A drainage system for your roof is a necessary accessory, without which the roof not only looks unfinished. If there is no drainage, the walls and foundation of the house will deteriorate in the first rainy season. Therefore, along with the installation of the roof covering, a roof drainage system must also be installed, which will protect the house from rain and melt water. However, it is important not only to correctly attach the system, you also need to choose it correctly.
Types and varieties of drains
The drainage system is a combination of various elements that are installed according to a certain sequence on the roof and facade of the building (Footnote 1).
Modern drains for roofs are made not only from various materials, there are many shapes and styles, as well as a rich color gamut of elements. Therefore, they can be divided into several groups, which we will do next.
The two main materials from which roof gutters are made are metal and plastic. One of the most popular and demanded materials is galvanized steel.
Success not only in low cost and attractive appearance, zinc coating extends the service life of systems for many years. The elements do not rust, are not subject to temperature changes, and are resistant to mechanical stress.
More expensive, but no less high-quality systems can be attributed to metal systems with a polymer coating. Moreover, this coating can be applied either on one or both sides of the iron base. It not only protects the metal from corrosion and external influences, but also serves as a decorative design for pipes and gutters.
Even fairly strong mechanical impacts are not terrible for polymer-coated systems. The owner of the house can easily choose any convenient color that is in harmony with the roof covering.
Often, roofing gutters are made of copper, as well as zinc alloys with titanium. Copper is a durable and impact resistant material.
Naturally, a system made of this metal will last for many decades. However, its very expensive cost allows few to have the pleasure of installing a copper drain.
It will cost a little less to purchase and install a zinc-titanium device.With a lot of advantages, the alloy, like copper, is very expensive, and not everyone can afford it.
Plastic can be attributed to the second category of materials used for the manufacture of pipes and drains. The advantages can be safely considered low cost and resistance to corrosion and fungi, as well as a huge selection of colors and shades.
Among the shortcomings, one can note insufficient strength, in comparison with metal counterparts, wear and tear from temperature extremes. Sunlight also quickly destroys the material, making it brittle and short-lived.
As for the profile shapes of the gutters, there are two main types of them - a circular section and a rectangular one.
There are no big differences in technical characteristics between them, it all depends mainly on the preferences and taste of the one who chooses. The range of color solutions will not leave even the most fastidious homeowner without a choice.
Since the system must be not only functional, but also beautiful, it can be easily matched both in style and in color to almost any roof.
Choosing a drainage system
Any homeowner wants the roof to not only look attractive and prestigious from the outside, but also serve as long as possible. When choosing a system that provides drainage from the roof, first of all, count on your taste and financial capabilities.
Note! It is not necessary to purchase the most expensive drain of all existing, it is more important to choose the one that suits you and your home. First of all, the type, size and technical characteristics are chosen based on the area of \u200b\u200bthe roof and the slope of the slopes.
The larger the roof area, the more powerful the drainage system should be, the wider the gutters and the thicker the pipes.Otherwise, an excess of water and melted snow will fall on the walls and foundation, overflowing over the edges. drainage from the roof.
The angle of inclination of the slope also matters - the steeper it is, the faster the flow of water. Accordingly, insufficiently high walls of the gutter will not retain moisture.
When choosing accessories for the roof, it is important to consider the climate in your area. The colder the winter, the greater the temperature load on the pipes. Water and snow, either freezing or thawing, will annually deform the elements of the system. Therefore, it is undesirable to use delicate plastic in such regions; it is better to lean towards a more durable metal.
The complexity of your roof matters a lot. The number and types of additional elements will depend on this. Turns, funnels, fastening parts, various knees will have to be purchased in accordance with the size and design of the roof.
The capacity of pipes and gutters must also be taken into account.
Advice! Choose elements with the smoothest possible surfaces, inspect the parts for chips, cracks and deformations. These shortcomings in the future can lead to frequent blockages, and even the destruction of system fragments.
In this case, the drainage of water from the roof will be incomplete, repair or replacement of gutters will be required.
When choosing the color of the device to match the color of the roof covering, ask the seller how resistant the coating is to sunlight and temperature changes. The fact is that the color may fade or fade completely or in some places over time.
Installation work
Installation work roof guttersIn principle, it can be carried out at any time of the year. However, it is still desirable to carry out work in the warm season, when the roof is dry and not slippery. Specialists will quickly and competently carry out the work, but if you want to do everything yourself, consider some of the nuances.
When attaching the gutters to the walls and roof, be sure to make a slight slope towards the sewer. This is necessary for the unhindered flow of water. Make fasteners in strict accordance with the instructions attached to the system
In some cases, it may be necessary to solder the elements to each other, and the appropriate tools. Therefore, if you plan to install roof drainage systems - their installation involves special devices, take care of purchasing them in advance.
Docking of elements can be done using special fasteners. They are usually included with the system you purchased. It is important to monitor the correct fasteners and tightness of the joints. Otherwise, they will leak and need a quick repair.
Please note that at the beginning of the installation, all elements are installed that will be in a horizontal position. That is, gutters and plums that are attached to the walls and the edge of the roofing. Only after that they adjust, install and attach the vertical parts.
Drainpipes are brought exactly under the gutters, then they are finally fixed on the roof and walls. The pipes are screwed to the walls with screws, using mounting brackets specially designed for the pipe. With hooks, also with the help of screws, suspended gutters are strengthened.
To protect drainpipes from debris and fallen leaves, a mesh element, the so-called "Paku", is installed on the funnel. The mesh must be cleaned at least once a year (Footnote 2).
When performing independent installation work, nevertheless, if possible, invite an assistant. So you will significantly speed up and facilitate the task, because the arrangement of the roof is a rather serious matter and requires the same approach.
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