You don’t need to compromise on aesthetics or function when choosing a rainwater system for your home – Yeoman Rainguard explains why
Doing your calculations is key when it comes to installing the right rainwater system. To ensure that gutters and downpipes carry rainwater efficiently away from the roof and safely down to the drains, it’s best if a calculation of the water runoff from the roof is done – to ascertain the right pipe or gutter size required to avoid overspill and water ingress to the building.
A good rainwater supplier will, as one of their services, offer these calculations and suggest adequate sizes and profiles.
The number of gutters, downpipes, and accessories should also be quantified for an accurate quotation to be raised, resulting in, when an order is delivered, all elements arriving on site to ensure a complete first-time fitting negating time-wasting and re-ordering.
If you are confident, you can do the measurements for gutter, angles and pipe drops yourself, though suppliers can establish these quantities from architectural drawings if available. Some will offer a free site survey giving that extra security of the right quantity of products and fitting components for the project.
FUNCTION WITH AESTHETICS
With such a wide choice of products and materials now available, it is easier than ever to pair optimum performance with style. Select a profile that goes with the character of the house. For gutters,
usual profiles are MOG, COG, half round, or box, with a choice of round or square downpipes.
A contemporary look can be enhanced with simple shapes and a smooth finish adding to clean lines. For a heritage feel or to dovetail into classic design, or indeed to adhere to planning regulations, the more traditional profiles coupled with a textured surface are ideal.
A wide range of BS, RAL, or other ranges are now available to choose from, from a traditional black to a shade to match gutters and downpipes to fenestration, for example, such as an on-trend grey. Also, bold and contrasting shades are available.
Gutters and downpipes can be manufactured from a variety of materials. Which one you choose should be addressed on the basis of quality, durability and economics, with a thought also to be given to eco-friendly options.
Aluminium is a popular choice, being a very available and resilient material. Opt for an extruded product manufactured from 2 mm (or thicker) aluminium as it will be more robust and less prone to damage. Usually finished in a polyester powder coating to guard against the elements, aluminium systems will offer 30+ years of service, depending on environmental factors.
Aluminium is also a well-regarded ‘green’ material used by the housebuilding industry, being 100% recyclable. This eco-friendly credential along with its long-life cycle helps to reduce the carbon footprint of your building project.
Cast iron is the most traditional product for rainwater systems and is accepted for listed buildings and conservation areas. With a protective paint coating again, they can offer long service but require a re-paint every ten years or so to keep their condition. Before buying cast iron it may be wise to investigate if aluminium gutters would be an acceptable cost-effective alternative that is lightweight and easier to handle while still retaining that traditional feel.
Copper and zinc systems can offer a unique finish to a house facade. They are ultimately long-lasting and very eco-friendly. However, be prepared for the change in patina with these materials, the shiny surface will not last, as natural oxidisation takes over to change the hue.
MAKE INSTALLATION EASY
Whether you chose an installer or go DIY to fix your rainwater system make sure all fitting information is easily available from the supplier. Most instructions are now in quick ‘how to’ video formats and followed correctly will make installing quicker, easier, and fault-free, minimising the risk of malfunction later.
Seek out a good, recommended plumber or roofer who is competent in fitting your choice of system. If you are taking on the installation have the correct tools to hand, i.e., chop saw, cordless drills, screwdrivers, and a silicone gun. Remember safety must come first so scaffolding is highly recommended if you are carrying out the work as a homeowner. Suppliers can also provide an installation service that offers peace of mind for a safe and accurate fitting process.
Taking time to research products, colours, and suppliers will go a long way to providing the finest working – and looking – rainwater system for your home building project. Take advantage of the technical knowledge and experience a renowned provider has, as well as the services they offer such as free site surveys and samples will help to ensure a successful result.