The article quotes a spokesperson for the Office of Fair Trading as saying high-fronted guttering was "not a big issue". However amongst the properties that Ray White Beecroft manages I have personally seen several where incorrectly installed high-fronted guttering is causing significant structural damage to the house. In one case we had to advise the owner to have a complete set of guttering replaced. I can't believe this a bizarre Beecroft-only problem, and I am sure the owners to whom I have reported these problems would consider it a very big issue!
This photo shows a typical problem installation at one of our rental properties. The high front of the guttering looks really nice.
But this type of gutter is meant to be installed with a space at the rear for overflowing water to run down the front of the house.
As you can see from underneath, there is no gap, so overflow water floods into the structure of the house.
And here you see the early symptoms of the result.
The NSW government has finally set up an 'independent review into allegations of widespread structural damage being caused to homes'.
Greens MP John Kaye says Fair Trading Minster Virginia Judge stacked the advisory committee with people with strong industry and Labour connections. One of the review members is from the NSW Housing Industry Association, which represents manufacturers of high-fronted gutters. Hopefully he will point out the correct way to install these elegant gutters and ensure the review recommends serious action against builders who don't do it correctly.
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