Repairing & Painting Gutters + Fascia + Downpipes for A Two-Storey High Building

DoctorCalculon on 02/11/2023 - 23:44
Last edited 02/11/2023 - 23:48

Hello OzB Brains Trust!

I need some advice on the following items as I am about to hire a handyman / exterior painting company for fixing and painting gutters, fascia (powedercoated steel/metal) and downpipes.

We have completed a roof restoration - high pressure cleaning, re-bedding + re-pointing of all ridge caps, and then finally painting the whole roof in Monument colour.
The roof restoration company that I have hired, and also other roof restoration companies I have spoken with as part of getting quotes all say they don't touch the gutters and fascia other than just cleaning it up at the end.

So, I have found a exterior painting company who can fix up and paint the gutters and fascia. But they want to spend a week or so building scaffoldings around the whole house. I get that they need to do this due to OHS / WorkSafe regulations. However, this cost alone makes it not worth proceeding with the project until the building gutters are in urgent need of replacement.

Q1. I am thinking a much cheaper alternative is to hire a boom lift for a week which should be able to get around the house while parked on the driveway. I can also ask the neighbours for access if needed.

EXAMPLE: https://auslift.com.au/collections/4wd-diesel-knuckle-boom-l…

If you have a better solution, then please let me know in the comments.

Q2. The paint has been left as T.B.D. within the quote until they complete their site inspection. They have also given me the option to choose my own paint brand if I wanted to in the meantime.

I have found the following paint as a suitable option.
https://shopwallmaster.com.au/products/colorbond%C2%AE-monum…

I am sure there are better choices but my google-fu is coming up blank.

Q3. Should the painting company be sanding down the existing paint / powdercoating on the exterior of the gutters and the metal fascia first?
I don't see it listed as a line/work item.
If they simply choose the option of just cleaning, drying and then applying the coats, should I insist on the existing paint being sanded out first for better adhesion?

P.S.: The current gutters are still in good condition with one or two leaks which is easier to patch up than replacing the whole bloody thing.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • SBOB on 03/11/2023 - 07:02
    +4

    I am thinking a much cheaper alternative is to hire a boom lift for a week

    If it was actually cheaper to perform the task this way, you'd think the painting companies would be doing it?
    As they aren't, perhaps the people who do this for a job have a better understanding of any applicable practicalities in performing their work that makes this either unsuitable or not quicker/cheaper.

    • Nugs on 03/11/2023 - 07:40
      -1

      Spend half the time moving the boom
      .

      • DoctorCalculon on 03/11/2023 - 08:28

        Spend half the time moving the boom

        That's the whole point. The lift extends in and out easily using the control interface.

        • Euphemistic on 03/11/2023 - 10:40

          You might be surprised how far it doesn’t reach. I hired one to repair a window, it didn’t go as far as I thought and actually wasn’t that easy to manoeuvre around. Admittedly I have a difficult roof area to access though.

  • Malik Nasser on 03/11/2023 - 08:16
    +1

    What about mobile scaffolding?
    Is there enough room around the perimeter of the house for access?
    https://sydneytools.com.au/category/scaffolding

    • DoctorCalculon on 03/11/2023 - 08:36

      Access issues
      - The back is a garden area. No solid ground.
      - It just won't fit through the very narrow rear garage door for access to the back of the property.

      • geekcohen on 03/11/2023 - 08:57
        +2

        It just won't fit through the very narrow rear garage door for access to the back of the property.

        It does come dismantled. Then you build it where you need it. How do you think they get it into buildings?

        • DoctorCalculon on 03/11/2023 - 09:54

          It does come dismantled. Then you build it where you need it.

          For the mobile unit that was linked above, wouldn't the wheels sink into the garden soil under the weight of the worker and their equipment?

          • geekcohen on 03/11/2023 - 12:17
            +1

            @DoctorCalculon: Possibly unless they put wooden planks down.

            • DoctorCalculon on 05/11/2023 - 09:19

              @geekcohen: Thank you very much, @Malik Nasser and @geekcohen.

              After looking into this further, mobile scaffolding is the best solution.

              https://www.carnegierental.com.au/category/scaffolding/scaff…

              The hire cost for this is a fraction of the cost of hire for a suitable boom lift.

              There are still areas where they would have to use a ladder (like where the single-storey garage with tin roof is right next to the double-storey building).
              This is probably the only area a boom lift would be the ideal EWP (with enough horizontal outreach).

              Possibly unless they put wooden planks down.

              I have found out that the mobile scaffolding (linked above) can be held in place with base plates (optional accessories) under non-solid ground.

  • Tricon on 03/11/2023 - 08:56
    +1

    No solid ground.

    If that is the case an Elevated Work Platform (EWP) is unfortunately also ruled out.

    If you think that the EWP is ok in that area, then scaffold with footings to spread the load would also work.

    Narrow rear garage door

    Scaffolding can likely be disassembled to allow access. (As painting company suggests)

    A suitable ladder with someone assisting, while not fun is doable.

    One or two leaks

    Replace the gutter. It's painful but will make you happier. I'm predicting the future.

    Sanding down

    Prep would be required. The prep would depend. If you ask them they will include it at a line item and adjust the quote accordingly.

    Good luck.

    • DoctorCalculon on 03/11/2023 - 14:28

      If you think that the EWP is ok in that area, then scaffold with footings to spread the load would also work.

      Not entirely correct.
      A scissor lift EWP is definitely ruled out as you can only operate them on a solid and level surface.
      On the other hand, a suitable knuckle (not telescopic) boom lift can work with sufficient horizontal outreach.

      Scaffolding can likely be disassembled to allow access. (As painting company suggests)

      Yes, of course. However, they want to scaffold all around the property for a week (assembly and disassembly).

      Replace the gutter. It's painful but will make you happier. I'm predicting the future.

      I have asked for a cost proposal with the above option. I can only imagine it will be much higher.

      Prep would be required.

      They have now clarified that all prep is included but just not listed as a separate line item.

  • Bren20 on 03/11/2023 - 09:20
    +2

    I wouldn't be buying my own paint, if anything goes wrong the painters can blame the paint.

    Are the existing gutters painted or colorbond? I wouldn't sand them if they're currently unpainted

    I'd DIY this, buy an extension ladder. Going through the pro's will cost you too much in scaffolding.

    Using a boom lift will be a pain and comes with risks to the painter - risk of misquoting time to use lift, risk of damaging lift, risk of damaging something else while working with the lift in tight places, risk of getting paint on lift. I think you underestimate how annoying the lift will be to operate.

    I don't think you'll find a professional who will do it without scaffolding, if you don't want to DIY and you want the job done then maybe get a quote for replacing the gutters rather than painting, there might not be a whole lot of difference in price and the finish would be a lot longer lasting.

    • DoctorCalculon on 03/11/2023 - 10:10

      I wouldn't be buying my own paint, if anything goes wrong the painters can blame the paint.

      Of course not. Same with most supply and install jobs for warranty reasons.
      What I meant was they would consider supplying the exact brand of paint, if I had any strong preference.

      Are the existing gutters painted or colorbond

      Factory painted. Hasn't been touched since the house was built circa 1997.

  • singlemalt72 on 03/11/2023 - 11:03
    +2

    You have to look at the horizontal reach capable of any EWP - the one you linked can only reach 6.78m

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