When creating and selling homes, a sturdy structure and foundation is the key to success. From the base all the way to the rooftop, it’s highly important that your building is well-equipped for any act of nature that may impact it.
This means catering to their visual perception of the space, comfort and safety level within it, and ability to maintain the property over time.
Why Does Your Choice in Gutter Type Matter?
In Australia, these acts of nature include strong winds, ice, rainstorms, and leaf and debris buildup that may come as a result. Although we do not tend to have many extreme weather conditions here, we experience enough variability to warrant extra care when building roofs and setting up roof plumbing systems.
Builders need to know the risks of a faulty roof, and they need to enact preventative measures when building one. But more importantly, they should know what equipment is necessary to complete the job.
In order to best direct and deter heavy rainfall, a proper gutter system is crucial. There are so many types of gutters available on the market these days, in all sorts of colours, styles and materials including zinc, copper, steel, aluminium or vinyl.
The following four varieties are the most common in Australia. If you are a local builder, you can’t carry on until you get to know each and every one of these gutter varieties.
- Quad Gutters
What they are: Also called ‘D’ gutters, this variety is flat on the back to snugly fit against your roof, and rounded on the front. Some quad gutters come slotted to prevent overflow.
Why they’re important: This traditional gutter style is very appealing to potential buyers and renters, as it blends in well with contemporary home design. It is also relatively easy and inexpensive to install. Because of their curved shape, quad gutters allow for easy water flow and limited risk of corrosion.
- Squareline Gutters
What they are: Unlike quad gutters, square gutters are angular in the front. They are folded around corners rather than pieced together using external angles.
Why they’re important: They feature high walls to hold more water, which is helpful in areas that experience heavy rainfall. They also add visual appeal to homes (as they conceal unsightly roof sheets that lie behind it).
- Concealed Gutters
What they are: These gutters can be found all over Melbourne. Rather than hanging on the edge of the roof, they are set within the roof.
Why they’re important: For those that hate the look of traditional gutters, concealed gutters seem like an appropriate alternative. That being said, they are known to have high tendencies towards leakage, making them a pretty unpopular option. It is best not to install these gutters in the first place, but if you already have, get in touch with a trusted roof professional to help you avoid concealed gutter complications.
- Nu-Line Gutters
What they are: Also known as fascia or eaves gutters, this style combines the gutter and the gutter holder into one dynamic system.
Why they’re important: Nu-Line gutters are optimal for homes that do not already have fascia boards installed. They are a much more economical and convenient option than purchasing and installing your fascia and gutters separately.
Not All Gutters Are Created Equal
As you can see, each of these four gutter varieties is very distinctive. They all provide their own set of benefits, which may be more or less advantageous for you depending on where in Australia you live and what sort of home you own or rent.
It pays to fully educate yourself on different types of gutter options and seek professional help when determining which is best for you. Many roof specialists are happy to partner with local property developers to provide long-term support for any guttering needs.
Some Factors to Consider When Picking Your Guttering
In addition to the assistance you get from your local roof plumber, these four factors can also guide you in deciding which gutter is right for your Melbourne development.
- Budget
- Home Design
- Fascia type
- Preferred Colour Scheme
If you already recognise the importance of high-quality gutters and installation for your property development, then this information may seem like common knowledge. But unfortunately, many builders are still constructing homes and commercial buildings with problematic guttering systems that lead to issues down the road.
To keep your future buyers safe and satisfied, get to know these four common gutter varieties.
