Gutters and rainwater systems may look like a small part of the roof, but they are critical to a building's overall health. Rainwater that isn't carried off the roof quickly and in a controlled way runs down the facade, damages render and paint, and pools around the foundations, causing damp and flooding in basements. That is why the gutter system should be planned as an integral part of the roof design.
Choosing the Right Gutter Size and Material
The basis of a good system is correct sizing. Gutter sections should be calculated from roof area, pitch and local rainfall intensity. Off-the-shelf profiles don't suit every roof; on long, broken-plan or large roofs especially, made-to-measure sheet metal gutter fabrication reduces the number of joints and the risk of leaks. Galvanised steel, painted sheet, aluminium, copper and stainless steel are chosen according to budget, appearance and expected service life.
Roof Valleys and Downpipes
Roof valleys are where two roof slopes meet and water runs heaviest. If the valley is undersized it overflows in heavy rain and water enters the roof directly, so valley details must be resolved together with the waterproofing. Downpipes are the most neglected part of the system. Their number and diameter must match the water the gutters carry, and outlets should be planned to connect to rainwater drainage systems or site drainage. Otherwise water collects at the base of the building and damages the foundations.
Gutter Maintenance, Replacement and Repair
The easiest way to extend gutter life is regular maintenance. Leaves and debris block gutters, causing overflow and corrosion, so cleaning in autumn and spring is recommended. Where gutters are rusted, holed or have lost their fall, gutter replacement and repair becomes necessary. Full replacement isn't always required; often replacing damaged sections and correcting the fall is enough. At ESR Group we tell you plainly at the survey which solution makes sense for your gutters and rainwater system.
