Guttering

What Is Guttering?

Guttering is a vital component of your home's water management system. It refers to a system of channels or troughs that are installed along the edges of a roof to collect and redirect rainwater or melted snow away from a building's foundation, walls, and roof.

Ultimately, the primary purpose of guttering is to prevent water from dripping or flowing directly off the roof and causing damage to various parts of a property.

Guttering systems typically consist of horizontal channels or pipes attached to the eaves or edges of a roofline. These channels collect rainwater as it runs off the roof, and downpipes (also called downspouts) are connected to carry this collected water vertically down to the ground and away from the building.

By diverting rainwater away from the structure, guttering helps to prevent issues such as erosion, foundation damage, water infiltration into the building, and damage to exterior walls.

Guttering Components

A typical gutter system consists of several components:

• Gutter Trough: This is the long, U-shaped channel that collects the rainwater. It's attached along the roof's edge.
• Downspouts: Downspouts are vertical pipes that connect to the gutter trough and carry the collected water down to the ground.
• End Caps and Corner Pieces: These are used to seal the ends of the gutter and join gutters at corners.
• Hangers or Brackets: These are used to secure the gutters to the roof's edge or fascia board.
• Gutter Guards: Optional accessories that help prevent debris like leaves and twigs from clogging the gutters.

Here at Materials Market, we stock the following guttering components: 

• Downpipe Fittings
• Plastic Guttering
• Guttering Fittings
• Downpipes
• Guttering Accessories

Benefits of a Well-Maintained Guttering System

• Protects Your Property - A properly installed and maintained guttering system prevents rainwater from running down your walls, eroding the foundation, or causing leaks in your roof.
• Easy to Maintain - Guttering systems are designed for easy maintenance. Regular cleaning to remove leaves, debris, and silt ensures that rainwater can flow freely through the gutters and downpipes. Proper maintenance prevents blockages that can lead to overflow and water damage. This saves you the effort of having to replace and repair your guttering on a regular basis.
• Enhances Curb Appeal - The appearance of your home matters and a well-maintained guttering system adds to its overall curb appeal. With an extensive selection of colours and styles to choose from, you can find guttering that complements your property's design.
• Supports Drainage - Efficient guttering systems ensure that rainwater is directed away from your property's foundation, preventing potential foundation issues. Proper drainage also reduces the risk of soil erosion around your home.

Different Types of Guttering

Plastic Guttering

Plastic guttering is a popular choice due to its affordability, lightweight nature, and ease of installation.

It comes in a range of colours, making it easy to match with your building's design. Plastic gutters are also resistant to corrosion, making them a durable option for many homeowners.

Metal Guttering

Metal guttering, typically made from materials like aluminium or steel, offers a more robust and long-lasting solution.

Metal gutters can withstand heavy rainfall and are less likely to sag or develop leaks over time. They are an excellent choice for areas with extreme weather conditions.

Ogee Guttering

Ogee guttering is known for its unique curved shape, which adds an elegant and traditional appearance to your home.

It is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal and is available in various materials, including plastic and metal.