What is the standard bracket spacing for gutters?

In the UK, gutter brackets (fascia brackets) should be spaced at a maximum of 600mm centres. For areas prone to heavy snow, reducing this to 400mm or 500mm provides extra support to prevent the gutter from sagging or breaking.

How much 'fall' should a gutter have?

A gutter should have a slight gradient towards the downpipe outlet. The industry standard is 1mm of fall for every 600mm of length (a ratio of 1:600). This ensures water flows effectively without pooling.

What is the difference between Half-round and Square guttering?

Half-round is the most traditional and cost-effective profile. Square (or Ogee) guttering has a higher flow capacity and is often chosen for modern houses or areas with high rainfall. Deepflow gutters are extra deep for very large roof areas.

Do I need expansion gaps in my gutters?

Yes. Plastic gutters expand and contract significantly with temperature changes. Most modern gutter fittings have 'expansion marks' inside the unions and corners. You should slide the gutter into the fitting up to these marks, not all the way to the back.

What is the standard bracket spacing for gutters?

In the UK, gutter brackets (fascia brackets) should be spaced at a maximum of 600mm centres. For areas prone to heavy snow, reducing this to 400mm or 500mm provides extra support to prevent the gutter from sagging or breaking.

How much 'fall' should a gutter have?

A gutter should have a slight gradient towards the downpipe outlet. The industry standard is 1mm of fall for every 600mm of length (a ratio of 1:600). This ensures water flows effectively without pooling.

What is the difference between Half-round and Square guttering?

Half-round is the most traditional and cost-effective profile. Square (or Ogee) guttering has a higher flow capacity and is often chosen for modern houses or areas with high rainfall. Deepflow gutters are extra deep for very large roof areas.

Do I need expansion gaps in my gutters?

Yes. Plastic gutters expand and contract significantly with temperature changes. Most modern gutter fittings have 'expansion marks' inside the unions and corners. You should slide the gutter into the fitting up to these marks, not all the way to the back.

Guttering Material Calculator

Complete component takeoff for rainwater systems.

Total Gutter Run Length (m)

Downpipe Height (m)

Gutter Section Length

Max Bracket Spacing

Component List

Fitting Tip: For every downpipe outlet, you will also need a **Running Outlet** or **Stop End Outlet**. Remember to order **Stop Ends** for each end of your gutter run.

Rainwater Management: Protecting Your Foundations

Essential Drainage

Guttering is the unsung hero of your home's exterior. By effectively directing rainwater away from your walls and foundations, it prevents damp, rot, and structural damage.

Our **guttering calculator** simplifies the process of ordering the correct number of sections and brackets, ensuring you have everything needed for a watertight installation.

Gutter Profiles

Half-RoundStandard Capacity

Square / OgeeHigh Capacity

DeepflowMax Capacity

The Secret to No Leaks

The most common cause of leaking gutters is debris buildup or failing rubber seals.

Before installing new guttering, ensure your **fascia boards** are in good condition. When joining sections, use a silicone-based gutter lubricant on the seals. This allows the gutter to slide easily during thermal expansion and prevents the seals from drying out and cracking over time.

Bracket Placement

Always place a bracket within 150mm of every union, corner, and outlet. This provides essential support at the weakest points of the system where the weight of the water is most likely to cause a dip.

Downpipe Outlets

A single standard 112mm downpipe can usually handle a roof area of up to 50m². If your roof is larger or exceptionally steep, you should install additional downpipes to prevent the gutters from overflowing during heavy storms.

Pro Tip: Leaf Guards

If your house is near trees, consider installing **Gutter Guards** (brushes or grids). These prevent leaves from entering the system, reducing the need for annual cleaning and preventing costly blockages in your underground drainage.

Guttering & Drainage FAQ

Project Disclaimer

Material estimates are based on standard linear runs. If your roof has many corners, offsets, or unconventional downpipe routes (e.g. around a chimney breast), you will need to manually add the specific specialized fittings to your order.