Gutters are an essential part of any building. You should ensure to purchase the highest quality gutters that will last a long time on your roof. No matter the size of your building, there are various types of gutters to choose from. They come in different sizes and shapes and are made from different materials.
At Cast Iron Superstore, we distribute and stock up on a wide range of gutters, which are:
Gutters are made and installed to stop water from flooding your basement, which may ruin it. It is also designed to direct water to the downspouts and drain seamlessly.
The Best Rain Gutter For Your Project
There are several gutters to choose from depending on your project, building size, and design. You will also consider factors like materials, quality of the gutter and style.
Half-round Gutters
The half-round gutters look like they are cut from a round pipe, just like their name suggests. They are a popular gutter profile and help add aesthetics to your building. Half round gutters can blend in well with old and traditional buildings.
Advantages of half-round gutters
- They are perfect for traditional and historic buildings
- They are durable
- They can easily be maintained because they have less clogging.
Disadvantages of half-round gutters
- They can be costly compared to plastic
- Difficult to install compared to plastic
Box-Style Gutters
Box gutters are commonly found in commercial or industrial buildings. They are large and can accommodate massive amounts of rainfall. Unlike other styles of gutter, box-style gutters are installed under the roof's shingles. That is the reason it was installed during the construction. They are a good choice for areas that receive large amounts of rainfall. It is because they have wider troughs to accommodate the water.
Advantages of box-style gutters
- They can handle heavy rainfall
- They are durable compared to other types of gutters
Disadvantages of box-style gutters
- They are costly
- They are not aesthetically pleasing
As well as traditional cast iron gutters, some products are made from different materials like steel, aluminium, uPVC, etc. We will focus on the pros and downsides of each material.
Steel Gutters
Steel gutters come in two types: galvanised and stainless. Galvanised is made with a thin layer of zinc, which protects it from rust. Stainless, on the other hand, is made of steel and chromium, which also protects it from rusting. When you compare the two, steel gutters are long-lasting compared to galvanised gutters.
Galvanised gutters are lightweight, which makes them a wrong choice for areas with salty water. Stainless steel is made to withstand any weather conditions though this makes it costly compared to galvanised guttering.
Plastic Gutters (uPVC)
Plastic guttering is a popular choice as the material is inexpensive, and the products are easy to install. They are also cost-effective, lightweight, and readily available.
On the downside, uPVC gutters are not durable and can easily be ruined quickly in harsh weather. Plastic can warp, fade, and crack; unlike metal, plastic is not fully recyclable.
Aluminium Gutters
Aluminium guttering is a great choice as they are lightweight and not prone to rusting. They can also withstand any weather conditions, and you can easily customise the colours depending on your project.
Aluminium is durable and can recycled at the end of its functional life, giving you value for money.
Aluminium is not always an appropriate cast iron alternative, with some local authorities only allowing cast iron to replace existing cast iron on heritage and listed buildings.
Copper Gutters
Copper gutters are not as common but come with excellent properties like:
- They are aesthetically pleasing
- They are durable as they can last for 100 years.
- They are weather-resistant as they can be installed in hot and cold regions.
- Copper is a natural fungicide, and this helps protect your gutters from mould and mildew buildup.
Cons of copper gutters
- They are expensive
- Copper guttering requires a professional to install
Parting Shot
When choosing the best gutters for your building, you should consider your budget and project type.
Copper or cast iron gutters are the way to go if you want long-lasting gutters that make a statement. If you're shopping for the cheapest gutters and aren't fussed about durability or sustainability, go for uPVC. For the best of both worlds, costing slightly more but guaranteed to last longer, steel or aluminium should be on your list.