Causes of leaking gutters

The gutter system begins to leak in the following cases:

• debris accumulates in the gutter and downspouts;
• the installation technology is broken;
• mechanical or physical damage;
• loss of strength of joints.

Such problems can occur even in the most durable drainage system, regardless of the materials used. To prevent leaks it is necessary to conduct a full inspection of all parts from time to time.

If your home has a plastic gutter system, inspections should be done more frequently, as PVC is more brittle. If your home has a metal gutter system, inspection should be done at least once a season to make sure there are no signs of corrosion or rust.

Preventing leaks in your gutter system

Depending on the problem encountered, the method of fixing it also changes. In the event that you notice a frequent accumulation of twigs, leaves and other small objects. Most often this problem occurs in the fall, less often in the summer. Otherwise, it makes it difficult for water to pass through the system. If you do not clean the system, water will accumulate, freeze in the winter and even the toughest material will warp.

If you find irregularities that were made during the installation of the system, they must be corrected immediately. This happens most often in the case, the installation is carried out by inexperienced professionals. First of all, you need to check what kind of fasteners were used to install the gutters and downspouts. It is important that they can withstand the weight of the structure. Otherwise, the structure will begin to deform under its own weight. It is also important to check at what distance was the installation of gutters. If you install them too far away or too close, the water will simply not come from the roof drain into them.

Not less often users can face drying of seals and connectors. Even with metal components, there may be low-strength connectors used or there simply wasn’t the right sealant. In this case, you just need to replace the connectors and use a quality sealant. When choosing the latter, pay attention to those that are resistant to weather damage and UV radiation.

From time to time it is also necessary to check how firmly the sealant latches are sitting, as they can loosen over time. It is recommended to do this every few weeks.

Be sure to review the entire gutter system after a hailstorm so that damaged parts can be replaced in a timely manner. Complete maintenance is recommended at least once a year. Simply following the recommendations will extend the life of the structure for up to several decades.

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Types of storm drains around the house

There are three basic types of storm drainage:

• Closed;
• Open;
• Mixed.

Closed storm drainage is more expensive and requires more professional skills for installation and maintenance. Such a system is complete with underground pipes through which water travels to a storm drain, and from there through a storm-well into an open reservoir or the central sewer system.
Rainwater drainage of the open type is more often used for small cottages and is more affordable. In this case, the storm drainage system consists of shallow trays through which meltwater and rain are diverted to flower beds or lawns. With the open type of storm drain, the use of a sewer is not provided.
Mixed type combines elements of open and closed systems and is the most popular. In this case, water passes part of the way through open trays and then enters the pipes, from where it moves to the sewer or to the place of disposal.
Those or other elements of the system are selected by specialists, depending on the type of storm drain for each particular object. The greatest difficulty in this regard are homes with flat roofs.

The principle of operation of the storm drain

Connecting the drainpipe to the storm drainage funnel, with a break in the jetPrinciple of operation of the storm drain is uncomplicated. On the roof of the house (building) are mounted funnels, gutters and downspouts, which serve to collect precipitation from the roof.
The system itself is collected on the principle of the constructor. To this end, the industry produces plastic pipes of various diameters and lengths, as well as all the necessary fittings (elbows, tees). Receiving collector system should be located below the depth of freezing of the soil, and when it is impossible, additionally insulated.
Scheme of a full-fledged storm drain includes other elements, including the system of collection and subsequent disposal. For this purpose, wells, inlets, the system of pipelines through which water is transported, as well as inspection wells and trays for linear drainage, open reservoirs or special tanks for water collection are used. In addition to this, specialists use siphons, plugs and filters.

Creation of the project of storm drainage

Storm drains are installed by owners of private cottages, in settlements, industrial plants and other facilities where it is necessary.
To calculate the project it is necessary to know the geological features of the adjacent territory, landscape features, architectural specifics of the structure, as well as the average annual precipitation. In addition, data on the location of existing utilities will be required. It is necessary in order to exclude probability of their damage during excavation works.
After the information is processed, working drawings, a plan of the sewerage network and an estimate with a description of costs in accordance with the materials used and the scope of work, as well as other documents are created.

System maintenance and preventive maintenance of blockages

Cleaning of gutters from leavesIt is an essential element of system maintenance that its elements are regularly inspected for preventive maintenance in the spring, after the main amount of snow has melted. Frequency cleaning of storm drainage system, depending on the condition of the pipeline and is usually carried out once or twice a year.
When using a closed or mixed type rainwater drainage system cleaning becomes a complex and energy-consuming process. For the prevention of clogging in this case, experts recommend the use of filters, sand catchers, sumps and separators, sorption units for post-treatment.
Unscheduled inspection of the rainwater system may be required during any work on the roof: construction debris from the roof can get into the drain and disrupt its operation. Depending on the nature of the problem, one or more methods of cleaning are used: chemical, mechanical, thermal or hydrodynamic.

Materials for the production of the storm drain

Plastic drainpipe and catchpipe with galvanized steel gridDrainpipes made of different materials – asbestos-cement, steel and plastic – are used for the device of gutters on the roof. If it is expected that the pipes will be under heavy mechanical load, choose steel products. To collect water use funnels. Depending on the type of facility may have a funnel diameter of 80, 100, 150 or 200 millimeters.
All elements of the system must be tight: for this they are firmly fixed with bolts, at home with a flat roof elements are laid with a layer of waterproofing or filled with mastic.
Long-term and failure-free operation of the system can guarantee only two factors – the use of quality materials and professional installation. Also, engineers recommend that installation work at the facility in a comprehensive manner. Despite the fact that starting the system in this case may be more expensive, such a system pays for itself in the long run, as it does not require additional costs for repair or replacement of elements.

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Bryza manufacturers offer many roof drainage components. Each such system includes a complete set of materials to assemble a complete drain on roofs of various shapes. The main elements include sections of gutters, internal and external corners, downspouts and holders for fixing them. This range is supplemented by protective nets to prevent the accumulation of leaves in the gutters and so-called revisions, and outlets gutters installed according to the method of rainwater drainage.

The material used to manufacture individual parts of drainage systems should be of high quality. Durability and reliability of gutters, downspouts and other necessary elements that drain water from the roof depends on it. Such gutters last for years. The technology of refinishing, dyeing and corrosion protection is still improving. Plastic gutters have also been popular for over a decade, as have steel gutters.

Plastic gutters use polyvinyl chloride, dyed in mass, in a variety of colors. Unfortunately, PVC is quite sensitive to temperature changes – it becomes soft at high temperatures and becomes brittle and prone to damage in cold weather. Therefore, plastic gutters will be more susceptible to damage and deformation on heavily sunlit roofs, especially when they are in dark colors (they heat up quickly) and in places where heavy snowfall contributes to their excessive load. However, they are resistant to surface damage because all scratches don’t affect their durability or aesthetics – it’s hard to see signs of damage to the mass-painted material.

Steel and copper gutter systems

Coated metal gutters are made of galvanized or aluminum sheet steel, which is covered with a decorative and protective coating. Metal gutters show high dimensional stability in different weather conditions (they do not tighten too much), but the coatings that protect them can be easily damaged by careless assembly or, for example, by damage from branches. Consequently, such a gutter may be less durable on the roofs of homes located in wooded areas, as it is often necessary to remove leaves, twigs, thorns or needles from its interior.

Copper gutters are usually chosen for homes built well above standard. Most often, they are installed in historic buildings undergoing renovation. Such gutters-though quite expensive-are very durable.
Gutters can have different cross-sections, which determine not only their appearance, but also the strength and power of the water held back and passed through. Semicircular and semi-elliptical gutters are the most popular because they have a high flow capacity, making them suitable for large roofs. They also have the advantage of being very resistant to mechanical stress. In addition, they are easy to keep clean because dirt is consistently washed away with water and does not settle in the corners.

In turn, trapezoidal gutters, rectangular or eaves, usually have a small height, so they are suitable for small roofs. Their undoubted advantage is that they are adapted for installation on the inner hooks, not visible from the outside.
Pipes usually have a circular or square cross-section, and rectangular pipes are rarely offered. Pipes with round cross-sections are usually completed with gutters with semicircular and semi-elliptical cross-sections.” Square pipes” are not produced by all manufacturers, they are usually completed with gutters with a square cross-section, and are used to give a special look to the building.

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Why proper installation is important

Installation of gutters in a private home, country cottage, cottage – an important stage in the construction. Drainage system design is performed before the construction of the building. But there are situations when the building is already built and needs reconstruction. In any case requires a competent calculation of gutters and system elements. Each part performs a specific function. To ensure that the pipes do not sag, deform, and do not get clogged, it is necessary to buy a sufficient number of gutter elements.

The homeowner is able to perform the installation himself. It is sufficient to take a minimum set of tools and buy details of the gutter. This will help save money on decorating the facade of the building. In private residences are most popular at home with a single pitch roof. Consider the example of a roof with a single slope, how to correctly calculate the external drainage. Subsequently, calculate the number of parts on a gable roof or a roof of complex shape is not difficult. It is necessary to multiply the obtained value by 2.

What elements are used in modern drainage systems

The basis of the network of drainage from the roof is represented by gutters, gutter and drainage funnels, pipes, pipe bends. As fixtures and connectors are gutter and eaves holders, corners of gutters, plugs. You will also need fasteners for concrete and wood.

What other elements may be needed

For complex shaped roofs, corner risers are used, which are also placed under the valley. Such elements are needed for rapid drainage of melt water and rainwater, which has an impressive head on the gently sloping roofs and roofs of complex shapes. If the gradient of the slope is large, it is recommended to replace the outlet cone drainage element with a larger diameter. Overflow restrictors are used as additional parts. The use of gutter corners and tees relevant in the arrangement of hip roofs. Joints and connections of the gutter are sealed with sealant, which is purchased in advance.

Drainage network size

The range of ready-made plastic and metal solutions for the formation of drainage systems are represented by rounded, square and rectangular elements. When choosing should be guided by aesthetic preferences and combinations with roofing, facade. In calculations, the form does not affect. More important dimensions of the drainage system. Often the standard set for the object of private housing with a classic project is enough, so in the calculation of the diameter of the gutter is not taken. Let’s try to understand by example.

Traditional gutters have a minimum diameter of 12 cm, which is suitable for roof slopes with a total area of up to 80 square meters. For a country house this area is sufficient, it is rare to find an object of private housing more. For industrial facilities and cottages with slopes up to 110 square meters produced a series of larger gutters with a diameter of 15 centimeters. Also in the range is a series of industrial gutters section of 18.5 cm, suitable for servicing slopes up to 180 square meters.

Gutters what length will be needed

Gutters are designed to divert water during the melting of snow or downpour from the roof of the structure. When calculating the number of these elements, take into account the length of the gutters, eaves, mounting laps. The length of standardized parts is 3 meters. When forming the joint is done overlap of 3-4 centimeters. To formalize a 10-meter cornice will need the following elements:

1. Gutters in the amount of 4 pieces (the excess is cut off).
2. Connectors grooved connectors in an amount of 3 pieces, providing a tight connection and aesthetics of the formation of angular zones.
3. Stoppers in an amount of 2 pieces, mounted on the left and right sides of the eaves at the ends, which are designed to stop the water and give the mounted structure rigidity. Some manufacturers of gutters offer custom-made gutters, so the size fitting in this case is not required. But this is an exception to the rule.

Calculate the number of brackets

Special brackets for gutters are used as fixing fasteners. Distinguish between cornice and gutter brackets. They differ in length. The fasteners are fixed to the roof gutter. The long model is installed prior to installation of corrugated board, metal or other roofing building material. The shortened model is installed after installation of the roof. The spacing of the brackets is 60 cm. In the calculation also takes into account the slope of the drainage system, which amounts to 3-5 mm per 1 meter of length. From which it turns out that on the ledge with a length of 10 meters there are 17 gutter holders.

Number of gutter pipes

Gutter pipe elements are used in construction to drain water. On the shelves of construction stores you can find pipes with a length of 2-3 meters with a one-sided crimp. When calculating the quantity adhere to the following principle: for ten meters 1 gutter is 1 riser with an outlet funnel. For buildings with a single pitched roof width of 10 meters is suitable for the above number of risers. Also in the calculation takes into account the height of the structure and the length of the eaves. For example, you have a four-meter-high building with an eaves overhang of 50 centimeters. Based on this, the following details will be needed:

• one funnel for releasing water;
• two elbows which change the water flow according to the architecture of the house;
• one connecting pipe installed between the elbows, one metre long with a double-sided crimp;
• two 2 metre-long pipes;
• seven pipe holders for fixing on the wood and bricks, ensuring a firm grip of the pipes on the wall (installation is carried out in 50 cm increments);
• One drainage elbow, installed from the bottom of the riser.

Drainage elbows perform several functions simultaneously – the diversion of water from the facade of the blind area, protecting the foundation from erosion and increase the decorative effect of drainage systems. Summarizing the above, we can confidently say that you can calculate the gutters for a private home in advance, if you know what the height of the walls, the length of the eaves and plumb, the width of the slopes.

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