A gutter system is crucial to protecting your home and roof. It minimises leaks and water overflows by rerouting and carrying rainwater away from your home. A gutter profile is the shape of a gutter. Some gutter types are more effective than others at roof drainage while others have a higher water-carrying capacity. In terms of roofing materials, popular brands used in Australia include Zincalume®, galvanised steel, and Colorbond® gutter profiles, as they are highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and with regular maintenance, will last for years.
Box gutter
Box gutters have various benefits relating to both aesthetics and functionality. Because they are fully concealed, they are unobtrusive and won’t affect your roof’s design. They are also durable and will last many years without needing repairs or replacement. Plus, you can fully customise them to fit the size of your roof, making them a great choice if your home has a custom-designed roof.
Fascia gutter profiles are an ideal option if your roof has a more minimalist design because they are concealed within the roofline. They can also protect the fascia board, which can help prevent rot from forming. Rot can lead to structural damage, and can be costly to repair.
Fascia gutters are made from either ZINCALUME® or COLORBOND® steel. They are installed on the roof’s outside edges and, although visible, come in a range of attractive and decorative shapes.
As their name implies, square gutter profiles have a square appearance that works well with various building styles, including contemporary designs. This type of gutter is generally available in hi-square or lo-square profiles. Hi-square gutters are usually 130mm high at the front compared to 110mm for a lo-square version. For a neater look, hi-square gutters can also cover the ends of most tiles and roof sheets. Lo-square gutters also offer a tidy appearance and are more cost-effective. Due to their capacity, square gutters can usually handle significant amounts of water.
Although half-round gutters still adequately divert water from a house, their primary purpose is to add to a roof’s aesthetics, especially if you have a home with an older or more traditional design. Their semi-circle design prevents blockages, and their shape makes it easy to clear them when debris builds up.
They are also largely self-cleaning as their “C” shaped base prevents leaves and other debris from falling into the gutters, so are ideal for homes surrounded by trees. Half round gutters are typically made from galvanised, ZINCALUME® or COLORBOND® steel.
Quad gutter. Image from Steeline
Also known as “D” gutters, quad gutters have widespread appeal because they have a clean, traditional, straight-edged finish. They’ll suit a variety of home designs, from contemporary to colonial styles. Quad gutters can be mounted using hidden external or internal brackets, giving them a streamlined appearance. Quad gutters are generally made from galvanised ZINCALUME® or COLORBOND® steel.
Image from Gutterlines
K-style gutters are one of the most popular gutter profile designs. They have robust and deep structural integrity, allowing them to carry more water in the deep troughs with a lesser chance of spillover. They are also easy to install and directly fix into fascia boards. They also offer a stylish edge to a home.
Image from DNK Guttering
Concealed gutters are built behind the fascia rather than over or above it. Hence, they are hidden, and when viewed from the ground, the fascia entirely hides the metal guttering. This guttering is often used on commercial properties to enable the mountain of ads, store signs, or lighting on the structure’s fascia board. This design makes attachments stand out unobstructed.
All gutter profiles have strengths and weaknesses, so choosing the best one for your roof can be challenging. That’s where professional installers come in. They have the experience and knowledge to consider a range of factors, including:
Once you have gutters in place on your roof, you will need to check and clean them regularly, including:
Installation requirements vary by state; however, typically, gutters must be installed with a “fall”. A “fall” allows water to flow towards the down pipe or drain connection. Gutters with an inadequate fall will allow water to pool, creating the ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes. It can also shorten the life of your gutters.
Typically, flashings, gutters and downpipes must:
A licensed roofing contractor should always install guttering. This will ensure water flows off your roof efficiently and that any overflow doesn’t flow back into your home. If you have a water tank, it can also maximise water catchment.
Roofing contractors will consider your roof’s size, pitch, and material when recommending an appropriate water catchment or stormwater drainage system. They will also ensure that the selected guttering material is compatible with other elements of your roof.
Need advice on functional and aesthetically pleasing gutter profiles? Contact our expert team today.
References
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