Market Research - Gutter Cleaning and Reporting Programme

Descriptions

The roofline, gutters and rainwater goods are aspects of the external fabric of a building which can be considered high maintenance and are most susceptible to disrepair. They can often be the root cause of more serious disrepair such as water ingress causing further deterioration to the fabric of the building or the source of penetrating dampness. Disrepair within those elements can also increase the risk of localised water ponding or minor flooding to access paths and steps which can become a more significant risk during freezing weather over the winter period. East Ayrshire Council currently delivers an external envelope enhancement scheme, which includes the renewal of cavity wall insulation, render, roofline, rain water goods and full re-roofing if required. This approach is proving popular with the tenants and residents of our authority as well as being beneficial to our long term Housing Improvement plan. However we are now looking to supplement this practice to homes that are currently out with the Housing Improvement plan with the introduction of a planned and programmed method of gutter cleaning, carrying out minor repairs, testing and reporting on the overall conditions of the roofline and gutters. As part of the market research we are looking for innovative solutions to deliver the guttering programme which should include reference to any defective, missing or broken components associated with the rainwater goods, facia and soffit. It is envisaged that each property may require an individual report. It is anticipated that by introducing this programme that it should prolong the life cycle of these elements and provide East Ayrshire Council the information required to help develop future programmes. It is the aspiration of East Ayrshire Council to reduce the risk to contractors by eliminating working at heights with works being carried out primarily from ground level using industry leading technology. Photographic and video technology may be used in conjunction with any associated report to be provided. The proposed works would be throughout the full authority of East Ayrshire. It is anticipated that the programme would involve around 3500 properties per annum. The Council would be hopeful that the total number of properties each contracted year would be completed within a 6-9 month timescale to allow suitable planning for the following year’s programme.