With dozens of gutter profiles, materials, and sizes available, choosing the right system can be overwhelming. This guide explains every type of guttering sold in the UK, what each one is designed for, and how to choose between them. Whether you are replacing guttering on a terraced house or specifying a system for a commercial building, this guide covers it.
Guttering Profiles Explained
The profile is the shape of the gutter when viewed from the end. Each profile has a different appearance, flow capacity, and typical application. Here are the main profiles available in the UK.
Half Round Guttering
Half round guttering is the most common profile in the UK. It has a simple curved shape like a tube cut in half. Found on the majority of UK houses built from the Victorian era onwards. It is the default choice for most domestic installations and the first profile most people think of when they picture guttering.
Half round is available in every material: PVC (112mm to 114mm), cast iron, cast aluminium, extruded aluminium, steel, and copper. Standard PVC half round is the cheapest guttering option and the easiest to install yourself. If you are unsure which profile you need, half round is almost always the right answer for a standard UK house.
Square Line Guttering
Square line guttering has a flat front face and angular shape that gives a more modern appearance than half round. Popular on new builds, extensions, and contemporary properties. It offers slightly higher flow capacity than half round of the same width because the flat base holds more water.
Available in PVC from FloPlast (114mm), Osma (100mm), and Marshall Tufflex (114mm). Also available in Lindab steel as a rectangular profile. Choose square line when you want a modern, angular look or when replacing existing square guttering.
Ogee Guttering
Ogee guttering has a decorative S shaped front face that gives an ornate, traditional appearance. It is the profile most associated with Victorian and Edwardian properties and is commonly specified by conservation officers for heritage restorations. The name comes from the ogee moulding profile used in classical architecture.
Available in PVC (FloPlast Niagara 110mm, Marshall Tufflex Universal Plus 128mm), cast iron style PVC (Brett Martin Cascade Prostyle 106mm), cast iron, cast aluminium, and copper. Important: ogee stop ends are handed (left and right) unlike half round and square which are universal.
Deepflow Guttering
Deepflow guttering has a deeper channel than standard half round, giving significantly higher water carrying capacity. Designed for properties with larger roof areas, low pitched roofs, or in high rainfall regions where standard profiles overflow. The shape varies by brand but is generally a deeper version of half round or a semi-elliptical profile.
Available in PVC from FloPlast (Hi-Cap 115mm), Osma (DeepLine 113mm), Marshall Tufflex (Universal XL 114mm), Brett Martin Cascade (Deepstyle 115mm in cast iron effect), and Marley Alutec Evolve in extruded aluminium. Also available as Alumasc Heritage Beaded Deep Run in cast aluminium for period properties.
Mini Guttering
Mini guttering (FloPlast Miniflo 76mm) is a compact profile designed specifically for sheds, garages, porches, conservatories, and small outbuildings. It is not suitable for houses. The smaller size keeps the system proportionate to smaller structures where standard 112mm guttering would look oversized.
Box Guttering
Box guttering has a square profile with a flat base and straight sides. Less common on domestic properties but found on certain commercial, industrial, and public buildings. Available in cast iron and copper. The flat base provides excellent flow capacity.
Industrial and Commercial Guttering
For large commercial, industrial, and agricultural buildings, standard domestic guttering profiles are not large enough. Industrial systems start at 170mm and go up to 150mm+ for the largest applications.
PVC Industrial: FloPlast 170mm Xtraflo and Osma 150mm RoofLine are the largest PVC systems, designed for warehouses, factories, and large commercial buildings.
Osma Commercial Range: Osma offers a stepped range of commercial sizes — StormLine 111mm for large domestic and light commercial, SuperLine 125mm for schools and offices, and RoofLine 150mm for the largest industrial buildings.
Brett Martin Cascade: The 170mm High Capacity system offers industrial scale guttering with a cast iron effect finish, useful on agricultural buildings and commercial premises where appearance matters.
Cast Iron: Large format cast iron is available in sizes up to 150mm for heritage commercial buildings and churches.
Steel: Lindab steel is available in sizes up to 190mm half round for commercial and agricultural use.
Guttering Materials Explained
The material determines the cost, lifespan, maintenance needs, and appearance of your guttering system.
PVC Guttering
PVC (plastic) guttering is the most popular material in the UK. Lightweight, cheap, easy to install, and maintenance free. Available in all profiles from mini to industrial. Main brands are FloPlast, Osma, and Marshall Tufflex. Typical lifespan is 20 to 30 years. Available in black, white, brown, grey, and anthracite grey. The clip fit system means no specialist tools are needed for installation. See our PVC guttering installation guide for step by step instructions.
Cast Iron Style PVC Guttering
Cast iron style PVC guttering from Brett Martin Cascade has a textured black finish that closely replicates the look of genuine cast iron at a fraction of the weight, cost, and maintenance. Available in half round (Roundstyle), deepflow (Deepstyle), ogee (Prostyle), and high capacity (170mm). Widely used on period properties and in conservation areas as a cost effective alternative to genuine cast iron, though some listed buildings require the real thing.
Cast Iron Guttering
Cast iron guttering is the traditional material used on period UK properties. Heavy, durable, and authentic, it is still specified on many listed buildings and in conservation areas. Available in half round, beaded half round, deep half round, Victorian ogee, moulded ogee G46, and box profiles. Supplied primed and must be painted every 3 to 5 years to prevent rust. Can last 50 to 100+ years with proper maintenance. Significantly heavier than other materials — two people needed for installation.
Cast Aluminium Guttering
Cast aluminium guttering (Alumasc Heritage) is designed as a direct replacement for cast iron. Cast using traditional techniques to replicate the look and feel of cast iron, it weighs roughly a third as much, never rusts, never needs painting, and carries a 40 year guarantee. Available in half round, Victorian ogee, moulded ogee, beaded half round, and beaded deep run. Any RAL colour. The go to choice for listed buildings where the conservation officer accepts aluminium over cast iron.
Extruded Aluminium Guttering
Extruded aluminium guttering (Marley Alutec Evolve) is manufactured from marine grade aluminium with a modern, clean finish. Lighter and cheaper than cast aluminium, with a snap fit jointing system for fast installation. Available in half round and deepflow. 25 year guarantee. Ideal for modern new builds and contemporary properties where a metal gutter is desired without the heritage premium of cast aluminium.
Steel Guttering
Steel guttering from Lindab is manufactured from hot dip galvanised steel with a polyester powder coated finish. Stronger and more rigid than PVC, available in over 10 colours including metallic finishes. Available in half round and rectangular profiles. 15 year guarantee. A mid range option between PVC and aluminium. Not recommended for coastal properties within 1km of the sea where salt air can attack the galvanised coating.
Copper Guttering
Copper guttering is the ultimate premium material. Available in half round, ogee, and box profiles. Life expectancy of 100 years or more with virtually zero maintenance. Develops a distinctive green patina (verdigris) over time that is both protective and highly prized aesthetically. The most expensive upfront but the cheapest per year of service over its lifespan. Professional installation recommended as joints are soldered.
Which Material Should I Choose?
Standard domestic property: PVC — cheapest, easiest to install, 20-30 year lifespan.
Period property (not listed): Cast iron style PVC (Brett Martin Cascade) — authentic appearance without the maintenance.
Listed building or conservation area: Cast aluminium (Alumasc Heritage) or cast iron — check with your conservation officer which is required.
Modern new build wanting metal: Extruded aluminium (Marley Alutec Evolve) or steel (Lindab).
Prestige property or long term investment: Copper — 100+ year lifespan, zero maintenance, unique natural patina.
Commercial or industrial building: PVC industrial (FloPlast Xtraflo), Osma SuperLine/RoofLine, or Lindab steel depending on size and budget.
Choosing the Right Size
Guttering size depends on your roof area and local rainfall intensity. Standard domestic sizes range from 76mm (mini) to 114mm (half round and square). High capacity domestic sizes go from 113mm to 128mm (deepflow and ogee). Commercial and industrial sizes range from 125mm to 170mm+. For a detailed guide on calculating the right size for your property, see our what size guttering do I need guide.
Brand Compatibility Warning
Different PVC guttering brands are not compatible with each other. FloPlast, Osma, and Marshall Tufflex use different bracket designs, seal positions, and outlet configurations even on profiles that share similar dimensions. Never mix components from different brands on the same run. If you need to connect two different brands, use a gutter adaptor.
Types of Guttering FAQ
What is the most common type of guttering in the UK? 112mm half round PVC is fitted on the majority of UK homes. FloPlast half round is the most widely stocked brand.
What type of guttering lasts the longest? Copper lasts 100+ years. Cast iron lasts 50-100 years with regular painting. Cast aluminium lasts 40-50 years maintenance free. Steel lasts 25-30 years. PVC lasts 20-30 years.
What type of guttering does not need painting? PVC, aluminium, steel, and copper all come pre-finished and never need painting. Only cast iron requires regular painting every 3 to 5 years.
What type of guttering is best for a Victorian house? For an authentic period appearance, cast iron ogee or cast aluminium ogee. For a cost effective alternative, Brett Martin Cascade Prostyle or FloPlast Niagara ogee in PVC.
Can I install guttering myself? PVC guttering is designed for DIY installation with a simple clip fit system. Cast iron, cast aluminium, and copper are heavier and require specialist jointing — professional installation is recommended. See our PVC installation guide.
How many brackets do I need? One fascia bracket every 600mm for half round and square, every 500mm for ogee and deepflow. Plus a union bracket at every joint. See our gutter brackets page for spacing guides.
Need Help Choosing?
If you are unsure which type of guttering is right for your property, call us on 03330 151860. Our team will help you choose the right profile, material, and size based on your property type, roof area, and budget. We stock over 10,000 rainwater products in PVC, cast iron, aluminium, steel, and copper, all available for fast UK delivery from gutters.co.uk.