Tag: commercial guttering

Commercial gutters take a beating. Years of exposure to rain, debris, and temperature changes cause even well-built systems to deteriorate. For many commercial and industrial buildings, Plygene gutter lining is the best option over full replacement. It costs less, takes less time, and delivers long-term protection without the disruption.

ACS Coatings are approved HD Sharman Plygene installation contractors, working with facilities managers, property managers, commercial landlords, and industrial building owners across the UK.

In this article, we’ll explore what it is, signs your gutters need attention, the importance of using an approved contractor, and more.

What Is the HD Sharman Plygene System?

HD Sharman is a UK manufacturer specialising in gutter lining and refurbishment systems. Plygene is a reinforced membrane system that lines the interior of existing gutters with a durable, seamless, waterproof layer that seals cracks, joints, and corrosion points.

The result is a watertight gutter system that performs like new without the cost or disruption of full replacement.

The system is suitable for a wide range of gutter profiles, too, including:

• Box gutters
• Valley gutters
• Parapet gutters
• Half-round gutters
• Boundary wall gutters.

This versatility makes it one of the most effective gutter refurbishment systems for commercial and industrial buildings in the UK.

Signs Your Commercial Gutters Need Attention

Gutter deterioration doesn’t happen overnight, so problems often go unnoticed until they cause visible internal damage. Common warning signs include:

• Rust or corrosion along gutter surfaces or joints
• Water stains on internal walls or ceilings below gutter lines
• Standing water that doesn’t drain after rainfall
• Cracked or crumbling sealant at joints and corners
• Gutters pulling away from the roofline, and leaks during or after heavy rainfall.

A professional gutter survey will confirm whether Plygene lining is the right solution. In many cases, it is, and early action means lower costs and less disruption.

Plygene Lining vs Full Gutter Replacement

Full gutter replacement requires scaffolding or access platforms, extended project timelines, and significantly higher material and labour costs. Plygene lining rejuvenates the existing gutter from the inside, and it’s faster, less disruptive, and considerably more cost-effective.

For most those dealing with deteriorating but structurally sound gutters, Plygene lining delivers the same outcome as replacement at a fraction of the cost.

However, please note that full replacement remains the right choice if structural damage is severe or if the gutter profile itself needs changing.

How Plygene Lining Prevents Leaks and Extends Gutter Lifespan

The primary cause of commercial gutter failure is joint and seam breakdown. Sealant between sections dries out, cracks, and fails, and water finds its way through the gaps. It then runs down walls, soaks insulation, and causes internal damage.

Plygene lining creates a single, continuous waterproof layer across the entire gutter interior, eliminating potential failure points. The membrane also protects the underlying substrate from further corrosion. Once sealed, the metal beneath stops deteriorating.

This is particularly important for steel and cast iron gutters, where corrosion spreads rapidly once the protective surface breaks down.

When installed correctly by an approved contractor, Plygene lining can extend the functional life of a commercial gutter system by 25 years or more. This approach works well alongside broader commercial waterproofing.

Cost Savings of Gutter Lining

Plygene lining consistently delivers savings of 50 to 70% compared to full replacement. On large industrial buildings with extensive gutter runs, the difference is massive.

Longer-term savings also include no repeated patch repairs or emergency callouts, reduced risk of internal water damage to stock and equipment, and avoided costs from business disruption.

At ACS Coatings, our reactive maintenance solutions are available for properties requiring urgent gutter attention before a planned program can begin.

The Importance of Using an Approved HD Sharman Plygene Installation Contractor

Plygene is a specialist system. Using an unapproved or inexperienced contractor risks installation failure and voids manufacturer warranties.

HD Sharman approves contractors based on demonstrated competence with the system. Approved contractors like ACS Coatings, therefore, have the training, experience, and access to HD Sharman materials required for a compliant, warranted installation.

ACS Coatings contractors also hold CHAS accreditation, Constructionline registration, CSCS certification, and IPAF qualification, giving clients confidence in both our health and safety standards and our technical capability.

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How the Plygene Installation Process Works

Survey and assessment

We conduct a full survey of the existing gutter system, confirming the extent of deterioration and specifying the appropriate Plygene system.

Access and preparation

Safe access is set up next, in line with working-at-height regulations. Gutters are thoroughly cleaned, and any failed sealant is removed. The gutter surface is then prepared to ensure proper adhesion of the membrane.

Primer application

Next, a specialist primer is applied to improve adhesion and make sure the membrane bonds correctly to the substrate.

Membrane installation

The Plygene membrane is installed across the full gutter interior, taken up behind fascias and into outlets where required. Laps and joints are sealed to the manufacturer’s specification.

Detailing and inspection

Outlets, corners, and junctions receive additional detailing. The finished installation is inspected against HD Sharman’s quality standards before handover, with full documentation provided for your maintenance records.

Most commercial gutter lining projects can be completed while the building remains in use.

Long-Term Maintenance Benefits

Unlined commercial gutters with failing joints require regular inspection and repeated sealant repairs. The leaks keep returning because the root cause has never been properly addressed. Plygene lining eliminates this cycle, and maintenance is reduced to periodic inspection and outlet clearance, which is straightforward and inexpensive.

For properties where on-site repair and replacement work is also required, however, gutter lining can be coordinated with other planned maintenance to minimise access costs. And if roof maintenance is also needed, our roof coatings and cut-edge corrosion service can be delivered as part of the same program.