Gutters are an important part of any home or building’s exterior. They are installed in order to collect rainwater and snowmelt and prevent it from damaging the home’s foundation or causing flooding in the basement.

There are different types of gutters available on the market, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will provide a guide to the different types of gutters available and help you choose the best option for your Brisbane home.

What are the different types of gutters in Brisbane?

Here are the various types of gutters that are available in Brisbane:

• Fascia
• Concealed Gutters
• Box Gutters
• Half-Round Gutters
• K-Style Gutters
• Quad Gutters
• Square Gutters

Before we discuss the different types of gutters, let’s first quickly define what a rain gutter is:

What is a rain gutter?

A rain gutter, also known as a gutter or guttering, is part of a building’s water discharge system. It is a trough or channel that wraps around a roof’s edges. It gathers rainwater runoff and discharges it down to a drainage system.

A gutter’s primary function is to collect rainfall and direct it away from the foundation of your home. This protects your home’s exterior and its foundation from any potential damage and dampness.

Different Types of Gutters

Rain gutters are available in various types and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. Read on about these various rain gutter types and get some helpful tips for deciding on the right choice for your home.

1. Fascia

Fascia gutters, sometimes referred to as eaves gutters, are one of the most popular types of gutter in Australia. They are available in a variety of profiles such as the traditionally formed and adaptable quad profile, O-Gee, Squareline, and Roundline profiles.

This type combines the gutter with the fascia, which is the horizontal board or band that runs beneath the edge of the roof and is visible from the ground. Hence the name fascia gutter.

The fascia gutters are hanging from the fascia boards and fastened to the outside of the fascia. Because the fascia and fascia gutters are both visible from the ground, there are many different styles being manufactured and made available in the market.

Even if you choose high-volume gutters, this gutter profile reduces the possibility of backflow to the roof. But you need to keep your gutter clean to ensure optimum water flow. Moreover, your gutters, facia boards, and awnings also need occasional cleaning.

2. Concealed Gutters

Concealed gutters are built behind the fascia rather than above or over it, thus they are hidden from view from the ground and are frequently referred to as hidden gutters. As viewed from the ground, the metal guttering is completely hidden by the fascia.

This guttering can be on some commercial properties to enable the mounting of store signs, billboards, advertisements, or lighting on the fascia board of the structure. It’s purposefully concealed to make the attachments stand out and unobstructed.

On the other hand, water can gather and pool in concealed gutters due to their design, which can result in internal damage or corrosion. When a drainage system is flawed, it can cause a lot of water to fall down the side of the building instead of downpipes.

This type of guttering is often neglected because of its concealment. As a result, this can cause many issues down the line.

3. Box Gutters

Box gutters are another alternative if you want gutters that won’t be seen from the ground. While this type of guttering has a box shape, it got its name because the way it’s installed is boxed in close to the edge of the roof.

Box gutters are commonly used in commercial buildings such as factories, warehouses, shopping malls, schools, and office buildings. This is because box gutters are well suited for this purpose as they are capable of accommodating large volumes of water flow.

On the other hand, they have also grown in popularity among residential properties over the past 20 years. Many trendier homes today are being built with box gutter installations.

Box gutters have disadvantages as well. They are prone to overflow issues, which can be destructive because the overflow travels directly on the roof and can result in significant water damage.

But there are some ways to maintain water flow and keep your roof in good condition. One of these is to install a box gutter leaf guard system. This will prevent overflow issues that come with box gutters.

4. Half-Round Gutters

Traditional gutter systems often feature a U-shaped profile and a half-round appearance. This type of gutter is wider and frequently sticks out from the fascia by around five to six inches.

On historic houses, some local ordinances require the installation of half-round gutters than other types of gutters. This is to preserve the historic appearance of old houses. So, verify with local regulations first before installing a gutter on a historic home.

While these gutters complement older and historic houses, they’re also good for houses that are prone to heavy rainfall and snow. They feature a smooth surface that doesn’t have as many creases for water to collect in, making them good at washing debris.

Half-round gutters are also durable and not prone to corrosion over time. Moreover, they are easier to clean and require less maintenance. However, its downside is its installation which can be a little trickier since it doesn’t have a flat side.

5. K-Style Gutters

K-style gutters are the most popular gutter design and have largely replaced half-round gutter systems. It’s deeper and has better structural integrity, allowing it to carry more water in the deep troughs with a lesser chance of spillover to the side or gutter collapse. 

This type of gutter is DIY- friendly and has a stylish appearance similar to crown molding. It typically has rectangular downspouts and comes in 5- to 6-inch widths. It has a flat back and can be fixed directly into fascia boards, for easy installation.

The downside of K-style gutters is they tend to collect more debris due to their inner angles, making them prone to clogs caused by leaves, twigs, and dirt. Also, mold and mildew might also gather on the top lip.

If you decide to install K-style gutters, it is advised to invest in a gutter guard to prevent debris from entering the gutters. It’s also a good practice to regularly clean the gutters to prevent clogging.

6. Quad Gutters

Quad gutters have a traditional, clean, and straight-edged appearance that complements a variety of home designs, from colonial to contemporary, which is one factor in its widespread appeal. It’s also known as “D” gutters.

Quad gutters can be mounted using internal or external brackets that are hidden. With this, you’ll have a sleek and streamlined appearance. Quad gutters with optional slots are also available, which can be helpful in reducing water overflow.

Whether it’s a new home guttering or just an addition to existing gutters, quad gutters can be a great option. They can be made from a variety of materials such as Colorbond, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, and even copper.

While quad gutters are a very versatile and practical choice, it’s recommended that you check them once in a while. Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent this type of gutter from clogging, which could result in water damage to your home.

7. Square Gutters

Square gutters, as their name implies, have a square appearance, which provides an aesthetically-pleasing and contemporary profile that works well with all kinds of building styles. This type of gutter is available in lo-square or hi-square profiles.

Hi-square gutters are usually 130mm high at the front compared to 110mm for lo-square. For a neater look, hi-square gutters can cover the ends of most types of roof sheets and tiles. Lo-square gutters also offer a tidy appearance but are more cost-effective.

Due to their enormous capacity, square gutters can readily handle significant amounts of water. However, in locations where rainfall is less frequent, this type of gutters may eventually become clogged with fine debris. But this can be fixed with a gutter guard.

Installing a gutter guard could be helpful in this regard to prevent the buildup of small leaves and debris. Square gutters can be installed with a variety of attachments, including gutter mitres, stop ends, and fixing brackets, among others.

Square gutters come in a variety of colors to fit your roof and your house. They can also be made of Colorbond, Zincalume, or galvanized steel. If properly maintained, they are durable and will last for a very long period.

Different Rain Gutter Materials 

Gutters are available in a variety of materials to match the style of your home. Understanding the benefits of each will help you make a wise decision when choosing which material to opt for. Below are the most popular gutter materials available.

1. Aluminum

Whether seamed or seamless, aluminum is considered the most popular material for rain gutters. There are three standard thicknesses for aluminum gutters: 0.025 inch, 0.027 inch, and 0.032 inch.

While the most affordable is the thinnest aluminum, it’s prone to bends and dents. Thicker aluminum may cost more but it’s worth the price, especially if you live in a region that has a lot of snowfall.

This guttering material is lightweight, rustproof and easy to install. It can also withstand cold temperatures. Moreover, you can paint this material in whatever color you think looks best and can match your home’s exterior.

Most home improvement stores sell aluminum gutters in 10-foot lengths which are great for DIY installation. Depending on the gutter style, many aluminum gutters can be installed yourself.

2. Vinyl

When it comes to price, vinyl is the least expensive guttering material. Due to its lightweight, relative ease of cutting, and ability to snap together, it’s best for DIY installation. While it comes in many colors, it can also be painted to match your home.

However, vinyl is the least durable gutter material. You should expect vinyl gutters to last for about 20 years in moderate conditions. Moreover, exposure to bright sunlight can cause it to fade.

3. Zinc

Rain gutters made of zinc can be pricey but it offers a lot of advantages. This material is durable as it resists corrosion, weathering, and warping. A zinc gutter can last for up to 50 years, but somewhat less if you live near the ocean or anywhere else with salty air.

Despite the fact that it initially has a drab gray color, zinc gutters will eventually acquire a lovely patina over time. This guttering material requires professional installation because its joints and ends must be welded.

Due to its higher price, zinc gutters are usually used on historic or high-end homes. Moreover, one great advantage of zinc gutters is it requires little maintenance and cleaning.

4. Steel

Another type of guttering material is steel which is more durable compared to aluminum, especially in extreme conditions. It has a variation called galvanized steel, which offers more resistance to rust. Nevertheless, oxidation usually starts within 10 to 15 years. 

On the other hand, installing leaf guards is one approach to increase the lifespan of any type of rain gutter. With galvanized steel gutters, this is more important since corrosion is accelerated by wet piles of leaves that are being collected inside the gutter.

There’s another variation which is the stainless steel gutter. It won’t rust but it’s considerably more expensive than galvanized steel. If you’re planning a DIY installation, this is not an ideal material due to its heavy weight.

5. Copper

Copper has a distinctive appeal and over time, it develops a greenish patina. Copper rain gutters are commonly found in high-end homes and their weathered appearance gives the roofing a vintage look. It can last up to 100 years if installed and welded properly.

Copper is an incredibly durable material and it can withstand extremes in temperatures, from the hottest to the coldest. However, it’s also the most expensive kind of gutter material and isn’t suited for a DIY installation.

Cost of Guttering in Brisbane

When planning to install a guttering system for your home, costs are an important aspect to take into account. Basically, you have two costs to consider: the cost of guttering materials and related hardware, and the cost of gutter installation.

Here, we will discuss these costs. By looking at this aspect of guttering, you’ll have an idea and cost estimate for your planned gutter installation for your Brisbane home.

Cost of Guttering Based on the Type of Material

The cost of gutters varies according to the type of material they are made from. Below are the common types of materials used in guttering and their corresponding costs.

Type of Material	Average Cost per Meter
PVC	$30 to $40
Zincalume	$30 to $50
Colorbond	$40 to $70
Stainless steel	$85 to $160

Cost of Gutter Installation

In Brisbane, the average cost to install a gutter is $55 per hour. However, this cost is still impacted by a number of factors such as the type of gutter to be installed, the complexity of the project, and the dimension of the roofing.

Factors That Can Affect Gutter Installation Costs

The cost of gutter installation includes the price of labor and materials, delivery, site setup, and cleanup. But due to a number of factors that must be considered, actual costs can vary. Here are some factors that can affect the cost of gutter installation.

1. Type of Gutter

As mentioned previously, there are several options when it comes to the type of guttering. These include fascia gutters, boxed gutters, half-round gutters, K-style, and quad gutters, among others.

Each of these types has a different structure and design. Thus, they are installed differently too. The complexity of the installation process will then determine the cost. 

2. Guttering Material

Each material has its own pros and cons. But in terms of durability, the most expensive ones are usually the most long-lasting and can endure various conditions. Vinyl is considered the most affordable material while copper is the most expensive. 

3. Dimensions of Roofing

Because contractors charge per meter of guttering installed, the cost is higher for homes with bigger roofing dimensions. The length of the gutter obviously impacts the installation cost as longer gutters take more effort and time to get the job done. 

4. Local Labor Costs 

Across Australia, labor costs vary widely. For example, in Queensland, the average cost of gutter installation is $55 per hour. In other parts of the country such as Western Australia, the average gutter installation cost is lesser at $50 per hour. 

5. Complexity of Installation 

The more complex processes required for the installation, the higher its cost. For example, if you have a house with more than one story, it may need more workers, more safety equipment, and even call for higher insurance requirements.

6. Additional Features

If your guttering system needs additional features such as gutter protection, splash blocks, rain barrels, downspout extensions, rain chains and other accessories, expect to pay additional charges as well. These will add up to the final cost of the project.

Benefits of Installing Rain Gutters

Gutters protect your home in a variety of ways. That’s why installing them is highly recommended to guard your structure against water damage and leakages. The following are the benefits of installing rain gutters in your home. 

1. Protect Your Roof

Over time, the excess water accumulated after every heavy rainfall will harm your roofing. Getting rid of extra water over your house is the obvious solution. By installing gutters, the water will effectively drain down from your roof without damaging it.

2. Preserve Your Home’s Foundation

Rain gutters are crucial for the structural integrity of your home. They direct rainwater away from your home, to proper drainage, where it won’t cause any damage. Without gutters, rainwater can build up along your home’s foundation and weaken it.

3. Avoid Water Stains on Walls

During rainy days, there’s a probability that rainwater may fall freely from your roof and stain your side walls. However, this can be avoided if you have a proper guttering system installed as it will direct extra water away from your walls.

4. Manage Water Distribution

One great advantage of having a guttering system is it gives you the ability to effectively control the excess water. For instance, you can choose whether to store it to be used for washing your car or watering plants, or simply get rid of it.

5. Prevent Unintentional Showers

Since rainwater from your roof is dripping without control, it’s possible to get caught in a sudden downpour when leaving your home, garage, or patio. Gutters are strategically placed to prevent unexpected showers and effectively direct excess water away.

Top Gutter Suppliers in Brisbane 

For your gutter and roofing needs, you can check out the following gutter suppliers in Brisbane. See their contact info and discuss your guttering needs.

1. Handy Steel Supplies

Handy Steel Supply has been providing a variety of steel and aluminum products since 1984. They manufacture metal fascia and various types of guttering that will suit any application.

WEBSITE:	https://www.handysteelsupplies.com.au/
ADDRESS:	8 Quindus St, Beenleigh QLD 4207, Australia
CONTACT INFO:	+61 7 3287 4785
OPERATING HOURS:	Monday – Friday: 7:30AM-4:30PM

2. Queensland Sheet Metal

Queensland Sheet Metal is a Brisbane-based manufacturer of roofing materials with over 30 years of experience in the industry. From fascia to gutters and other accessories, they offer a wide range of roofing supplies.

WEBSITE:	https://qldsheetmetal.com.au/
ADDRESS:	115 Crockford St, Northgate QLD 4013, Australia
CONTACT INFO:	+61 1300 926 074, [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS:	Monday – Friday: 6:30AM-4PM

3. Strongguard Roofing

Strongguard Roofing offers high-quality roofing solutions in Brisbane and throughout the Southeast Queensland area. They supply and install brand-new gutters to an excellent level of standards.

WEBSITE:	https://www.strongguard.com.au/
ADDRESS:	1/193-199 Hedley Av, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia
CONTACT INFO:	+61 7 3623 4422
OPERATING HOURS:	Monday – Friday: 8AM-4PM

4. Rollsec

Rollsec is a Brisbane-based company offering superior roofing and walling products. To serve their clients the greatest solutions, their team combines products, partnerships, and experience.

WEBSITE:	https://rollsec.com.au/
ADDRESS:	115 Crockford St, Northgate QLD 4013, Australia
CONTACT INFO:	+61 7 3267 7171, [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS:	Monday – Friday: 6:30AM-4PM

5. Pantex Roofing Systems

Pantex Roofing Systems offers roofing supplies in Brisbane or elsewhere in the Southeast Queensland area. They have fascia and gutter systems made of Colorbond and Zincalume, as well as a variety of complementary accessories and downpipes.

WEBSITE:	https://www.pantexroofing.com.au/
ADDRESS:	16 Magnesium St, Narangba QLD 4504, Australia
CONTACT INFO:	+61 7 3897 8200, [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS:	Monday – Friday: 6:30AM-5PM

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There are various types of gutters available in the market nowadays, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. This article guides you to the different aspects of guttering to help you determine which option is best for your home.