Gutter Buying Guide

Half-round gutters are a simple, semi-circle shape for a smooth and efficient flow, ensuring quick movement of water through the drainage system. The absence of crevices along the smooth trough reduces the risk of debris such as leaves and dirt building up and means cleaning and maintenance is easier.

Half round guttering is a simpler and more standard type so if you’re looking for something more modern, square line guttering may be better suited.

Square line gutters have a flat bottom and sides, which maximises space and they carry more water,  which is ideal for particularly wet areas or steeper gutters. The square design means they fit neatly against the flat edges of the building. Square line gutters perfectly complement modern homes as they provide a clean and contemporary look.

The corners in square line gutters can trap leaves and debris more frequently than rounded gutters, meaning they may need cleaning more regularly. Gutter guards can prevent leaves and other debris getting in which can reduce the amount of maintenance needed.

Ogee gutters have a distinctive tapered edge which adds style to an otherwise simple feature of a home. The design improves drainage and has a deeper channel, which allows for larger amounts of water to rapidly drain through the gutter. These gutters are ideal in particularly wet areas or alongside roofs that have a lot of water runoff.

While ogee gutters offer both functional and decorative benefits, they come at a higher price compared to square and half-round styles. Also, the crevices can trap leaves and debris which could mean more regular maintenance is needed.

The downpipe serves as the path for channelling the water collected by the gutters. As it guides the water down the side of the building, it ensures the water securely flows into a drain and away from the property.

Typically used to finish a gutter run, external stop ends extend beyond the end of the roof, forming a watertight seal directly onto the gutter. Internal stop ends cap off other components such as unions, angles, or outlets as needed.

Offset bends play an important role if you need to change the direction of the downpipe within a drainage system. Angled at 112.5 degrees or 92.5 degrees, they increase versatility when configuring the flow of water from the roof to the drain or water butt.

Downpipe clips are used to firmly secure the downpipe against the wall, preventing instability caused by wind and water travelling down the pipe. Downpipe clips have two pre-drilled holes, meaning installation is straightforward.

Pipe sockets connect two vertical downpipes with a wide end that fits over the upper downpipe and a narrow end that slots inside the lower one. These fittings are essential for creating a secure and efficient connection between downpipes.

Union brackets are used to connect two lengths of round line gutter to ensure a durable and watertight join. Equipped with screw holes, these brackets are easy to install and provide the gutter drainage system with stability and reliability.

A gutter shoe is fitted at the bottom of the downpipe when the pipe isn’t connected directly to a drain or gully. They’re angled and positioned away from the home to protect the home from water damage.

Fascia brackets secure gutters to the building's fascia, and are positioned at 1m intervals. They feature pre-drilled holes for easy installation into the wall, and have a moulded lip which hooks onto the edge of the gutter.

Gutter angles are used to connect two lengths of guttering around the corner of a building. They’re commonly used in semi-detached or detached buildings, but may also be used around extensions on terraced properties. Various angle options, such as 90 degrees for square corners and 150, 120, or 135 degrees for unique or traditional styles, cater to diverse architectural needs.

Downpipe branches bring together two downpipes, typically connecting a gutter from a lower section of the roof to the main drop from the roof gutter. This type of fitting means you only need one downpipe even if you have multiple levels of guttering.

Hoppers are typically placed at the top of downpipes to allow more water to flow into the downpipe during heavy rainfall. They also enable the downpipe to collect water from multiple gutters on the same level. 

Gutter adaptors make it easy to connect two lengths of gutter that are different shapes and sizes, such as ogee to square line adaptors, or square line to half round adaptors. This is particularly useful between neighbouring properties or if you have different gutters around your property.