A properly selected and installed gutter system is vital to efficient roof drainage. The gutters protect the building walls from saturation and, therefore, from moisture. Attention should be paid to rainwater drainage at the design stage of the building. Find out which gutter system is best suited for your house!
What goes into a gutter system?
The colloquial term ‘guttering’ usually refers to the entire system, which includes:
- gutters – i.e. open-section pipes that are laid along the edge of the roof to drain excess water from the roof slope;
- downpipes – these are vertical sections of ducting with a closed cross-section and shaped to match the gutters. This component is responsible for carrying the water flowing through the gutters away from the building;
- spouts – direct the water directly into the ground or into the rainwater system;
- Corners – connect the gutters at the external and internal corners of the house;
- Drains – are the connecting element between gutters and downpipes;
- gutter hooks – act as gutter supports;
- brackets – are used to connect the downpipes to the walls of the house;
- additional gutter fixing bracket;
- connectors for gutters;
- supplementary elements (e.g. roof plate, rainwater catcher, revision) – depending on the needs and construction of the building.
Types of gutters for a detached house
The various gutters differ primarily in the material from which they are made. Guided by this criterion, a distinction should be made between the 4 variants most commonly used in detached houses.
- PVC gutters – the popularity of this solution is mainly due to its low price. PVC gutters (also called PVC) are by far the cheapest on the market. They are made of polyvinyl chloride, i.e. a plastic material dyed in a specific colour at the production stage. Manufacturers add special additives to make the material more resistant to the damaging effects of external factors. Nevertheless, PVC gutters may discolour under the influence of prolonged and increased exposure to the sun. The undoubted advantages of PVC gutters include their maintenance-free design and corrosion resistance. In addition, gutters of this type are lightweight, scratch-resistant and easy to install. Thanks to their smooth surface, PVC gutters have good flow capacity, so the risk of clogging by leaves or branches is extremely low in their case.
- Steel gutters – a slightly more expensive but definitely more durable alternative to PVC gutters. Steel is a material that is very resistant to mechanical damage and is also insensitive to extremes of heat and cold. The installation of steel gutters is quite complicated and requires experience. This increases the cost of the service. Steel gutters are rigid, which minimises the risk of deformation even with ice and snow. The biggest disadvantage of steel is its susceptibility to corrosion. To increase the resistance of the material, it is coated with galvanised layer and sometimes with additional protective coatings. Steel gutters require periodic maintenance.
- Aluminium gutters – manufactured from aluminium-manganese sheet metal coated on both sides with plastic (usually polyester). This combination prevents the material from darkening. The biggest advantages of aluminium gutters include their high smoothness, lightness and long construction life.
- Copper gutters – the most expensive and best of the lot. Copper gutters are estimated to last up to 300 years! They are completely corrosion-resistant, so there is no need for maintenance. This is due to the spontaneous formation of a patina layer on the copper, which effectively protects the structure. Copper is a material characterised by high resistance to mechanical damage and the damaging effects of atmospheric conditions. Copper gutters are also highly resistant to rapid temperature fluctuations. Importantly, copper reacts with aluminium sheet and steel. Therefore, when opting for copper gutters, you must cover the roof with copper sheet or classic tiles.
Ornamentation
The appearance of the gutters may not be the primary concern, but it is crucial for maintaining the visual integrity of the entire building. A detached house is a unique property where you will probably spend much of your life. So make sure it looks phenomenal in every aspect!
You will find gutters in various shapes on the market. Some of the most popular include:
- semi-circular – are the most versatile and suit many architectural styles;
- square and rectangular gutters – look great against the background of modern, minimalist blocks. Gutters of this type will accentuate the modernist character of your detached house.
You can use unique gutter coverings if you want a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish to your eaves. The extremely wide range of colours and varied materials used in the production of gutters make it possible to match this element to any house, regardless of the architectural concept and style.
What should I consider when choosing gutters for my home?
The type and colour of gutters should match the roofing, façade and window joinery. When choosing a particular gutter system, remember to keep the individual parts of the system uniform. What does this mean? All components should be compatible and made by the same manufacturer. This will ensure that the installation is airtight, aesthetically pleasing and covered by a guarantee. When choosing a guttering system, be guided primarily by quality. Of course, choosing a particular type of guttering is closely linked to your budget. The most important thing is to ensure that your gutters come from reliable manufacturers and are made from proven and tested materials. When choosing gutters, also consider the method of installation. Even the best material won’t do the job if it is installed incorrectly.
Looking for a proven guttering system for your home? Choose KASKADA gutters, which are made of high-quality double-coated steel! This makes the gutters extremely durable, fade-resistant and aesthetically pleasing. The installation does not deform during sudden weather changes and is suitable even during winter.
