The main task of the gutter system is to drain rainwater away from the building. The appropriate selection of individual installation elements therefore affects the level of safety and comfort of the building's users. This obligation usually falls on the roof contractor, because gutters are purchased and installed together with the roofing. Each installer should therefore consider what factors to consider in the decision-making process.
In this article you will learn:
- what does the gutter system consist of,
- what types of gutters are available on the market,
- what to consider when selecting gutters,
- how to drain and store rainwater.
What components does a gutter system consist of?
For the average user, a gutter system is simply a few pipes running along the edges of the roof and walls of a building. However, an experienced installer knows that it is a complex structure comprising many elements with different functions. Their selection and adjustment determines the functionality and safety of the entire system. So what does the installation consist of?
- Gutters - characterized by an open cross-section and running along the edge of the roof. They are one of the two key elements of the entire system. Their function is to collect water from the roof surface. They are installed with a slight slope towards the corners of the building, which allows rainwater to flow freely into the downpipes. In addition to classic round gutters, some manufacturers also offer rectangular or elliptical pipes, as well as variants with a deeper profile intended for the most demanding customers.
- Downpipes - the second key element of the system, which is mounted vertically on the walls of the building. The gutters are characterized by a closed cross-section and a shape adapted to the gutters. Their task is to lead the water flowing from the roof outside the building area.
- Drains - fittings used to connect gutters with downpipes. There are through drains and end drains on the market.
- Corners - these are the elements necessary to connect the gutters in the corners of the building - both external and internal.
- Spouts - as the name suggests, these fittings direct rainwater into the sewage system or into the ground.
- Clamps - universal accessories for mounting downpipes on building walls.
- Hooks - structural elements that are primarily intended to support gutters. They provide them with permanent attachment to rafters or battens.
- Gutters - additional mounting accessories for gutters, which adapt to the shape of the roof and the planned slope of the pipes.
- Connectors - various types of elements used to connect both gutters and downpipes. In the latter case, they may take the form of elbows, tees, reductions or sleeves.
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It is worth remembering that in addition to the above elements, which you will find in every gutter system, there are also additional parts available on the market. They are used only in some cases - to supplement or finish the installation. These include:
- Chains - sometimes replacing downpipes.
- Gargoyles - which also replace downpipes, and sometimes also perform a decorative function (for example, they take the shape of gargoyles, etc.).
- Covers - i.e. elements that retain water in gutters .
- Strainers - retaining dirt and ensuring the patency of pipes.
- Inspections - allowing easy inspection and cleaning of downpipes.
- Rainwater catchers - i.e. elements enabling the drainage of rainwater into a special tank.
What types of gutters do we distinguish?
The gutters available on the market differ primarily in the material from which they are made:
- PVC - PVC gutters are the cheapest solution, but they are also functional. Because these pipes come in a variety of colors, they can be easily matched to any roof covering. These types of gutters are resistant to corrosion, harsh weather conditions, and various types of mechanical damage.
- Coated sheet metal - this is the choice that is considered the most resistant to mechanical damage. Although these gutters are made of galvanized steel, their external coatings are dyed in various colors, which makes it easier to match them to a specific project. The durability of elements of this type is estimated at 25 - 50 years, but deeper scratches in their case can accelerate the corrosion process.
- Aluminum - aluminum sheet gutters have excellent anti-corrosion properties and their service life is up to 50 years. The metal can be varnished, painted or coated with a protective material, so this type of pipes are also available in a wide range of colors.
- Copper - this is an expensive solution, considered a luxury. Copper sheet is not covered with any other layer, so it retains its color, which over time becomes covered with a greenish patina. Although it has anti-corrosion properties, it can cause rusting of steel, aluminum or zinc-titanium sheet if it comes into contact with it.
In stores you will also find zinc-titanium gutters , which can be compared to copper in a way. They are available only in their natural graphite color, are characterized by a high level of durability and... cost a lot.
As mentioned earlier, gutters can also differ in shape and size. The latter parameter should be strictly dependent on the roof surface.
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What should you consider when selecting guttering?
The appropriate selection of individual elements of the gutter system guarantees its efficiency and the safety of the building's users. In order to provide the building with reliable guttering, the contractor responsible for the roof design should be guided primarily by the size of the roof covering. This is a factor that is crucial for the selection of the diameter of the pipes.
Before buying gutters, you should therefore calculate the so-called Effective Roof Area. Knowing its value, you can match specific gutters to the project. Approximate estimates allow you to reduce this principle to the following allocations:
- small roof area (up to 50 m2 ) - recommended gutters with a diameter of 100 mm and downpipes with a diameter of 75 - 80 mm,
- medium roof (50 - 100 m2 ) - recommended gutters with a diameter of 125 mm and downpipes with a diameter of 90 mm,
- large roof area (over 100 m2 ) - recommended gutters with a diameter of 150 or 190 mm and downpipes with a diameter of 110 - 120 mm.
When selecting roof gutters for a building, you should of course also consider the criteria mentioned earlier, i.e. material and color. These are factors that should be dependent on, among other things, weather conditions, as well as the architectural style of the building.
Rainwater storage
It is worth making your customers aware that an effective gutter system can be used to drain and collect rainwater. Simply supplement the installation with a capacious rainwater tank . The rainwater collected in it is great for, among other things:
- watering the lawn or plants in the garden,
- household chores such as cleaning the driveway or washing the car,
- certain household activities, such as flushing the toilet.
Check out the rainwater tanks at the Onninen wholesaler
When looking for reliable rainwater tanks, as well as individual elements of the gutter system for your customers, be sure to check out the Roth , Wavin and Geberit brand ranges available at the Onninen installation wholesaler !
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