The joint on a gutter system is one of the most essential steps in ensuring a long-lasting installation. So, how should you properly join aluminium guttering?
Follow this ‘how to’ video and guide to learn how the Aluflow Gutter Union works. As with the whole rainwater system, Aluflow Aluminium Guttering is easy to install and impressive looking once in place.
The Rock N Lock® concealed brackets, clean front aesthetic and hidden gutter joins all contribute to a timeless design. A complete game-changer for the market, Aluflow revolutionises the traditional gutter designs to overcome common flaws.
Joining an aluminium gutter is as simple as plastic or any type of guttering but the main difference is they are concealed once done. Do away with the ugly connections and bulky brackets with Aluflow.
Leaking gutters is the number one gutter repair required by homeowners so ensuring a good joint is important. Plastic gutters rely on a low-quality clip system which can fail with the smallest bit of movement. As many will have proved on this own homes!
Not only is aluminium guttering stronger, but it is the sustainable choice. You can contribute to a greener lifestyle by choosing a rain gutter that has an exceptional lifespan and can be infinitely recycled without losing any quality.
But do all these premium benefits mean a premium cost? No, Aluflow has been designed to be affordable. Our R&D Teams have invested hours of time to hone in on the most cost-effective design. Manufactured to outlast out guttering types Aluflow Guttering will save an installer £1000’s over its lifetime.
What’s more, the initial cost of Aluflow is also budget friendly. It provides a solution for homeowners and trade to avoid the unavoidable weaknesses of plastic guttering (cracking, discolouration, brittleness) at an achievable cost level.
Read on below to learn how to join guttering with a gutter bracket.
- Appropriate PPE/safety equipment
- Securbond® Gutter Sealant
- Pen
- Measuring Tape
- Drill with a Cobalt or HSS Drill Bit
- Aluflow® Screw fixings (supplied with the gutter union)
1. Safety first – please take the required safety precautions and checks before working, especially if at a height.
2. Take an Aluflow® Gutter Union, measure 25mm in for each edge and then mark these two points on the guideline.
3. Fit a 3.5mm Drill bit to your drill. Ensure the drill bit is suitable for metal. Installer Tip: Cobalt is best but an HSS drill bit can also be used.
4. Drill a hole into the two marked points on the screw guideline.
5. Take your tube of Securbond Gutter Sealant (provided) and carefully cut it open.
6. Slice the sealant nozzle to 45 degrees and create an approximately 4-5mm diameter hole.
7. Clean the inside surface of the gutter and make sure it is free of dirt, sward and dry.
8. Using your marker pen, mark the back lip of the gutter at two points: approx. 20mm and 40mm in from the edge of the gutter fitting.
9. Repeat this on both sides of the joint.
10. Run four 4-5mm parallel beads of Securbond silicone at your marked points on the inside surface of the gutter.
11. Important: Ensure there are no gaps in the silicone lines from front to back. Once complete, you should have two parallel beads of silicone on each side of the joint.
12. Next, fill the screw port channel (front of gutter) with silicone, in both directions 50mm from the joint.
13. Thread the two small screws provided partially through the holes drilled in the gutter union earlier.
14. Rock N Lock® the gutter union into the receptor at the back of the gutter and squeeze down.
15. Screw the two screws down securely - the gutter silicon should ooze out of either side of the union during this.
16. Optional - wipe off excess silicone on the gutter underside now. Alternatively, leave it to dry and cut off in 24 hours.
Once done, you can get a true sense of how stunning the Aluflow gutter system looks once installed!
What colours of gutter are available?
Our Aluflow Aluminium Gutter, gutter union and associated supplies are available in three popular colours: black, grey and white. We also of a bespoke colour manufacturing option where you can select any RAL colour to suit your project. If you’re needing lichen green, signal red or any other colour we can help.
When do I need to use an Aluflow® Gutter Union?
An Aluflow Gutter Union is required every time you join a length of gutter with another length or gutter fitting. The main guttering supplies that should be joined with a gutter union are the:
• Running Outlet
• 90 Degree Internal Corner
• 90 Degree External Corner
Components in the Aluflow system that don’t require a gutter joint are the Stop Ends and Downpipe parts. Within the downpipe system, there is a range of downpipe connectors and angles.
What sealant to use when installing aluminium guttering?
Always use the Securbond® Gutter Sealant when you are installing an aluminium gutter system. This silicone-based adhesive is specifically formulated to provide the right characteristics for sealing and securing the guttering. It is available in black, grey, white and clear colour options. If a bespoke colour gutter is being installed then clear is the way to go.
Thanks Mark. You have summed up the benefits of the patented Aluflow® Aluminium Gutter system well: sustainable, affordable and quality!
Reply to this commentI think the reference to joining tool is actually an error as Aluflow gutter unions can simply be installed by Rock N Locking them into the gutter... so all you will need is a drill to secure and the Securbond sealant to seal down.
Watch our full How to fit guttering video here for more info: https://www.clearamber.com/news/144/How-to-Fit-Guttering.html
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