When it comes to replacing parts of an existing guttering system, it's typically a straightforward task. However, to avoid any fitting complications, it's crucial to ensure you're purchasing compatible guttering. Not all gutters and fittings are identical, so identifying the exact type of gutters already in place is essential before starting your repairs. At EasyMerchant, we frequently receive queries about how to recognize the specific gutter types used on roofs or buildings our clients are working on. To assist with this, we've created this guide to help you order the right replacement pipes or parts, or a compatible alternative.
Key Takeaways:
- Look for product codes or manufacturer logos on the gutters and their fittings.
Begin by carefully inspecting the current guttering system. Try to locate either a product code, which most gutter systems have imprinted during manufacturing, or a manufacturer logo or name. These details are often found on the gutter fittings—either on the bottom or the outside—or on downpipes. Be mindful that the information might face the wall, so you may need to remove a section of the gutter to check thoroughly. Additionally, cleaning the gutters and removing debris can make it easier to spot these details. Once you've found the necessary information, jot it down using pen and paper or take a photo with your phone.
If you manage to find a product code on the gutters, it can sometimes be sufficient to identify the correct manufacturer and find the appropriate guttering. Check the first few letters or digits of the code to see if they match any of the brands listed below:
- BR – Brett Martin
- FDF – Freeflow
- FOG – Freeflow
- FRR – Freeflow
- FRS – Freeflow
- OT – Osma / Wavin
- R – FloPlast, Polypipe or Marley (confirmation needed via logo)
- RC – Marley Plumbing & Drainage (confirmation via logo required)
- RD – Polypipe (logo confirmation needed)
- RG – Marley Plumbing & Drainage (logo confirmation required)
- RH – Polypipe (logo confirmation needed)
- RL – Polypipe (logo confirmation needed)
- RM – Polypipe (logo confirmation needed)
- ROG – Polypipe (logo confirmation needed)
- RR – Polypipe (logo confirmation needed)
- RS – Polypipe (logo confirmation needed)
- VR – Hunter Plastics
- WR – Hunter Plastics
- 4T – Osma / Wavin
- 5T – Osma / Wavin
- 7T – Osma / Wavin
- 8T – Osma / Wavin
- 9T – Osma / Wavin
- AO – Aquaflow
- AB – Aquaflow
- AK – Aquaflow
- AC – Aquaflow
- AO – Aquaflow
- AU – Aquaflow
If the product code alone doesn't suffice for identification, the next step is to look for any brand name or logo on the gutter section. All major UK guttering manufacturers, along with many international ones, print their logos or business names on their fittings. However, these details can sometimes be hidden on the inside of the gutter or near threaded areas, making them less obvious.
In cases where you can identify a logo but cannot read it fully due to wear and tear, or if the logo only shows a partial motif, here are the full logos of some of the most common manufacturers to aid in identification:
It's important to note that PVC gutters tend to last for many years, while aluminum, cast iron, and copper gutters can last several decades. This means you might encounter a brand name or logo of a company that no longer exists or has been acquired by another manufacturer. In such instances, it's possible that your discontinued guttering is compatible with products currently manufactured by leading brands. For example, many gutter pipes made by defunct manufacturers like Hepworth or Marshall Tufflex can be successfully replaced with FloPlast products. Both Polypipe and Freeflow offer compatible alternatives for numerous discontinued downpipe models.
Additionally, it's vital to know the correct gutter profile you need, as various types are available in the UK, including Victorian-inspired ogee gutters, half-round gutters, box or square gutters, and deep-flow profiles. Each profile not only has a unique style and appearance suited to different home aesthetics but also impacts the volume of rainfall they can handle. The material of your gutters also matters since aluminum, cast iron, copper, and PVC each have distinct advantages and disadvantages regarding maintenance, finish, longevity, cost, cleaning, and corrosion. For more information about the common gutter profiles and materials used for residential and commercial properties in England, refer to this EasyMerchant blog post.
At EasyMerchant, we provide a wide range of guttering products in various materials, colors, and styles from trusted UK brands. If after following this guide you're still unsure about the type of guttering you need, we're here to answer questions and offer expert advice. We'll do everything possible to help you find the right materials for your construction or DIY project. Whenever possible, we recommend using gutters from the same brand for repairs. However, if achieving compatibility for your pipe fittings proves impossible due to their age and limited availability, we can also guide you on selecting adaptors as an alternative solution.
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