When assembled and fixed, the gutter system seems simple and does not require much effort during installation. However, the slightest design deviation or a missing fastener element makes the installation not only useless, but also destructive for the house. Fortunately, modern manufacturers are developing easy-to-install and reliable sets of such systems, which simplifies the installation of gutters and related elements. But only care and accuracy during installation, supported by careful calculations, can ensure a quality installation.
Gutter material
The traditional material from which drainage systems are made is a metal profile. It is able to meet all the requirements for such structures. These are strength indicators, and flexibility in installation, and durability. But there are also disadvantages to this solution. When choosing a gutter profile, you should focus on steel that has been galvanized or polymer-coated. No matter how reliable the gutter mount is, corrosion damage will nullify all installation efforts. Therefore, a protective layer in the case of a metal profile is required.
Regarding plastic, the list of advantages is also considerable. The owners of private houses began to switch to them due to the convenient installation and noiseless operation of the material in the rain. In terms of strength and durability, plastic gutters are almost as good as metal ones. However, polyvinyl chloride also has its drawbacks. The material expands under high temperature, so rubber seals should be provided at the fixing points.
How are the gutters fixed?
Mainly for this task special hook-brackets are used. For example, fastening a gutter with the help of such elements is carried out in several parts:
- fixing to the eaves that runs along the roof slope;
- to the truss structure or the outermost element of the crate;
- to the floor plank floor.
Before installation, you should calculate what the hook arm will be. In order not to miscalculate, it is recommended to purchase adjustable elements. With their help, it is possible to mount the drain on almost any slope, without deforming the metal. You should also pay attention to the shade and shape of the fastener - this will allow you to maintain the style of the facade.
Varieties of brackets by design
Structurally, the separation of brackets for drainage systems is very important. The reliability and functionality of the structure depends on the correctness of this choice. So, fixing the drain canbe carried out with brackets of the following types:
- Front elements. Such fasteners are screwed to the wind boards with screws. You can position the bracket at an angle or in a vertical position - it depends on how the rafters were cut.
- Curved flat brackets. Fixing is carried out to the boardwalk, to the truss structure or crate. It is important that the fastening step is maintained, which is not always possible, for example, when fixing to the crate.
- Flat brackets for side mounting. With the help of this fastener, the drain is fixed to the roof from the side of the rafters.
- Universal bracket. Actually, the name speaks for itself - this type of hardware allows you to fix the structure to the rafters, batten elements, flooring or to the wind board.
Setup markup
Gutters should be oriented in such a way that during the thaw they can withstand the masses of snow sliding from the roof. The fixing points of the brackets should be two centimeters from the funnel and no more. In this section, the gutter will be connected to the pipe. The extreme fastener element should be moved away from the edge of the roof by 15 cm. Before fixing the drain to the roof, it is necessary to mount the bendable brackets. They are stacked side by side, after which it is necessary to draw a line with a slope of the gutter using a marker. Each latch is bent in the place where the trace from the marker was left. After that, installation is carried out according to the planned plan.
Slope calculation
Gutters should also provide for the so-called curvature. This is a slope relative to the drainpipes, that is, in their direction. This calculation is based on the section of the gutter and the length of the slope. For one meter, this deviation can be from 0.5 to 2 cm. For example, if the slope length is 8 m horizontally, then the difference in levels from one bracket to another will be 4 cm. If the slope length exceeds 12 m, in some cases, the drain is fastened with a slope in two directions. Such a configuration occurs if several pipes are provided on one side of the roof to drain water. A prerequisite for the correct installation with a slope is the observance of the horizontal for the cornice overhang.
Mounting brackets
The brackets can be installed in increments of 0.4 to 0.7 m. In order to save money, many people reduce this distance, but this solution is dangerous from the point of view of reliability. The fact is that without good support, the gutters can bend and deform under snow loads. In this regard, plastic gutters are stronger, although they also have a maximum load limit. In installing brackets to rafters, the main thing is to maintain levels with optimal slopes of the gutters. Installation in the direction of the slope is carried out with a decrease in each subsequent element relative to the previous one. The fasteners that are installed to the rafter structure and the crate must first be bent to the appropriate shape in order to bethe correct slope fit is ensured.
Installing pipe holders
To ensure the fixation of downpipes to the wall of the building, special holders are used. The device of such an element provides for the presence of a clamp and a screw, which will ensure the fastening of the drain to the wall of the house. The holder should be placed under all sockets where pipes meet. If straight and long pipe sections are used, then the clamp should be installed every 2 m.
It is important to note that different models of holders must be used for wooden and brick walls. For example, for brick, products should be selected that include a screw with a plastic dowel. In this case, it is necessary to make a hole for the fastener, through which the holder will be installed.
If you plan to install gutters to a wooden house, then it is advisable to fasten the clamps using special rods or plates with screws. The wooden base is considered less reliable, therefore, it is necessary to provide for either a deep penetration of the fasteners, or an installation with a larger area. To increase reliability, it is also recommended to install auxiliary panels, on which it will be possible to install holders with downpipes in the future.
