About Spouting and Gutters

Rain gutters, also called spouts, handle a critical task in rainwater management in Australia. Navigating the water to the adequate drainage away from the house. That way, the structure remains protected, dry, and stable. 

While gutters can be easily installed on existing roofs, doing that at the same time with roof installation helps to fully integrate the system for maximum protection. 

Rain Gutter Profiles

Standard spouting profiles are U-shaped. It’s also possible to find a “K” profile, named by its resemblance to that letter.

Types of Spouting and Gutters

The most popular type of gutters installed in Australia is seamless and made of metal - although traditional solutions such as wood still stand as an option.  

Continuous Spouting

As the name implies, continuous spouting features no seams. The absence of potentially leaky points makes them one of the most popular solutions available on the market. The extra-long gutter channels are mounted along the desired range and joined at corners by specialised elements.

Continuous spouting is typically made of aluminium with a baked-on finish. Other alternatives available in Australia include painted steel and copper. Each material has its advantages, as well as a distinct appeal, so the right choice depends on the situation, and personal preferences.  

While the biggest asset of aluminium gutters is their affordability and rust resistance, steel spouting is slightly more robust and better suited to areas with a harsher climate. Both materials come in a broad palette of colours, including mimics of copper at half of its price.

Sectional Gutters

Most sectional spouting systems in Australia include half-round gutters. They are traditionally made of copper, which can make them quite costly - although the production itself is more affordable than continuous systems. Copper gutters develop a refined natural patina over time and don’t require any finish. The material is rust-resistant and exceptionally durable. 

Another option is lead-coated copper. Despite the high initial price, it pays off in the long term, with a life span of over decades. Stainless steel gutters belong to the same category.

Wood Gutters

Wood gutters are a traditional solution that is rarely used today, mostly due to the fact that it’s heavy and costly. In addition to that, wooden spouting requires substantial maintenance - it must be treated with oil once a year to remain water-resistant, among other things. For those reasons, it’s used primarily on residential spouting as an architectural element.

Wood spouting is usually connected by metal downspouts. Specially milled timber is used to create gutters, commonly sold in lengths of up to six meters. The species of choice are redwood and red cedar, known for their naturally high resistance to decay. Douglas fir is also an option. 

According to professional installers in Australia, the hidden hanger method is the most reliable for use in wooden spouting. A crossbar hanger is especially strong if attached to the front, extended over the top of the gutter, and clips again to the back bracket. 

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters are the preferred material of choice for DIY-ers because it’s easy to work with and requires just some moderate skills. They are widely available, more affordable than most other choices, and produced by a variety of manufacturers.

Vinyl is mould- and rust-resistant. It doesn’t rot and requires no finish or high maintenance. On the downside, vinyl can become a bit crisp over the years, which could lead to cracking when the weather becomes very cold. The choice of colours is limited, with white and brown being the most common.

While the vinyl spouting is low-cost, the price of suitable fittings is less so. However, some producers offer silicone or rubber gaskets that can be compressed and converted to leak-proof seals. Apart from affordability, these spouting systems can easily expand and contract with heat changes without the risks.

Galvanised Steel Gutters

Sectional galvanised sheet metal gutters are another option that can be either professionally installed in Australia or purchased for DIY fitting projects. Since it needs to be painted and the components must be soldered together, it can present a challenge for the beginner. Inadequate installation bears the risk of leak and rust, despite the galvanised finish.

Things to Consider Before Buying Spouting and Gutters

Some clog-free spouting systems feature self-cleaning technology. Apart from eliminating the need for manual maintenance, it keeps the gutters in optimal form for long term reliable performance. 

Well-designed spouting systems should not require any alterations to the existing roof. That includes mounting under the shingles, reducing the integrity of the roof capping and flashing, or connecting additional drip edges.

Gutter systems must mount securely. It’s strongly recommended to purchase from reputable companies. Also, using experienced professional installers will not only minimise the risk of injuries but also ensure that the scheme will perform at the best level for a long time. 

Before buying, it’s crucial to decide what type of material is best for the specific use, both visually and practically. While most gutter materials are durable and water-resistant, each can handle different circumstances better than the others. The choice also sometimes depends on specific building codes, so it’s good to check on those, too. 

Sectional gutters are traditional and generally more affordable than continuous ones. On the other hand, modern seamless gutters are less likely to leak, but also cost more and require professional installation. 

Spouting and gutters effectively complement other components of rainwater management, such as downpipes, roof drains, and rainwater headers, due to their synergistic role in efficiently channeling rainwater away from the roof and preventing potential water-related issues.