Let’s face it; there are any number of different options available when it comes to repairing leaking gutters. But to become recognised as the trade’s favourite system, it’s not only got to tick all the right boxes for quality, reliability, ease of installation, cost efficiency and longevity … it’s also got to have that elusive Xtra-Factor.

Speaking to a number of roofing contractor companies recently it quickly became very apparent that one gutter lining product in particular stood out. Plygene Gutterline, which is made exclusively by H D Sharman Ltd – who incidentally were the originators of this type of rubberised lining system way back in the 1980s – is rightly acclaimed for its outstanding qualities and features. The fact that every liner is made-to-measure for each project. That it is simple and quick to install – even in damp weather. That it is totally reliable, creating a watertight ‘gutter within a gutter’. That it is a complete system; including bespoke outlets, corners, weirs, overflows, stop ends, sideboxes … you name it. And, that in addition to being the only system of its type to be awarded BBA approval, it also carries a 25-year guarantee. But, despite all these impressive attributes, the extra factor that really impressed the contractors we spoke to was the way H D Sharman went out of their way to help them.

Free training
The company has even established a purpose-built training centre at their Derbyshire headquarters where any contractor can arrange skill-building sessions on the approved Gutterline fitting techniques. All the training is one-to-one based and contractors enjoy practical hands-on coaching in the correct way to install the product as well as picking up a few ‘trade secrets’ along the way. Training usually involves half or full day sessions … and best of all, they are all free of charge.

Mick Townill, who runs Cannock Chase Roofing Ltd, sent three of his lads for training a couple of years ago. They had never worked with Plygene Gutterline before, but after just one day’s training they all felt totally confident in handling any installation. The first job they tackled was a 300m gutter on a large building at Hixon near Stafford, and according to Mick it was so easy and quick to install. Better still, the customer was delighted with the results.

Extra support too
Training though wasn’t the only element of support that Sharmans provided. Prior to Mick tendering for the job they sent one of their technical team to help him measure up the gutter, work out the materials required and to help price it up. “They couldn’t have been more helpful,” said Mick. “It really did smooth the way to winning the contract, and they even sent someone to come over and take a look at the finished installation before we handed it over. They said it was ‘spot on’, so the training must have worked.”

Since then Mick and his team have completed several Gutterline installations, including three large gutters at St George’s Hospital in Stafford. “Whenever we contact Sharmans nothing seems too much trouble for them,” he remarked. “They really have been supportive – and of course it’s all free of charge.”

Colin Morris runs CJ Roofing in Kidderminster and when he picked up his first Gutterline contract the first thing he did was to contact H D Sharman Ltd. They recommended that Colin and his team should come along for a free training session. “The thing I liked about it,” said Colin, “was that it was not like being in school. It’s hand-on and they show you the best way to do things. They also show you how to overcome problems.” The job in question involved lining two 50m long gutters and thanks to the knowledge they had acquired the job ran like a dream.

The next gutter lining job that came along was a bit tricky and involved a few custom-moulded corners, so this time Sharmans went along to help out with the measuring, specifying and quoting. This is a value added service they provide, all at no cost to the contractor or his customer.

Since then Colin has completed about 15 Plygene Gutterline contracts, although he did say that on one project he contacted another Midlands based liner manufacturer for a quote. “What a difference to Sharmans,” he said. “They were not at all helpful and three days later I was still chasing them for the price.”

From what we’ve seen and been told, H D Sharman really do go the extra mile to help out their customers. Invaluable support like this is something you can’t put a price on … but then again, since they don’t charge for it anyway, it really something that money just can’t buy.