Guttering systems protect your home from water damage by efficiently directing rainwater away from your roof.
With so many gutter profiles available, choosing the right one can be a challenging task. In this guide, we’ll examine the different types of gutter profiles, how to select the best fit for your property and look into why the choice of material matters.
Different gutter profiles
Gutter profiles come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, each designed to suit specific roof types and volumes of rain. Here are the most common options available in the UK:
Half round
Half-round gutters have U-shaped designs and smooth interiors for effective water flow, so they’re ideal for areas with moderate rainfall. Half-round gutters are often used on older homes or cottages for a more traditional look.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for light to moderate rain
Cons
- Limited capacity compared to other profiles
Square
Square gutters have a boxy, angular design for a more modern appearance. They come in two types: standard square and high-capacity square, which holds a greater volume of rainwater.
Pros:
- Larger capacity than half-round, so better for areas with heavier rainfall
- Modern appearance
Cons:
- May not suit period properties
Ogee
Ogee gutters have a curved profile for both functionality and aesthetic appeal. These gutters offer a sleek design and good water capacity, making them a versatile choice.
Pros:
- Aesthetic design
- Higher capacity than half-round
Cons:
- Slightly harder to clean due to decorative ridges.
Deepflow
Deepflow gutters are designed to handle large volumes of rainwater, so they’re perfect for areas with heavy rainfall and commercial properties. They have deeper channels, increasing the water capacity without requiring wider guttering.
Pros:
- High capacity
- Perfect for areas that are prone to frequent or heavy rain
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier appearance
How do I choose a gutter profile?
Choosing a gutter profile depends on several factors, including your roof type, local weather conditions and design preferences.
Selecting the right profile also involves understanding the size requirements of your guttering system. If you're unsure, check out our guttering size guide.
Which is better: Half round or square guttering?
Half-round gutters are best for homes in areas with moderate rainfall or for those wanting a traditional look. Alternatively, square gutters are better suited for modern properties or homes in wetter climates due to their higher capacity.
Consider your roof's pitch when choosing a profile as steeper roofs may require profiles with greater water-holding capacity.
Popular gutter colours and finishes
Gutter colours can significantly impact your home's overall appearance. Popular colours and finishes available at Eurocell include:
- Anthracite Grey: A modern and sleek choice, perfect for contemporary homes
- Black: A versatile option that complements both traditional and modern properties
- Brown: Ideal for blending with brick or timber finishes
- White: A clean, neutral colour that works well with light exteriors
- Cast iron effect: Offers a heritage-style look
Maintaining gutters, especially lighter colours like white, requires more regular cleaning to prevent staining. Learn how to effectively clean your gutters in our DIY gutter cleaning guide.
Should gutters be the same colour as the roof?
Matching your gutters to your roof can create a sleek aesthetic, but ultimately it’s down to personal preference. You might prefer contrasting colours to highlight the guttering or complement other features of your home like windows and doors.
Plastic vs metal gutter
When it comes to choosing your gutter material, most homeowners opt for UPVC (plastic) guttering over metal options for the following reasons.
- Durability: UPVC is resistant to rust, corrosion and general wear, so it’s protected from the UK’s wet climate.
- Low maintenance: Unlike metal, UPVC doesn’t require regular painting or treatment.
- Cost-effective: UPVC is more affordable and easier to install than metal alternatives.
- Versatility: Available in a wide range of profiles and colours to suit any property.
While metal gutters like aluminium or steel can offer a premium look, they’re generally less practical in homes due to higher maintenance needs and costs.
Understanding the different types of gutter profiles can help you choose the best system for your home, ensuring effective water management.
Whether you prefer the traditional look of half-round gutters, the modern style of square profiles, or the heavy-duty performance of deepflow, Eurocell offers a wide range of quality guttering solutions to meet your needs.
Contact our team for expert advice on finding the perfect fit for your property.