An annual gutter clean in autumn costs £60–£150 and prevents the vast majority of issues. Fitting gutter guards or leaf screens (£5–£15 per metre) reduces debris build-up, particularly if you have nearby trees. Well-maintained guttering protects fascia boards, exterior walls, and even foundations from water damage that can cost thousands to fix. For homeowners looking to sell, surveyors always check guttering condition — failed gutters are a red flag in UK property surveys and can affect mortgage valuations. Investing £100–£200 a year in routine gutter maintenance can easily prevent repair bills ten times that amount further down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth repairing guttering?

Yes, always — guttering protects your home's structure and foundations. Repairs are cheap and ignoring them leads to expensive damp and structural damage. Even full guttering replacement on a typical home (£500–£1,200) is modest compared to the damage caused by persistent water ingress.

How much does guttering repair cost in the UK?

Gutter cleaning costs £60–£150. Section repairs and replacements run £80–£200. Full UPVC guttering replacement on a semi-detached house typically costs £500–£1,200 including fitting.

How long should guttering last?

UPVC guttering lasts 20–30 years. Cast iron guttering lasts much longer with proper maintenance. Regular cleaning prevents the blockages and joint stress that cause premature failure.

How do I know if my guttering needs replacing?

Signs of guttering that needs attention: visible cracks or splits, sagging sections, water pouring over the edge during rain (blockage or overflow), damp patches on external walls below the gutter line, or guttering that's visibly detached from the fascia.

Repair cost estimates are UK averages sourced from Checkatrade, Which?, and MyBuilder. Prices include labour and VAT. Always get at least two quotes from qualified tradespeople before proceeding with any repair.

Repair or Replace My Guttering? UK Calculator?