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Half-round for traditional homes, square for modern — capacity, look and cost compared.
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Top tips
Hiring a guttering, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Half-round catches more debris
The deeper U-shape holds leaves and silt. Hedgehog brushes help.
Square gutter overflow at corners
Sharp 90° corners cause turbulence in heavy rain. Use angled outlets, not 90° elbows.
Wrong profile for the house
Square on a Georgian house looks anachronistic. Match the period or architectural style.
Mixing profiles
Connectors only fit within their own range. Don't try to mix half-round and square — order new throughout.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
uPVC half-round 112mm per metreMost popular UK domestic size
£3–£8
uPVC square 114mm per metreModern alternative
£4–£10
uPVC ogee 114mm per metreHeritage profile, hidden behind facade
£6–£14
Aluminium half-round per metrePremium domestic
£15–£30
Cast iron half-round per metreHeritage
£45–£85
Install labour (both profiles)Per metre
£20–£50
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Guttering briefing.
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Guttering explained
Half-round and square are the two dominant gutter profiles in UK domestic guttering. Half-round is the traditional choice with about 60% UK market share; square is more modern and self-cleans better. Expect both to cost similar amounts to fit — choose based on look, drainage capacity and architectural style.
What Does the Work Involve?
Both profiles install the same way — brackets at 600mm centres, gutter lengths clipped or connected, joint connectors with rubber seals, outlets and downpipes. The choice is mostly aesthetic and capacity. Half-round gives a softer, traditional silhouette; square gives a more contemporary, defined edge. Most house styles can take either, though Victorian/Edwardian properties usually look better with ogee (a hybrid that includes a half-round inner profile with a decorative outer face).
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC half-round 112mm per metre | 3 | 8 | Most popular UK domestic size |
| uPVC square 114mm per metre | 4 | 10 | Modern alternative |
| uPVC deepflow 125mm per metre | 6 | 12 | Higher capacity, square or half-round |
| uPVC ogee 114mm per metre | 6 | 14 | Heritage profile, hidden behind facade |
| Aluminium half-round per metre | 15 | 30 | Premium domestic |
| Cast iron half-round per metre | 45 | 85 | Heritage |
| Install labour (both profiles) | 20 | 50 | Per metre |
How Long Does It Take?
Same install time for both — 1–2 days for a semi-detached, 2–3 for detached.
DIY or Professional?
Same DIY/professional consideration for both — eaves height is the challenge, not the profile.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Any guttering specialist fits both profiles. Ask which they prefer and why — most have a personal preference. Confirm the bracket centres are 600mm or less — wider spacing sags both profiles.
UK Regulations
Same regulations apply to both — Part H drainage, listed-building consent if appearance changes. No specific regulation prefers one profile.
Common Problems
- Half-round catches more debris: The deeper U-shape holds leaves and silt. Hedgehog brushes help.
- Square gutter overflow at corners: Sharp 90° corners cause turbulence in heavy rain. Use angled outlets, not 90° elbows.
- Wrong profile for the house: Square on a Georgian house looks anachronistic. Match the period or architectural style.
- Mixing profiles: Connectors only fit within their own range. Don't try to mix half-round and square — order new throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which profile holds more water?
Square 114mm holds about 15% more than half-round 112mm at the same depth — squares are slightly more efficient. Deepflow profiles (125mm in either shape) hold 40–60% more.
Which is better for heavy rainfall?
Deepflow profiles (125mm) in either half-round or square. For severe rainfall areas (Lake District, west coast Scotland) specify 125mm.
Are they the same price?
Roughly — square is typically 10–20% more than half-round at the same nominal size. Both ranges are widely stocked at UK builders' merchants.
Do square gutters look better on modern houses?
Generally yes — contemporary architecture suits the cleaner geometry. Half-round on a flat-roofed extension can look dated.
Which profile is easier to clean?
Half-round is slightly easier — wider opening at the top, no corners to catch silt. Square cleans well too with hedgehog brushes.
Can I mix half-round and square on one house?
Possible at different elevations (e.g. front and back) but not on the same run — connectors don't bridge profiles. Aesthetically it's usually best to keep the whole house consistent.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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