Finlock gutters were poured-in-place concrete channels built into many homes from the 1950s to the 1970s. While sturdy, they absorb water, bridge cold, and can cause damp or structural cracks. Replacing them with modern uPVC or aluminum systems is often the most economical long-term fix. But how much does that replacement really cost? At CountBricks, we field this question every week, so we created this definitive guide.
The cost of replacing finlock guttering is never one-size-fits-all. Our AI estimation engine listens to your site notes in real time, matches them with regional labour rates, and outputs a live figure. Still, every project is shaped by five core factors:
• Property length and access height
• Extent of concrete removal and wall repairs
• Choice of replacement system (uPVC, powder-coated aluminum, or seamless)
• Scaffolding complexity and safety requirements
• Finishing details such as insulation inserts or soffit upgrades
For a typical 8-metre front and 8-metre rear semi-detached home, CountBricks projects see:
• Lower range: £3,800 – full removal, uPVC replacement, basic scaffold
• Mid range: £4,800 – thicker insulation backing, color-matched aluminum
• Premium range: £6,500+ – seamless aluminum, full fascia/soffit package, wall make-good
Because our software pulls live material prices and trades rates, these figures self-update every morning. No manual spreadsheet required.
1. Voice Survey: Walk the perimeter while our app transcribes dimensions and notes.
2. AI Takeoff: The model detects openings, corners, and scaffold tie points.
3. Instant Estimate: Labour, materials, plant, waste, and markup generated in 60 seconds.
4. Interactive Quote: Swap gutter profiles or insulation thickness to see live price shifts.
5. Signed & Scheduled: Approve online and lock in your project timeline.
• Internal plaster repair where damp has bridged the cavity
• Re-pointing brick courses exposed by concrete removal
• Skip hire for reinforced debris (heavier than metal gutters)
• Scaffold adaptation for conservatories or lean-to roofs
CountBricks AI flags each potential extra so your quote is transparent from day one.
Bundle adjacent works. Replacing soffits or installing loft insulation at the same time reduces duplicate scaffold fees by up to 30 %.
Choose pre-finished aluminum. While material cost is higher, maintenance savings over 25 years can exceed £1,200 compared to repainting timber fascia.
Book off-peak. In many regions, February and August see lower demand for scaffold teams. CountBricks scheduling algorithms suggest the cheapest slot automatically.
A 1959 bungalow in Leeds suffered annual plaster bubbling above the picture rail. CountBricks generated a voice-driven estimate in under two minutes:
• 16 m concrete gutter demolition: £1,850
• Wall insulation insert: £320
• Black deep-flow uPVC install with eaves guard: £950
• Scaffold and waste: £710
Total project cost: £3,830. The client accepted online, and the job was delivered three weeks later with zero change orders.
How long does replacement take? Most homes are complete in 2–3 working days. CountBricks automatically schedules labour and scaffold drop-off to minimise gaps.
Will my roof tiles need lifting? Occasionally the first course is removed for a weather-tight seal. Our quote engine flags tile allowance where required.
Can the concrete be lined instead? Lining can delay replacement, but thermal bridging and hidden cracking remain. CountBricks advisors compare both options during consultation.
• AI accuracy: Live materials pricing and local labour indices
• Speed: Full takeoff and quote before the site visit ends
• Transparency: Click to reveal every rate, markup, and contingency
• Documentation: Branded PDF proposals, Gantt charts, and invoices auto-generated
• Support: Dedicated residential specialists on chat, phone, and on-site
Visit CountBricks.com/services or speak your requirements into our mobile estimator and receive a binding, line-item quote today.
Replacing finlock guttering is more than a line item—it’s an opportunity to future-proof the envelope of your home. CountBricks engineers often pair the work with targeted energy upgrades because scaffold access is already in place.
• Cavity tray installation above window heads to redirect moisture
• Rafter-level ventilation to combat loft condensation
• External wall insulation starter tracks fixed during gutter removal
Each add-on adds an average of 5-7 % to project cost but can double the lifecycle savings by stopping heat loss and moisture ingress at their source.
• Photograph every metre before demolition. Our AI annotation links images to quantities, protecting against unforeseen extras.
• Specify pre-primed fixings. Concrete dust is highly alkaline and can pit untreated screws within months.
• Request debris weighbridge tickets. Finlock chunks are dense; verifying tonnage ensures you’re not overcharged on disposal.
• Check neighbour lines. Semi-detached homes sometimes share concrete runs; a joint project can split scaffold costs 50/50.
Two terraced houses in Derbyshire coordinated schedules through CountBricks. Shared scaffold and a single waste skip saved £640 per household. Our software highlighted the opportunity during the initial voice survey, an upsell that became a win-win for both owners.
1. Open the CountBricks estimator on your phone.
2. Start a new “Finlock Replacement” project and walk around your house while speaking dimensions.
3. Receive your interactive quote instantly, adjust options, and lock the date that fits your diary.
With CountBricks, the cost of replacing finlock guttering is no longer a mystery—it’s a managed, measurable investment in your home’s durability.
