The main purpose of a rain gutter is to protect a building's foundation by channeling water away from its base. They also help to reduce erosion, prevent leaks in basements and crawlspaces, protect painted surfaces by reducing exposure to water, and provide a means to collect rainwater for later use.
Rain gutters can be constructed from a variety of materials, including steel, cast iron, copper, zinc, aluminum, PVC (and other plastics),GRP and wood.
Water collected by a rain gutter is fed, usually via a down pipe (traditionally called a leader), from the roof edge to the base of the building where it is either drained away or collected. A cistern or barrel can be used to store water collected from the gutter.
A combination of the following components make up a Rainwater System.
Gutters - the horizontal pipe that sits on the roof edge and collects the water as it drains off the tiles. A wide range of profiles are available for gutters to match the aesthetics of the building.
Down Pipes direct the water from the gutter to the drain or collection barrel. A network of pipes and joints are used to connect the system together and navigate its way down the building.
Hoppers - Multiple pipes can be directed to a hopper and channeled to a single down pipe.
Accessories - Brackets, clips, ends and outlets are used to connect the rainwater system together and to secure it to the building.[/.
Solid hoods, screens and louvers are used to act as a screen that allows water to drain away but catches solid debris such as leaves and moss.
Most modern guttering requires no maintenance other than periodical cleaning out. If blocked then water can overflow down the side of the building. Weeds and grasses can start to take root if stagnant water is allowed to build up in the main gutter housing.
Types of gutters
Different styles of gutter, known as profiles, are produced.
A box gutter is a deep gutter which is concealed within the structure of the roof.
A popular variety of rain gutter is "Seamless". This product is created, on site, in long individual lengths of gutter to suit roof edge conditions, thereby reducing seams along the length of the gutter. Gutters come in different sizes, finishes and shaopes.
To allow water to flow through from the roof while reducing roof debris into the gutter, you can use a gutter screen, louvers or a solid hood.
Precautions
Clogged gutters can cause water leakage into the house as the water backs up. Clogged gutters can also lead to stagnant water build up which allows mosquitoes to breed and also allow grasses and weeds to grow in the gutter.
Gutters in colder climates also suffer the effects of freezing. However this can be mitigated through the use of heating cables placed in the trays that become activated in freezing weather.
Mark Woodcock has been a webmaster for over 12 years and has been involved with many projects such as Rainguard Rainwater Systems
