What is Ogee Guttering and Why Should You Care?
In my 18 years on the roof, I’ve noticed that most homeowners don’t give their gutters a second thought until water is pouring down their walls. When customers ask me about upgrading their drainage, I often point them toward Ogee guttering. It’s not just a fancy name; ‘Ogee’ refers to the distinct ‘S’ shaped profile that looks like a decorative crown molding. It’s a step up from the standard half-round gutters you see on every other house in Brighton and Hove.
If you ask me, I’ll tell you straight: Ogee is the perfect middle ground between traditional aesthetics and modern performance. It looks particularly stunning on the Victorian and Edwardian properties we have around Sussex, but it works just as well on a modern extension if you want to add a bit of character.
The Practical Benefits: It’s Not Just About Looks
While the decorative edge is a big selling point, the real reason I recommend Ogee guttering is its capacity. Because of its shape, it can actually hold and move more water than a standard round gutter of the same width. In our part of the world, where we get those heavy coastal downpours, that extra volume can be the difference between a dry home and a damp problem.
When I am performing a new guttering and downpipe installation, I always check if the existing system was overwhelmed. If you’ve seen water overshooting your current gutters, Ogee is often the solution I suggest. It’s deeper and wider at the top, catching more of that runoff from your roof tiles.
Installing Ogee Guttering Correcty
I’ve seen many DIY attempts go wrong with Ogee profiles. Because the back of the gutter is flat, it needs to be seated perfectly against the fascia to prevent ‘back-flow’ where water gets trapped behind the gutter and rots your woodwork. This is why I often suggest replacing your old uPVC fascia boards at the same time if they show any signs of soft spots or aging.
Here is my honest advice: don’t cut corners on the brackets. Ogee gutters hold more water, which means they are heavier when it rains. I always use extra-strength brackets spaced closely together to ensure the system doesn’t sag over time. If you aren’t sure about the state of your current setup, you can always book a free roof inspection and I’ll take a look at your levels and flow rates personally.
Transparency in Pricing and Process
I know the roofing industry has a reputation for being a bit ‘cloak and dagger’ with prices. I do things differently. If you’re considering an upgrade, you can use the calculators on my site to get a realistic idea of costs. For larger jobs that require height access, I even provide a scaffolding price calculator so there are no surprises when the bill arrives.
Once we agree on a fixed-price quote, you get access to my Client Portal. I’ll upload daily photo logs so you can see exactly how your new Ogee system is being installed without having to climb a ladder yourself. It’s all about total transparency.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Like any system, Ogee needs a bit of love. Because of the ‘S’ shape, debris can sometimes get caught in the curves more easily than in a smooth round gutter. I recommend a quick clear-out once a year—usually after the leaves have finished falling in autumn. If you notice a leak before then, don’t wait for it to damage your masonry. You can use my emergency leak repair booking system to get me on-site fast to sort it out.
In my experience, if you invest in a quality uPVC Ogee system and have it fitted correctly from the start, it will easily protect your home for 20 years or more. It’s a smart, stylish choice that actually does its job when the Sussex weather turns nasty.