My Basket 
Why is guttering so essential for any property?
Guttering is an essential part of the roofing system for all properties and can help protect the entire property from a range of problems. A very small percentage of properties in the UK are without guttering and they are the exception, not the rule. Having a good quality drainage system in place is important for any homeowner looking for peace of mind when it comes to keeping their property safe.
Guttering plays a key role in helping to keep rainwater away from the property, particularly in the UK, where discussing if it’s going to rain or not is a national obsession! Without proper drainage solutions, rainwater could be left to run off the roof into areas around the house, possibly eroding the foundations and causing water damage to walls or even leading to flooding inside the home. Water damage to any property is costly and difficult to repair and can, if not treated quickly, lead to major building or repair work.
Guttering works because it directs the water away from the property and minimises the chances of this damage. In short, guttering catches rainwater that is running off the property’s roof surfaces and then safely diverts it away from the property via drains or other drainage systems.
Additionally, rainwater is often captured and stored by householders for gardening. Guttering redirects water into water butts and storage tanks. Furthermore, water can be channelled into larger storage tanks for use in the home, although special care is needed to ensure it is safe for human consumption.
What are the different types of metal guttering?
With a range of different types and materials of guttering available, each with its own set of benefits, it can be difficult to decide which type of guttering is right for your clients’ property. In this blog we will look at the benefits of metal guttering to help you guide homeowners in their decision.
When choosing which type of metal guttering is best for the property, there are several options available.
Steel gutters are one of the most widely used options as they provide excellent corrosion resistance, meaning they will last longer than many other types of material even when exposed to prolonged amounts of moisture or humidity.
Aluminium gutters are also a popular choice due to their light weight and ease of installation, while remaining strong enough to handle heavier rains and storms without becoming damaged or misshapen over time.
Cast iron gutters are also an option but may require more maintenance than the other two types of metal due to their susceptibility to rust if not sealed properly against moisture exposure.
What are the benefits of metal guttering?
One of the main advantages of using metal guttering is its strength and durability. This type of guttering can withstand extreme weather conditions including high winds, heavy rain and snowfall without being damaged or compromised. This makes it a great choice for properties that are exposed to harsher environments than others, as metal guttering won’t succumb to damage like plastic or wood could.
Another major benefit of using metal guttering is that it requires minimal maintenance compared to other materials. Unlike plastic or wooden alternatives which may need regular cleaning and repair, metal can be left alone for years without needing much attention at all. This makes this type of guttering an ideal option for homeowners who want a low-maintenance solution that still provides effective drainage solutions.
Aluminium guttering can also be considered as largely beneficial for the environment as it is non-toxic and less at risk to chipping and breaking than uPVC pipes. It is also considered a safer option as it does not alter the acidity of rainwater. Aluminium is considered by some to be the most eco-friendly alternative for guttering material and is often a favoured product for roofers. It is a largely durable product, surviving adverse weather conditions and lasting for years without repairs or maintenance.
Steel guttering also has multiple benefits, including its ability to resist thermal effects. Galvanised steel is made by coating regular steel with a layer of zinc oxide to protect it from corrosion and rust. The process of galvanizing the steel gives it superior protection against extreme temperatures, moisture, oxidation, corrosion, fire, and other factors that can damage or destroy other metals over time. It doesn’t experience expansion or contracting like other metals and steel guttering therefore has excellent lifetime value, and, unlike uPVC guttering, it is recyclable.
If properly maintained, metal guttering can last a very long time. Not only is it strong and less at risk to sagging, it is also a fantastic option for maintaining Victorian and character buildings. However, it’s important to note that metal guttering is, of course, a heavier option, which can make transportation and installation harder.
In summary, metal guttering is a fantastic solution to keep buildings protected from water damage and to reduce the levels of maintenance required compared to other cheaper materials such as uPVC. Though metal guttering can be more of a financial commitment, and is heavier, it’s durability and strength make it a better choice. If sealed properly and cleaned regularly, metal gutters are likely to be longer lasting, and for the environment-conscious homeowner, the non-toxic materials will have less environmental damage.
A wide range of rainwater & drainage solutions
At Edge Building Products, we have guttering and drainage to suit any project, including domestic PVC guttering, Industrial PVC, Cast Iron PVC, Galvanised Steel, and aluminium. In addition, we have a range of rainwater accessories including gutter balloons, gutter guards, gutter brushes and all of the necessary brackets to ensure they are safely and effectively attached to your clients’ property. We also have your full underground drainage needs covered too, meaning you can source everything you need for your project from one centralised point.
With trade counters in Chichester, Horsham and Croydon we can help you with questions or queries about our products in person. You can also contact us via email on [email protected] and we will do our very best to help you.