Running off the roof during a shower, water can cause inconvenience not only to residents and passers-by, but also to harm the house itself. Flows of water falling from a height of 5-6 meters, lead eventually to the destruction of the courtyard cover, the footprint of the foundation and the reduction of its bearing capacity, to the appearance of leaks and mold on the walls. All these problems can be avoided by installing a drainage system, the benefit of the market is now represented by a variety of modular integrated solutions that are easily mounted by themselves.
Gutter design and choice of drainage system
In professionally designed house designs, such subtleties as a drainage system are laid immediately. But even if the house or dacha is built on its own, without the involvement of the architect, then it is necessary to think about its installation no later than the stage of choosing and installing the roof, since the fastenings for the gutters must be installed before the waterproofing, the cornice and the roofing material are laid.
When designing it is worth taking into account the area, the material of the roof and the shape of the roof, the budget of construction, the general view of the house.
First of all, it is necessary to choose the material from which the drainage system is made. The most common and affordable:
- galvanized steel,
- metal with polymer coating,
- plastic.
The most budgetary option is galvanized steel, but the elements from it are susceptible to corrosion and may not fit together securely. In addition, such a drainage system is very noisy during the rain.
Metal with a polymer coating is frost-resistant, does not deform in the sun, and a wide color range will make the pipes invisible against the wall or roof. Such a gutter will cost more, besides, periodically it will have to be treated with anti-corrosion agents.
If the roof is covered with flexible tiles or similar materials, then it is worthwhile to stop on the drainage system made of PVC, as hard mineral particles are washed off such a coating and eventually destroy the metal pipes. Plastic designs are durable, have a variety of color options, are light, which simplifies their installation and transportation. However, the plastic becomes brittle at a negative temperature and after severe frosts, especially if there is water left in the pipes, such a drain can lose its tightness.
Considering the structural differences of the systems, it is worthwhile to stop at those where the semicircular shape of the trough has ribs at the edge. Its diameter should be 70-115 mm for small houses and cottages, garages, and 115-1130 mm for houses and cottages of medium size. In the first case, the system is supplemented by pipes 50-70 mm in diameter, in the second - 75-100 mm. Narrow gutters and pipes will lead to overflow of the system and overflow of water.
Calculation of materials and necessary tools
Today, even with the installation of gutters, we use our own prefabricated modular production systems with the following components:
- pipes,
- gutters,
- plugs, so that the water does not pour in an unnecessary place,
- funnels, couplings and adapters,
- corner connections 90, 120, 135 degrees, elbows and tees,
- plums,
- hooks or staples for fastening gutters,
- pins with pipe clamps.
Additionally, manufacturers recommend the inclusion of protective grids and hatches for revision in the system.
The buyer must specify only the number of parts, the length of pipes and gutters. It starts with the measurement of the perimeter, along which the gutters will be installed. The length of future troughs is best taken with a margin of 3-5%, since it will be necessary to organize a small bias and, possibly, to bypass pipes and other structures. Funnels are usually installed every 10 meters, but you may need to install an additional element in front of a complex bend or turn. The number of pipes is equal to the number of funnels, and their length - the height from the roof to the ground.
It is worthwhile to go around the house to calculate how many and what angular joints, knees and plugs will be required. The number of fastenings directly depends on the length of the gutters and the material from which the elements are made, it is recommended to install one hook or bracket for one meter of a metal trench, and two - for one meter of plastic. Clamps for fastening enough 2-3 on one pipe, depending on the height of the house.
Installation of a drainage system of PVC and metal is slightly different, but in any case the following tools will be needed:
- screwdriver and screws,
- bulgarian or hacksaw,
- tape measure,
- ladder or scaffolding.
In addition, it is possible to use a sealant in the joints, but quality drainage systems from proven manufacturers have built-in rubber seals.
Gutter installation
Installation of structures from different materials takes place in approximately the same way. In the gutter system of plastic elements are connected with rubber seals or glued. Steel systems are connected by built-in locks or staples with gaskets.
The main rules, compliance with which, will allow you to quickly mount the gutter yourself:
- Installation of the system starts from the top and goes strictly from top to bottom.
- The gutter should be inclined towards the funnel along the entire length of not less than 2-3 cm per meter.
- Complete with a drainage system there is always a manufacturer's instruction. It is necessary to read it carefully and follow all recommendations!
The first stage of installation of
Before the installation of the roof on the rafters or the frontal board brackets are fastened, for plastic every 0.5-0.6 m, for metal - 0.7-1.5 m, additional brackets are installed on both sides of the funnels and incorners. When fastening to the rafters, only metal brackets and extension cords are used, plastic can be used for installation on the frontal board.
When installing on the front plate, the installation locations are pre-marked using the bracket as a template. The first and last bracket is installed 15 cm from the roof edges. The last bracket is attached taking into account the slope, which should form troughs, for example, if the length of the wall is 5 m, then it should be 10-15 cm below the first bracket. Between the first and the last pull the rope, and the remaining brackets screw it with screws in steps of 0.6-1 m.
The second stage of installation
After covering the roof, you must finish the installation of gutters. The drainage system made of plastic for small houses can be completely assembled on the ground, and then installed in brackets fixed along the roof and on the walls. Elements of the system can be assembled on the building. In this case, the chute is mounted on the bracket and pressed down until it enters into it with a click. Between the gutters are joined by means of a clutch or corner elements that cling to the joint at the rear edge of the gutter, then start behind the front and snap into the lock. Plugs are installed from the ends of the gutter.
Next to the wall fasten the clamps on the pins for fixing the drainpipes, the pins are recommended to use a length of at least 3 cm so that the damp does not spread to the walls. If it is necessary to deflect the pipe from the vertical direction, then the elbow is set in the direction of drainage,.The installation of the pipe itself begins only after it is completely assembled along the entire length. At its lower end, a sink is installed at a height of 30 cm from the ground in such a way that water does not fall on the wall and foundation of the house.
Where to draw water
Rainwater can be collected in an installed capacity and used for household needs in the future, it is also possible to extend the pipe to the nearest beds or lawn, but not less than 1.5-2 m, and arrange additional irrigation. If the area often rains for a long time, it is worthwhile to arrange the discharge of rainwater into the storm drainage system or into drainage chutes.
Remember to periodically clean the drain and perform it at least once a year, and always before the winter. Properly installed drainage system with proper maintenance will serve the owners for many years and protect the foundation and walls of the house from getting wet and breaking down.
