Guttering: Choosing the correct materials and profile for your project

An essential part of your home drainage system.

Guttering is an essential part of your home's drainage system. It helps to collect rainwater and direct it away from your property and its foundation, preventing water damage and erosion. Over time, gutters can become clogged with debris, rust, or even break. When this happens, (or ideally before) it's time to replace them.

There are a few different types of guttering materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types are:

• Steel guttering: Steel is a durable material that can withstand extreme weather conditions. However, it can rust over time and is susceptible to damage due to its rigidity.
• Plastic guttering: Plastic is a lightweight and easy-to-install material. It is also less likely to rust than steel. However, it can be damaged by high winds and is generally not as durable as steel.
• Aluminium guttering: Aluminium is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material. It is also very durable and can withstand high winds. If only the very best will do, then this is the option for you. However, this option is a lot more expensive than steel or plastic.

Once you've decided on the type of guttering you want, you'll need to choose the right size and shape for your home. The most common shapes are:

• Half-round: Half-round gutters are the most common type of guttering. They are relatively easy to install and are available in a variety of materials and colours.
• Deep Round: Deep half round gutters are designed to handle high volumes of water. They are a good choice for homes with steep roofs. Or large roofs feeding a short section of gutter. Often called deep flow/high flow/high-capacity guttering.
• Ogee: Ogee gutters have a curved profile and are more aesthetically pleasing. They are often found on more period properties and although they look fancy, they can often take a larger quantity of water than a standard half round gutter depending on the brand.
• Square: Square gutters generally have the same capacity as a half round gutter, they are also easy to install and readily available in varying materials and colours.

When choosing the right gutter size, you'll need to consider the amount of rainfall in your area and the slope of your roof. The pitch of your roof is the angle between the roof and the ground. A steeper roof will require larger gutters than a shallower roof. Once you've chosen the right type, size, and shape of guttering, we would recommend that you have it professionally installed. This is important because guttering is a critical part of your home's drainage system. If it's not installed properly, it can cause water damage and erosion. Replacing your guttering is an important project that can help to protect your home from water damage and erosion. By following these tips, you can ensure that your new guttering is properly installed and will last for many years. If you are having a go at installing the gutter yourself, check out our previous post here.

There are several benefits however to having your guttering professionally installed:

• Professional installers have the experience and expertise to install your guttering properly.
• Professional installers have the tools and equipment to install your guttering quickly and efficiently.
• Professional installers will take the necessary safety precautions to ensure that they and your property are safe during the installation process.
• Professional installers will provide you with a warranty on their work.

In most cases, the benefits of professional installation outweigh the costs. If you would like any guidance or support in choosing the correct system call us on 01803866599