Gutters are vital to a healthy home as they direct rainwater away from the house. If your gutter is faulty or needs replacing, debris and leaves can gather and it can become blocked. It’s recommended that you invest in good quality gutters to avoid any leaks or damage to your home.
If you want to replace your gutters or need gutter repairs, knowing the options is essential. Let’s look at the different types of gutters and how to find the right one for you.
What are the different types of gutters?
Different types of gutters work in different ways to protect your property. When deciding which guttering replacement to opt for, consider factors such as:
- The climate and weather conditions of where you live.
- The type of gutter repair or replacement that’s suitable for the shape of your house.
- The gutter replacement cost.
- Your budget and the long-term maintenance requirements.
We’ve compiled a list of the best types of gutters, the material options, and their pros and cons.
First, let’s look at the different types of gutters:
Box gutters
Box gutters, or trough or square gutters, are often rectangular and placed in-between two parallel surfaces. This gutter is good for roofs close to a wall and works by draining water and debris away through downpipes. Box gutters are subtle and aren’t usually visible from the ground.
Box gutters must have an emergency overflow; if not, the water and debris could end up in your roof space. With their large capacity, they’re good for places with heavy rainfall as long as you clean them at least once a month.
A disadvantage of box gutters is that they tend to be a more expensive option due to the expertise and time it takes to install them. However, with regular maintenance, they can serve you for many years.
Fascia gutters
Fascia, or eaves gutters, are the most common gutters in Australia. If you’re looking to replace your gutters, fascia gutters are considered the most durable, efficient and safe option and are ideal for areas that experience heavy rain.
This gutter can be installed directly to the roof rafters as a fascia system isn’t necessary. Commonly made from Colorbond or Zincalume, fascia gutters come in various colours and coatings and are visible on a roof. Similarly to other types of guttering, they need to be cleaned often to prevent any blockage.
Round gutters
In the shape of a circle cut in half, round gutters are ideal for areas that experience a lot of rain due to their shape being able to hold a large amount of water. The open half of the round guttering faces the roof, and they’re commonly made from Colorbond or Zincalume in various colours.
Round gutters, also known as half-round guttering, are a common choice for places surrounded by trees, as their shape prevents debris build-up. They look sleek and clean and are a good option for a gutter replacement as they work with traditional and contemporary properties.
Quad gutters
Quad gutters are a popular choice as they work well with newer, more modern roofs and fit well with existing gutters. They can come in different widths and profiles, and the slots are optional. Colorbond or Zincalume are usually the materials used for quad gutters.
What are the different guttering materials?
As well as different types of gutters, there are various materials that all have benefits and drawbacks. Let’s look at the different materials:
Aluminium guttering
Aluminium guttering is a popular option as it’s easy to install, lightweight and inexpensive. Being on the exterior of your home, it’s rust and thinning resistant. Coming in over 25 colours and various styles and lasting up to 20 years in any climate, it’s an excellent option for your gutter replacement job.
However, aluminium can dent in bad weather as it doesn’t bend and can expand and contract in extreme heat. You may need to repaint your gutter as it can be prone to chipping due to general wear and tear.
Colorbond guttering
Colorbond steel gutters are a durable option for a gutter replacement due to their long-lasting features. Colorbond guttering stands strong against the elements and is available in various colours to match your Colorbond roofing.
Colorbond guttering is usually a more expensive option than other materials, such as aluminium. Another factor to remember is that if the protective coating is damaged, Colorbond steel can be prone to rust.
Zincalume guttering
If you want a low-maintenance material to replace gutters already in place, Zincalume is a durable and reliable type of steel. This type of steel has a long lifespan and resists corrosion and scratching. It’s easy to install and stands strong against the elements.
A downside to Zincalume is that limited colour options are available, and the installation cost may be high due to the expertise it takes to handle and install.
Copper guttering
Copper guttering is durable and long-lasting, making it a good option for replacing gutters. A copper gutter is a more decorative and aesthetically pleasing choice due to the patina that naturally develops over time. As a low-maintenance, rust-resistant option, it’s a good choice for a gutter replacement.
The downside of copper guttering is that the gutter replacement costs are high, sometimes more than double the cost of aluminium. For copper guttering to be fitted, the whole system must be made of copper, as other materials can potentially corrode it. To have it installed, you’ll need an experienced team and skilled roof plumbing, which may add to the expense.
PVC guttering
PVC guttering comes in various colours and is affordable and easy to install. With resistance to rust and corrosion, PVC guttering is a good option for a gutter replacement as it’s a smooth material that allows for effective water flow.
PVC isn’t as durable as the other metal material options and is known to crack in extreme temperatures. Furthermore, this isn’t the right option if you want an eco-friendly gutter due to the plastic composition.
Having a properly functioning gutter is essential for your home and it’s important to consider all the factors before deciding which one to choose. Gutter and roof repairs are a high-risk job, so it’s best to call a specialist like a roof plumber, and they can advise you where necessary.
Consider your location, climate and budget when finding the best option for your roof gutter replacement. At Evobuild, we’re happy to answer any guttering or roof-related queries you may have, so contact us today.