Internal Gutter Conversions

Taylor Fascia & Internal Gutter Conversions

In New Zealand, our weather puts roofs to the test. Heavy rain, salt-laden coastal air, and strong winds can quickly expose weaknesses in older roof and guttering systems. Internal gutters, while once popular, are notorious for causing leaks and hidden water damage when they fail. That’s why many homeowners are now choosing internal gutter conversions with modern fascia systems as a smarter, safer, and more durable solution.

At Artisans Roofing, we specialise in converting old internal gutters into external systems paired with high-quality fascia. This not only protects your home but also enhances your roof’s appearance and long-term value.

Why Replace the Roof at the Same Time?

In most cases, when we come across a Taylor fascia internal gutter system, it tells us that the roof itself is generally over 30 years old (unless it’s already been replaced). In New Zealand, roofing materials have different lifespans:

- Long Run Colorsteel Roofing: Usually lasts 30–50 years with good maintenance.
- Concrete Tile Roofing: Typically lasts 40–50 years, though underlay breaks down and pointing requires ongoing maintenance.
- Shingle Roofing (Asphalt Shingles): usually lasts around 20–30 years before curling, cracking, or lifting.
- Decramastic Tile Roofing (Pressed Metal Tiles): Older bitumen-backed versions often last 20–30 years, but many installed in the 1970s–80s are now failing due to rusting or the bitumen breaking down.

By replacing the roof at the same time as the gutter conversion, you avoid the risk of paying for scaffolding and site setup twice, along with other associated labour costs. Instead, we install a new Colorsteel long run roof that projects 70mm further than the original roof, ensuring water sheds cleanly into the new external gutter system. This approach gives you a fresh, compliant system designed to last, with no hidden weak points moving forward.

Why Consider an Internal Gutter Conversion?

Reduce the Risk of Water Damage

Internal gutters often sit within the roof structure. When they overflow or rust through, water can seep into walls, ceilings, and insulation. Converting to an external system allows water to be directed safely away from your home.

Long-Term Reliability

External guttering and fascia are easier to inspect, clean, and maintain. With durable materials designed for New Zealand conditions, you can avoid the constant patch repairs that internal systems often require.

Better Roof Ventilation & Performance

Conversions often allow for improvements in roof ventilation, extending the lifespan of your roof structure.

We Offer Roof Inspections. Give Us a Call Today.

Christchurch 027 236 3331

Tauranga 021 953 544

Key Issues With Taylor Fascia Internal Gutters

The Hidden Risk of Gutter Failure

Because internal gutters are concealed behind the fascia, problems like blockages or corrosion often go unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred.

High Risk of Leaks

Internal gutters sit within the roofline, so when they fail, water enters the structure rather than spilling outside. Unlike external gutters, their failure can lead to rot, ceiling damage, saturated insulation, and even electrical hazards.

Why Most Overflow Systems Fall Short

Many older systems, and even some newer ones, were built without proper overflow outlets. Under the NZ Building Code, gutters must now provide a specific overflow capacity, typically twice the size of the outlet. However, older Taylor fascia systems often don’t meet this standard.

Difficult to Maintain

Because they’re concealed, most homeowners are unaware of their existence, let alone check or clean them. Blockages from leaves, bird nests, or roof debris are common and hard to spot until it’s too late.

Complex and Costly to Replace

If an internal gutter fails, replacing it often means:

Removing sections of roofing
Removing fascia
Potentially rebuilding parts of the framing
It’s a much bigger job than swapping out an external spouting system.

Condensation and Rot

Moisture from leaks or even heavy dew can become trapped in these concealed spaces, especially where eaves are unventilated. Over time, this can lead to timber framing rot, particularly in untreated or H1.2 timbers, which are common in older homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are Internal Gutters Such a Problem in New Zealand?

Our high rainfall and exposure to storms make internal gutters prone to overflowing. Once water enters the roof cavity, damage can be hidden until it becomes severe and expensive to repair.

What Does an Internal Gutter Conversion Involve?

We remove the old internal guttering, modify the roofline if necessary, and install a modern external gutter and fascia system. This ensures water drains away safely and efficiently.

How Long Does the Conversion Process Take?

Most homes can be completed within a few days, depending on roof size and complexity.

Do I Need to Replace My Roof at the Same Time?

Not always. In many cases, we can convert gutters without a full roof replacement. However, if your roof is nearing the end of its life, it may be cost-effective to do both together.