24 Jan

The Three Types Of Australian Gutters

If you want to preserve your house, both its interior and exterior, then you need a great gutter. Gutters are an integral part of the roof, ensuring proper drainage and protecting your property in the long term. With such unpredictable weather all across Australia, we need to be equipping our homes effectively. So, what types of gutters are there? What can each design individually offer?

This blog explains three of the most common gutter styles and what types of property they are best suited for. For personalised roofing advice, contact our team at O’Boyles Roofing today.

What is the Purpose of Rain Gutters?

This may seem like a silly question. And yet, so many Australians seem to underestimate the importance of their gutter and the way it protects their property. Rain gutters function as narrow troughs, built to divert all rainwater collected toward the appropriate drains. This is a vital job for several reasons. It protects the base of the building, ensuring that the foundations aren’t negatively affected by water build-up. It also prevents leaks, reduces erosion, and limits the likelihood of water damaging walls and paint throughout the home.

Not to mention, of course, the benefits of collecting rainwater. Gutters can be designed to catch water for recycling and later reuse, offering exceptional opportunities for an environmentally friendly water usage system. With so many vital functions and purposes, you can see why it’s crucial to invest in a good quality gutter for your home.

Also read: 4 Top Tips To Keep Your Gutters Clean and Functioning

Selecting the Right Gutter Type

Plenty of Australians don’t even realise the wide variety of gutter types available. This is fair enough, of course – they’re all made to catch and redirect water, right? What need is there for different types and variations?

The truth is, not all gutters work the same way. The different styles and designs take into consideration the many factors that could affect your property’s gutter needs. Depending on your price range, the local weather conditions of your area, and your aesthetic preferences, there are plenty of tailored gutter styles you can choose from. You can even choose gutter types that can be hidden from view, built to cater to any vision you have for your home.

Popular Types of Gutters

There are many styles of gutter to choose from. To help give you an idea of what’s on offer and the types you might consider, we’ve picked out three of the most popular gutter styles. Let’s dive into what they are, what sets them apart, and why so many Australians opt for these particular styles.

Box Gutters

Typically, box gutters are rectangular in shape. This is a classic and timeless design, not only found on many buildings built in the early 20th century, but also booming in popularity over the last two decades. If your roof is close to a wall, this gutter is going to be the most appropriate system for your home. Box gutters can also seamlessly add to the visual appeal of your home – not visible from the ground, and easy to blend into the surrounding framework.

It’s worth mentioning that proper maintenance of a box gutter system should involve cleaning at least once a month.

Fascia Gutters

The most popular gutter type for Australian properties is the fascia gutter. What sets this style apart is the way that it is installed directly onto the roof rafters. No matter whether it’s made of metal or wood, it doesn’t require a conventional fascia. This makes it the most suitable option for any home that may need significant amounts of water to be diverted in an emergency, ready to carry large amounts away fairly quickly. If you live anywhere with temperamental weather, a fascia gutter might be your best choice.

If you install a fascia gutter, you have access to a broad range of design options. With plenty of colours, coatings, and profile combinations, the fact that these gutters are exposed and highly visible won’t negatively affect your home. Typically designed with Colorbond or Zincalume, you can tailor your fascia gutter to best suit the aesthetics of your home.

Concealed Gutters

If you’re looking for a completely hidden, virtually invisible gutter option, concealed gutters are the solution you’ve been waiting for. Known also as internal fixed guttering, this style is installed behind the fascia, rather than any outside surfaces. Often commercial premises will opt for this style, ensuring that their gutters are entirely hidden from view and free up outside surfaces for other purposes.

Concealed gutters are a slightly less popular option than the other two. This is because, despite being convenient and appealing to many, installation can be tricky. A poor product or installation job can quickly prove to be problematic, leading to gutters overflowing and failing to catch larger amounts of water. This isn’t to say that the design is bad – but, if you are interested in concealed gutters, it is crucial to go to a roofing expert you can trust.

Call O’Boyles Roofing for All Your Gutter Needs

Whether you’re building a new home, restoring an old one, or simply looking for an update – choosing the right type of gutter is essential. Don’t choose the first type you stumble across. Here at O’Boyles Roofing, we’ve helped countless Australians find the right gutter design for their property. From selection to installation, we’re the roofing experts you need. Reach out today to discuss your gutter needs and receive further advice.

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