When installing an efficient rainwater system, selecting the correct guttering material is crucial for long-lasting performance and reliability. However, with several options on the market, it can be challenging to know what’s best for your task. Should you utilise modern materials like plastic or stick with classic choices like cast iron?

In this handy guide, Drainage Central will break down the main gutter material types, outlining their unique properties, benefits, and ideal applications – so you can make an informed decision and complete your job confidently.

What is the Best Gutter Material? 

When choosing guttering supplies, the term 'best' is subjective and largely depends on your precise needs and preferences. To navigate this decision effectively, consider a few key factors:

- The location of the building

- The type of building

- The desired final appearance

- The longevity of your guttering

Using these factors, you can make a more informed choice that aligns with your project’s requirements. Now, let's explore the various guttering materials and helpful product recommendations to guide your selection.
 

Plastic Guttering

PVCu guttering is an excellent choice for those searching for a reliable and cost-effective system. This lightweight material is not only easy to handle and install, but it also offers impressive durability. Once in place, it resists corrosion and can endure extreme temperatures or heavy rainfall without compromising performance. 

What truly sets plastic guttering apart is its versatility. It can morph into various designs and colours, complementing diverse architectural styles. Our Brett Martin guttering is a prime example of this flexibility. Their sleek and glossy plastic gutters create a sharp, modern look for new builds. On the other hand, their heritage-inspired PVCu cast iron effect guttering offers an authentic, timeless touch for period properties and historic restorations. See the cast iron-style guttering pictured below for a closer look at its traditional design.
 

Cast Iron Guttering

Cast iron guttering is an excellent choice if you're looking for durability and a classic appeal. It has been a popular choice since the Industrial Revolution, thanks to its timeless elegance, remarkable strength, and low maintenance requirements. When installed correctly, cast iron can last up to 100 years and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life – a sustainable option that truly stands the test of time.

The only downside is its weight and slightly higher cost than other materials. However, Drainage Central proudly offers competitive premium cast iron guttering prices from trusted manufacturers like ARP and Hargreaves Foundry.

Copper Guttering 

Copper guttering is another stylish choice that suits everything from modern homes to historic residences. It looks elegant, but it’s also surprisingly durable. Copper’s natural toxicity to plant life helps prevent moss and algae growth, and as it ages, it develops a beautiful green-blue patina that slows deterioration. These innate qualities help reduce ongoing maintenance and increase overall durability. Finally, after its long life span, you can fully recycle it. 

If you’re intrigued by this charming gutter material, consider products from renowned suppliers such as Lindab and Metal Gutta. 

Aluminium Guttering

Aluminium guttering is popular due to its strength, lightweight nature, and exceptional durability. It offers the flexibility to rival plastic guttering but with better thermal stability, which helps maintain structural integrity and reduces the risk of leaks.

In addition to its functionality, aluminium guttering has incredible visual appeal, similar to traditional cast iron but much lighter and rust-resistant. It’s also immune to sun bleaching, ensuring a clean, polished look throughout its 30-year lifespan. Browse fixings from leading manufacturers like Aluminium Roofline Products (ARP) to obtain this guttering in a mill finish or powder-coated in your choice of RAL/BS colours.

Steel Guttering

Steel is an excellent material for guttering because it is lighter than traditional cast iron, more manageable than aluminium, and better at handling thermal movement than plastic guttering. It’s also very environmentally friendly.

The most sought-after variety is galvanised steel. In particular, we recommend Lindab’s Magestic range, which features a reinforced magnesium zinc alloy coating and a self-healing finish. Its unique composition provides twenty times the corrosion resistance of hot-dipped galvanised steel. This exceptional durability makes it ideal for demanding environments, including coastal areas where saltwater erosion is a pressing concern.

Stainless Steel Guttering

Stainless steel is another prominent option for guttering, known for its strength, minimal maintenance, and complete recyclability. With a lifespan of at least 100 years, it proves to be a highly cost-effective option. Its appealing, shiny surface finish will remain mostly unchanged over time, though slight tarnishing may occur depending on the property's location.

We recommend using stainless steel guttering by Metal Gutta for a hassle-free installation, as it requires no specialised tools. Instead, you can quickly assemble the components using silicone sealant and stainless steel pop rivets. 

Zinc Guttering

Zinc is one of the most cost-effective and adaptable materials for guttering. It requires minimal decoration and maintenance – just the occasional removal of leaves and debris. Despite its low upkeep, products like Metal Gutta Natural Zinc Guttering boast an impressive lifespan of over 100 years, making it a financially savvy investment. 

One thing to remember is that the look of zinc guttering will begin to change within weeks of installation, gradually transitioning through shades of grey and sometimes turning white in coastal areas. The timeline for this colour change depends on factors such as your property’s location, local weather conditions, proximity to the sea, and levels of acidic pollution. 

Enjoy Competitive Pricing on All Gutter Material Types.

Now that you’re well acquainted with the various gutter materials and their distinct characteristics, it's time to stock up on supplies for your project. At Drainage Central, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality products from leading manufacturers at competitive prices – all backed by efficient and reliable delivery services. 

Browse our complete inventory today, and if you have any enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us on 03302 230 275 or email [email protected], and our team will find the right solution for your needs.