Rain gutters are important to protect homes from possible damage. They run along the base of a roof to catch and channel rainwater out and away from a building’s foundation. They also reduce the risks of flooding outside a building. By keeping water away from the soil, rain gutters can also protect gardens from siding and erosion.
There are many different rain gutter designs in the Philippines. If you’re planning to attach or repair yours, then it’s important to know their differences to help you find the best one for your needs. Homeowners and contractors should also compare the different rain gutter prices in the Philippines to make the best choice for their budget. With that, Union Galvasteel Corporation, one of the top roofing suppliers in the Philippines, will give you the common types of rain gutter designs in the Philippines. Read on!
When Are Rain Gutters Needed?
The rainy season is fast approaching! That said, it’s essential to check the roofs and gutters to prepare for the heavy downpours. Aside from knowing the Proper Roof Care tips for the Rainy Season, rain gutters must also get adequate attention.
To start, it’s important to know whether a structure really needs rain gutters. Here are some considerations:
1. If the roof has no overhang or only has a few inches of overhang, then water may accumulate against the foundation. This can also lead to damaged gardens and flower beds.
Aside from that, this can also drench people with rain when they go in or out of the house or building. Thus, gutters are a must for structures with little to no overhang.
On the other hand, if the roof peaks sharply or has an overhang of 12 inches or more, then rain gutters aren’t necessary. This is because rainwater will naturally cascade out and away from the structure instead of dripping straight down.
2. If the structure is slightly lower than the surrounding ground or landscaping, then rain gutters are needed. The gutters will channel rainwater far from the foundation, which means that the water will not pool in certain areas.
However, if the structure is higher than the surrounding landscape, then rain gutters may be optional. This is because water that drips down is unlikely to gather around the foundation.
3. If the structure is surrounded by concrete, then rain gutters may also be optional. For example, if there are walkways, driveways, or patios around the structure, then they may serve as a protective layer between the runoff and the foundation. However, gutters may still be added to ensure that those walking in and out of the structure won’t get drenched by rainwater or encounter any accident due to slippery floors.
Examples of Common Gutter Designs in the Philippines
1. Spanish Gutter
Spanish gutters have curved sides, which provides a good aesthetic for many homes. They may be lined with asphalt, EPDM rubber, roofing felt, or even metal. Though known as Spanish gutters in the Philippines, they are also called “inside gutters,” “parallel gutters,” and “trough gutters” in other countries.
Spanish gutters are used in the middle of two parallel surfaces. For example, the space between parallel roofs, or between a roof and a parapet wall.
Box gutters function the same way as Spanish gutters. However, Spanish gutters often have more curved designs, while box gutters are more angular.
2. Valley Gutters
A valley gutter, also called a valley flashing, is found between two fixed surfaces.
A valley gutter allows water to flow down from non-parallel intersections of roof surfaces, usually at right angles (90-degree corners) of pitched roofs. This means that valley gutters are formed when sloping roofs meet from different angles.
3. Half-Round Gutters
A half-round gutter is shaped like a tube that is cut in half. Though it can channel water very effectively, its narrow opening makes it prone to clogging from leaves and other types of debris. However, this can be easily remedied by installing leaf guards.
It’s also important to know that a half-round gutter has curved sides, which means that brackets may be needed to keep it in place. Half-round gutters are commonly found in homes built before the 1960s.
4. K-Style Gutters
They’re called “K-style” as these rain gutters resemble the letter “K” when viewed from the side. These have been the most common type of rain gutters for houses built within the last 50 years. They are easy to install and don’t require any brackets. They also have quite a decorative front side, which can resemble crown molding.
K-style rain gutters can also channel more water compared to half-round gutters, which is why they’re popular in the Philippines. However, homeowners should note that these types of gutters are harder to clean than half-round gutters because their inner angles are more prone to clogging.
5. Fascia Gutters
Custom-built fascia rain gutters are usually seen as more modern. However, these types of gutters aren’t sold in sections that fit together, unlike half-round or K-style gutters. This means that some seams of fascia gutters are more prone to rust and leaks.
However, fascia gutters are custom-built specific structures and are usually made from one long piece of aluminum. Though very sleek and elegant, fascia gutters are also more expensive and need to be professionally installed.
Where to Get Gutter Supplies in the Philippines
Union Galvasteel Corporation offers different types of rain gutter designs in the Philippines and other roofing and bended accessories for your next construction project. We always ensure that our products are flexible and with various applications while remaining environmentally friendly. Due to this, we always challenge ourselves to innovate, to offer fresh products and ideas to the Filipino people.
Our company is a pioneer in the Philippine cement industry but is currently the market leader in the manufacturing and distribution of galvanized roofing and galvanized steel building products. We ensure that we create only the best by hiring the top talent, adhering to operational excellence, and ensuring that our technology is top-notch. We are relentless in exploring proactive ways towards improvement, which sets us apart from the rest in the field.
Learn more about the products and services by reaching out to us. We are committed to creating better lives for Filipinos and sharing our love for excellent products and service by proudly stating, “Sa tibay at ganda, panalo ka!”
