Ogee Gutter Installation
Complete guide to fitting ogee-profile guttering with union bracket joints, expansion management, and downpipe connection.
Safety Warning — Working at Height
This installation requires working at height. Use a scaffold tower or properly secured ladder in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Never lean or overreach. Wear non-slip footwear and always have a second person on site as a spotter.
What You'll Need
Tools
- Tape measure (minimum 5m)
- Spirit level or laser level
- String line and chalk line
- Hacksaw with fine-tooth blade
- Drill/driver with pilot bit
- Flat file and deburring tool
- Scaffold tower or secure ladder
- Pencil and permanent marker
Materials
- Ogee gutter lengths (4m)
- Ogee fascia brackets
- Union bracket joints
- Running outlets
- External / internal stop ends
- 65mm square or 68mm round downpipe
- Downpipe clips and fixings
- Stainless steel screws (4.0 × 30mm)
Technical Specifications
Step-by-Step Installation
1 Plan Outlet and Expansion Joint Positions
Identify downpipe discharge positions — ideally near corners or existing drainage points. For ogee systems, you must also plan expansion joint locations: place one every 4 metres maximum along the gutter run. On long elevations, consider a central outlet with the gutter falling in both directions. Mark all outlet, expansion joint, and stop end positions on the fascia.
2 Set the Fall Line
Ogee gutter requires a 3mm per metre fall towards each outlet. Fix your string line from the highest point to the outlet. The back edge of the gutter should sit just below the bottom tile course, so water drips directly into the gutter. Mark the fall line clearly on the fascia. Double-check using a spirit level — the decorative face of ogee gutter makes misalignment very visible from ground level.
3 Install the Running Outlet
Fix the running outlet at the marked position, aligning it with the fall line. The outlet also acts as a support bracket. Pre-drill and fix with stainless steel screws. Ensure the outlet spigot is vertical. If using a hopper head instead of a running outlet, fix the hopper and connect the downpipe before fitting the gutter above.
4 Fix Fascia Brackets
Install ogee fascia brackets at 1-metre maximum centres along the fall line. The ogee bracket is shaped to support the decorative profile — do not substitute half-round brackets. Place a bracket within 150mm of every joint, stop end, and angle. Pre-drill each fixing to avoid splitting the fascia. Brackets must be perfectly aligned with the string line for a clean visual finish.
5 Fit Gutter Lengths
Cut gutter lengths as required using a hacksaw. Always deburr cut ends — the ogee profile has more complex edges than half-round, so take extra care. Engage the back of the gutter into the bracket first, then press the front edge down until it clips securely. Work progressively from the outlet towards the high end.
6 Connect with Union Brackets
Ogee gutter lengths are joined using union brackets — these differ from half-round union clips. The union bracket supports the gutter at the joint and incorporates a rubber seal. Leave the expansion gap indicated on the fitting (typically 6mm). Clip the union bracket onto both gutter ends and fix the bracket to the fascia. The union bracket counts as a support point, so adjust adjacent bracket spacing accordingly.
7 Install Expansion Joints
At every 4m interval on long runs, fit a dedicated expansion joint fitting. This allows the gutter to move with thermal expansion and contraction without stressing joints or pulling brackets. The expansion joint has extended seals that allow pipe movement within the fitting. Do not glue or fix gutter directly to expansion joints — they must remain free to slide.
8 Fit Stop Ends and Downpipe
Push-fit ogee stop ends onto each open gutter end. Check seal engagement. Install the downpipe from the running outlet using offset bends where needed to bring the pipe back to the wall line. Fix downpipe clips at 1.8m maximum centres. Connect the base to a shoe, back inlet gully, or underground drainage.
9 Test and Inspect
Run a hosepipe from the high end of the gutter and inspect every joint, bracket, and connection for leaks. Check the fall by observing water flow — it should move steadily towards the outlet with no pooling. View the gutter from ground level to verify the visual alignment of the ogee profile — any misaligned brackets will be obvious on this decorative profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using half-round brackets for ogee gutter — The profiles are different. Ogee gutter requires ogee-specific brackets for correct support and alignment.
- Forgetting expansion joints — On any run over 4m, an expansion joint is essential. Without it, thermal movement will stress joints and distort the gutter.
- Poor bracket alignment — Ogee's flat decorative face makes misaligned brackets far more obvious than with half-round. Take time to get the string line right.
- Incorrect fall — As with any gutter, a minimum 3mm/m fall is essential. Pooled water in the decorative channels of ogee looks unsightly and promotes algae.
- Mixing systems — Never mix ogee components from different manufacturers. Profiles vary and components will not seal correctly.
- Skipping the water test — Always test before leaving site. A small leak at installation becomes a big callback later.
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