The Floplast Niagara Ogee gutter system is renowned for its distinctive fluted front edge and is a popular choice among homeowners and builders alike. If you're contemplating whether to opt for a decorative guttering system like Ogee rather than the more traditional half round or square gutters, here are some key facts to consider.
Kerb Appeal
The primary reason for choosing an Ogee gutter is its aesthetic appeal. The molded feature lines along the front face of the gutter enhance the overall appearance of any style of house, whether modern or traditional. In white, it pairs beautifully with contemporary PVC fascias, while in darker colors, it adds a touch of elegance and tradition. The Cast Iron Effect option is particularly striking, providing an outstanding visual that evokes a classic charm.
Large Capacity
One of the lesser-known benefits of Ogee gutters is their impressive flow rates and carrying capacity. The Floplast Niagara Ogee system boasts flow rates that are over twice that of half round gutters and exceed those of both square and Deep Flow systems. This makes it an ideal choice for larger or steeper roof areas where efficient water management is essential.
Choice of Brackets
The Ogee gutter system offers flexibility in bracket choice. Users can select traditional fascia brackets that support the gutter from underneath, or opt for top-hung internal brackets that clip to a lip on the inside of the gutter. The latter is particularly popular for bungalows and conservatories, as it provides a clean, uninterrupted visual line when viewed from below. However, it's important to note that Ogee guttering requires more fascia brackets—one for every 0.8 meters of gutter—as opposed to one per meter for half round or square systems.
Colour Choice
The Ogee gutter system is available in a variety of colors, mirroring the popular choices for square gutters. The classic colors—Black, White, Anthracite Grey, and Brown—are readily available, along with unique options such as Caramel and the eye-catching Cast Iron Effect.
Cast Iron Effect
The Cast Iron Effect option is arguably the most visually appealing guttering choice in the Floplast lineup. With a satin, textured finish reminiscent of Victorian-era guttering, it adds a timeless elegance to any property. The Cast Iron Effect Ogee is compatible with both round and square downpipes, both of which are stunning in appearance. The Ogee fluted hopper head is designed specifically for this system and is so aesthetically pleasing that many people use it decoratively as planters or wall hangings.
Things to Watch Out For
When installing Ogee gutters, it's important to remember that they are asymmetrical due to their fluted front edge. Some fittings, like stop ends, are handed (left or right). To determine which you need, simply stand in front of the gutter run: a right-hand stop end fits the right-hand end of the run.
Additionally, gutter angles come in internal or external types. To identify which you need, stand in front of the corner in question; if you can see both sides, it's an internal angle (typically at the bottom of a valley). Conversely, if one side disappears around a corner you can't see, it's external (often found at the bottom of a hipped roof).
Should you need to connect to adjacent guttering that isn't an Ogee system, Floplast offers a range of adaptors compatible with most manufacturers' half round and square systems. Just remember that these adaptors will also need to be specified as left or right handed.
The Floplast Niagara Ogee gutter system not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also provides functional benefits like increased capacity and flexibility in installation. With a variety of colors and styles available, it's a fantastic option for anyone looking to upgrade their guttering system.
