The Importance of Guttering and The Different Types of Guttering

23 January 2023

We get asked a lot of questions about guttering, our aim is to educade homeoweners and professionals alike on the importance of well-functuoning gutters, and how to ensure they are in top condition. We have been asked a lot of questions such as why guttering is important? Which guttering is right for me? Plus, many other questions. So, we are here to provide our expert view on why guttering is important, and the pros and cons of different guttering options. Firstly, let’s start off by explaining what guttering is.

What is Guttering?

Guttering is a metal or plastic fitting that runs along the top of a roof as a roof gutter, and down the side of a house. But how do gutters protect your home? Gutters protect the roof from snow, leaves, and other debris. Guttering can also help to prevent heat loss from the roof. They are one of the most important components of a roof. Gutters direct rain and snow away from the foundation of the home and into the street. Gutters also help to prevent roof failure from water damage. This is very important as when rainwater is not properly channelled away from your home, it can seep into the foundation, causing structural damage and even flooding.

Another benefit of guttering is that it can improve the aesthetic appearance of a building. There are a wide range of guttering styles available, such as half round guttering, square line guttering, deep flow guttering, and more so it is easy to find a guttering option that suits your building’s needs.

When it comes to purchasing guttering for your building, it is important to buy from a reputable builder’s merchant. Not only will you be able to find a wide range of guttering options, but you will also be able to get expert advice on which type of guttering is best for your specific needs. Additionally, buying from a reputable builder’s merchant, such as P&R Building Supplies ensures that you are getting high-quality guttering that will last for years to come. As mentioned, there are different kinds of guttering, we will now discuss the different kinds of guttering and the pros and cons of each.

Half Round Guttering

Half round guttering is a popular choice among UK homeowners. and builders due to its durability, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. Half round plastic guttering is a cost-efficient and lightweight alternative to traditional materials such as cast iron and aluminium. One of the main benefits of half round plastic guttering is that it is low maintenance, and easy to clean, making it ideal for those who want to keep their guttering in good condition without having to spend a lot of time and money on maintenance. Additionally, plastic guttering is resistant to rust and corrosion, which are common issues with traditional guttering materials.However, a negative aspect of half round gutters is that they may not be able to handle heavy rain flow as effectively as other types of gutters. This is because the round shape of half round gutters can lead to a smaller cross-sectional area, which means that water may not be able to flow through as quickly. This can cause water to overflow and potentially cause damage to the building and its surroundings, especially in areas with heavy rainfall. Additionally, the round shape of half round gutters can also be more susceptible to clogging, as debris and leaves may accumulate in the curved design, which can lead to blockages and water damage if not attended to regularly.

Square Line Guttering

Square line plastic guttering is a modern and sleek alternative to traditional guttering options in the UK. It is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and builders due to its durability, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. One of the benefits of square line plastic guttering is that it is low maintenance and easy to clean, making it ideal for those who want to keep their guttering in good condition without having to spend a lot of time and money on maintenance. Additionally, plastic guttering is resistant to rust and corrosion, which are common issues with traditional guttering materials.

Another benefit of square line plastic guttering is that it gives a modern and clean look to the building, it is available in a variety of colours, which means it can match the colour of the building, or the colour of the trim. It is also available in a variety of sizes which means it can accommodate a wide range of guttering needs.

However, just like is the case with half round guttering, square line guttering is not as sturdy as other types of guttering. This is because it is designed with a square shape, which can be more susceptible to warping, twisting, and cracking under high winds or heavy rainfall. This can cause water to overflow and potentially cause damage to the building and its surroundings.

Deep Flow Guttering

Deep flow guttering is a modern and effective solution for handling large volumes of water in the UK – handling around double the flow rate of half-round gutters. It is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and builders due to its larger capacity, durability, ease of installation and cost effectiveness. One of the main benefits of deep flow plastic guttering is that it has a larger capacity than other types of guttering, which makes it ideal for buildings with large roof areas, or in areas with heavy rainfall. Additionally, as is the case with square line plastic, deep flow guttering is also easy to clean, making it ideal for those who want to keep their guttering in good condition without having to spend a lot of time and money on maintenance. Plastic guttering is also resistant to rust and corrosion, which are common issues with traditional guttering materials.

One of the negative aspects of deep flow plastic guttering is that it can be more difficult to install compared to other types of guttering. This is because the larger capacity of the guttering means that it requires more support and structural reinforcement to hold the extra weight of the water. This can be a challenge for DIY installations and may require additional labour and expertise during the installation process. As well, the larger capacity of the guttering means that it requires more frequent cleaning, as debris and leaves can build up more easily, which can lead to blockages and water damage if not attended to.

Overview of Gutters

In conclusion, guttering is an essential component of any building’s roofing system in the UK, as it helps to channel rainwater away from the structure and prevent damage to the foundations. There are a variety of guttering options available, each with its own set of pros and cons. When it comes to purchasing guttering, it's important to buy from a reputable builder’s merchant. Not only will you be able to find a wide range of guttering options, but you'll also be able to get expert advice on which type of guttering is best for your specific needs. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation to see how our guttering can benefit your building!