The guttering system of a house plays an essential role in its construction.
Often overlooked, houses wouldn’t be nearly as resilient without them. The gutters are probably the only thing standing between you and serious roof or foundation damage.
If the gutters function properly, they should be able to collect all the rainwater and let it flow safely to the ground and away from the building itself.
However, many people underestimate the importance of this part, neglect their gutters, and unfortunately suffer the consequences.
That’s why choosing the correct gutter system is crucial for any homeowner.
The issue is there are many types on the market, and sure, it can get confusing. But don’t fret!
Soon you’ll learn everything you need to know about the types of guttering you can stumble upon on the market.
Types of gutters
In general, there are several types of gutter profiles you can choose from.
While it might be confusing at first glance, we assure you there’s a logic behind them as each one is suitable for people with different needs and less desirable in certain circumstances.
For example, half-round gutters are preferred by some people as they believe they have a longer lifespan than other types.
On the other hand, custom-made gutters are more suitable for houses with irregular shaped roofs and those in more “extreme” climates.
The best way to choose the right gutter shape is to consider the size and shape of your roof, the environment around it (understand what types of trees you have close by), and your budget.
It’s best to select at least 3 different options and weigh in for some time before you make your final pick. That’s when you know you can decide which type is best for your home.
Now let’s look at them in more detail.
Square gutters
The square gutters’ name comes from their shape (as you might notice is the case with the rest of the gutter types).
Their construction makes them sturdy and reliable, and they can withstand heavy rain. You can rely on them not to bend under the water’s pressure. You can find on the market two types of profiles — high-square or low-square.
They have a modern aspect, which compliments most styles of facades. You can also find them in various colours, so you can personalise the overall look of the property.
As for maintenance — it is a good idea to check the gutters regularly for any debris or blockages that may have built up over time.
Box gutters
Box gutters are called this way because they’re boxed into the edge or the middle of the roof. They’re highly durable, low maintenance and cost-effective.
What’s not to like?
They’re the perfect gutter system if you don’t want it to be seen from the outside.
What’s specific with their maintenance is that they need to be protected from an emergency overflow in case the gutter gets clogged or if the water is simply too much for it to handle.
Without this emergency overflow, the rainwater would get directly on the roof covering, which could lead to disastrous and costly water damage.
Fascia gutters
The fascia gutters have the gutters and the fascia together. This way, they make one system, hence the name. This solution saves trouble and headaches by not needing wood or metal fascia.
The fascia gutter comes in many different profiles and is installed directly on the roof’s rafters, making everything quick, clean, and reliable.
If you need to replace an old gutter system or you’re building a new home, fascia gutters might be for you. They’re easy to install and require minimal maintenance, not to mention they look sleek.
They’re also suitable for those looking for a modern look to their home, as the profile and available colours of the gutter can be matched to any aesthetic.
Quad gutters
Quad gutters, also known as “D” gutters (you guessed it, because of their resemblance to the letter D).
One of the most popular types of gutters, they come in various widths and profiles so that they can fit all kinds of buildings perfectly. These types of gutters can be made with or without slots (the slotted gutters are suitable for areas where it rains a lot).
People choose them because, honestly, they look good on both old and classic-looking and new buildings. They’re also very long-lasting, and we doubt you’d have any complaints.
Quad gutters are straightforward to clean and maintain.
Round gutters
Round gutters look a lot like a circle which has been cut in half.
You can come across two types of round gutters. One is semi-circular; the other has a straight back, which allows it to be steady and balanced.
Because of their wide diameter (which can be both a pro and a con), they can deal with large amounts of water. They’re also somewhat self-cleaning.
While this is probably the most preferred gutter type among people, there are some cases when you shouldn’t choose it.
For example, avoid round gutters if you live in an area with lots of trees, especially if you have some right next to the house. All the debris and fallen leaves can easily clog the gutters and downspouts. They can also be more challenging to install since they require extra accurate measurements.
Since cleaning gutters require too much hassle and risk, hiring a professional gutter cleaner in Guildford is the best choice you can make. Licensed pros have all the know-how, tools, and safety gear to do the job properly. They also have the experience to know when a gutter system needs to be repaired or replaced, which could save you money in the long run.
Final words
Choosing the right gutters for your property isn’t easy.
But don’t forget that’s not the final point.
Well-maintained and clean gutters clean are one of the best steps towards avoiding costly repairs and water damage and ensuring the safety of your home.
