At Unitech SA, we know that industrial gutters are often out of sight, out of mind—until they start leaking or failing. If you’re managing an aging warehouse or factory building, you may be asking yourself: “Can we fix these gutters, or is it time to replace them entirely?”
Box gutters are essential for keeping your building watertight, especially in large-scale commercial and industrial facilities. But over time, they wear out—and when they do, they can silently cause serious damage to your structure, insulation, equipment, and stock.
The good news is that Unitech SA specialises in both gutter renovations and complete replacements—and we’ve put together a helpful checklist to guide your decision.
Why Box Gutters Fail—and Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Box gutters are built into the roofline and designed to move large volumes of water efficiently. But if they’re old, poorly installed, or haven’t been maintained, they become a liability.
At Unitech SA, we often find problems like:
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Sagging and deformation
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Rust or corrosion (especially in steel gutters)
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Persistent leaks
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Blocked downpipes or poor drainage
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Internal damp and water stains
These aren’t just cosmetic issues—they’re signs that water is not being properly managed, which could compromise your structure over time. That’s why it’s critical to take action early.
The Unitech SA Gutter Assessment Checklist:
Renovate or Replace?
Use this checklist to get a clearer idea of what your building needs. If you’re still unsure, Unitech SA offers on-site assessments to give you expert feedback.
| Question | If YES… |
|---|---|
| Is the rust only surface-level and hasn’t eaten through the gutter? | ✅ Renovation might be sufficient |
| Are the leaks localised at seams or joints, not the full gutter length? | ✅ Repairs or resealing may do the trick |
| Have your gutters been maintained regularly over the years? | ✅ A professional renovation can extend their lifespan |
| Do you see water damage inside the warehouse (on ceilings or walls)? | ❌ Internal damage suggests deeper problems—replacement may be necessary |
| Is the gutter slope wrong, leading to pooling water? | ❌ Poor fall often requires redesign and replacement |
| Are multiple sections sagging or showing visible wear? | ❌ Structural failure means full replacement is safer |
| Has your maintenance team already done multiple patch jobs? | ❌ Ongoing costs may outweigh the cost of a new system |
What Renovating Involves (When It’s Still Worth It)
If the gutter system still has good structural integrity, Unitech SA can carry out a professional renovation, which may include:
- Cleaning and clearing debris
- Re-sealing joints
- Waterproofing membrane application
- Rust treatment and protective coatings
- Replacement of isolated sections
- Gutter guard installation to prevent future blockage
This approach is cost-effective and ideal for extending the life of a still-sound system.
When Full Replacement Is the Smarter Move
Sometimes, the damage is too widespread or the design is fundamentally flawed. In these cases, Unitech SA will recommend a full gutter replacement, which allows us to:
- Redesign the gutter for better flow and water control
- Install modern materials (like aluminium or Colorbond steel)
- Ensure proper gradient/fall to eliminate pooling
- Integrate the new gutter system with updated waterproofing and downpipes
Our replacement work is fully compliant with SANS building standards and designed for long-term reliability.
Let Unitech SA Inspect Before You Invest
Don’t make a costly mistake based on guesswork. Let the professionals at Unitech SA inspect your warehouse or factory roof. We’ll give you a clear, honest assessment and walk you through your options—whether it’s a focused renovation or a full system overhaul.
We’ve helped businesses across South Africa protect their buildings, prevent water damage, and avoid shutdowns due to drainage issues. We’re here to do the same for you.
If you’re seeing signs of gutter failure—or just want peace of mind—contact Unitech SA today. We’ll help you make the right decision and get the job done right, the first time.
Our Professional Services Include:
Office: 010 023 0507
Business Whatsapp: 079 526 1950
Email: admin@unitechsa.co.za
Norman Koster – 066 239 0382
Desiree Koster – 082 608 2291
