Drainage system is an indispensable element of the engineering improvement of a private house. It provides a stable drainage of precipitation, preventing the destruction of the foundation due to waterlogging of the adjacent soil. Although sanitary products are increasingly made of plastics, metal gutter systems remain the most reliable and durable. But due to the impressive weight and complexity of processing, steel elements can cause a lot of problems during installation.
How to choose a gutter kit?
When choosing a metal gutter, an important role will be played by the evaluation of protective coatings. If the structure is located outdoors, its surface often comes into contact with water, which means it must be treated with an anti-corrosion coating. Today, galvanized metal gutter systems are common, but thisnot enough. Technologists offer additional passivating layers and a primer. The result is a multi-level protective "pie", the average warranty for which is about 20 years. But, of course, at the price of such a drain is not cheap.
Next, you can proceed to the choice of form. The traditional design is considered to be a semicircular gutter, there is no particular reason to refuse it. The only alternative is rectangular metal gutter systems, but such a section is more difficult to integrate into a typical under-roof space. At a minimum, you will need more space for fasteners.
Installing load-bearing fasteners for the gutter
The gutter line is the most critical part of the entire structure. It is located on hooks, which are securely fixed with hardware - self-tapping screws, screws, bolts, etc. In this case, different approaches to fixing can be used in terms of fastener placement. You can install load-bearing structures on a cornice overhang, boardwalk, rafter leg or crate. It is important that in each case the edges of the roof are located on top. The metal gutter system on adjustable brackets is the most practical in terms of gutter attachment options, as it allows you to adjust to any angle of the roof slope. Also, do not forget that the dimensions of the brackets with bearing holders must correspond to the parameters of the gutter in terms of design and especially weight, otherwise the load will simply collapse the system.
Correct flow direction configuration
After the method of fastening the holders to the base has been determined, it is possible to calculate the specific installation points of the load-bearing chute. This is an important point, because, in principle, the performance of a horizontal drain depends on it. Initially, it is determined in which direction the drain will direct the accumulated water. Then the installation line is marked out, corrected for the so-called intentional curvature. This is a technological slope, the degree of which will depend on the departure of the slope and the section of the gutter of the metal drainage system. The size of the channel in depth reaches an average of 110-125 mm, which causes a slope of about 20 mm per 1 m. But one should also take into account another point related to the lengthening of the drain line. If the gutter forms a channel with a length of 12 m or more, then it will not make sense to slope in one direction. The best option is to divide the line into two differently directed contours with the calculation of a smaller angle.
Installing drain pipe fasteners
From the gutters, the channel passes to the funnels and pipes through which the water flows down. Accordingly, it will also be necessary to install fasteners along a vertical line on the facade. To fix the pipes, special holders are used, consisting of clamps and hardware, which are directly integrated into the walls. It is very important to choose fasteners suitable for a particular base so that it does not bring down the structure under heavy loads.
As a rule, in the installation of metal drainage systems are usedlong screws, anchor rods and thick nails. The most reliable method of fastening will be a plate gripping the clamp, which is fixed along the edges with small-sized screws. As for the placement points of the holders, manufacturers recommend maintaining a distance between the elements of the order of 2 m. If, however, two pipes are supposed to be connected along one vertical line, then a grip should be provided under the joint, regardless of the set pitch.
Gutter assembly
If there is a well-made mounting infrastructure with holders, there will be no problems with further installation. The assembly begins with a line of gutters, the segments of which are connected to each other using fittings, clamping sleeves or even waterproof glue. But for metal, it is desirable to use structural connectors. Next, you can move on to integrating the drain funnel. Here it should be noted that it is not always possible to arrange the system strictly according to the parameters of the existing elements of the kit, therefore, there is a need for mechanical processing. Metal drainage systems should be cut with an electric jigsaw of the appropriate power or a circular hand saw that is suitable for the format. Then they go to the joint with a vertical pipe, which is clamped in previously installed holders with clamps.
Errors in the organization of the system
Common mistakes in the design and installation of drainage systems include the following:
- Integration of fasteners in seam and docking places. For example, driving a dowel of a load-bearing hook to the point where the roof joins the batten element.
- Frequent arrangement of funnels for draining. In order to optimize the system, it is recommended to use the minimum number of vertical outlets.
- Initially wrong design choice. The very first days of operation may show that, for one reason or another, the structural elements cannot cope with the loads of the drain. Which metal gutter system is best for a private house? You should not save on material, so the concept of "the smaller the design, the better" is not suitable in this case. Install a kit that strictly matches the roof area, drain capacity and functional requirements.
- During the design, the place where the final drain will be directed is not calculated. However, this topic should be analyzed separately.
Solving the problem of sewage disposal
To prevent water from entering the ground near the foundation, you should consider the final place of water discharge. In this capacity, septic tanks, a central sewer or a lake near the house are used. If there are no such opportunities, then it is possible to organize a drainage infrastructure for servicing a metal drainage system. It is not difficult to do the installation of this water collector with your own hands - it is enough to make a trench or a small well, then waterproof the bottom and make a filter bed of crushed stone and sand. Next, it remains to senddrains from downpipes into this channel, having previously covered it with turf or a special protective structure.
Conclusion
Establishing a wastewater collection system is not just a matter of maintaining the engineering functions of a building. It is also a way to decorate the facade. The right choice of a metal gutter system according to aesthetic properties will emphasize the advantages of house cladding and roofing. The most common texture solutions are brown, dark green and red. It is possible to preserve the natural silver hue of the metal, but, again, its structure must in any case be protected from corrosion and other damage. Additional fastening elements can also contribute their own stylistic shade. This applies to couplings, brackets, plugs and other mounting hardware. As independent decorative accessories, designers also recommend using gargoyles on drain pipes with metal chains from gutters that complement the gutter structure.
