What role do gutters play in a roof?

Every building project, whether a single-family house or an office block, should have a high-quality gutter system. There are two types of gutter: traditional gutters and concealed gutters, also known as built-in gutters. Standard gutter systems consist of components such as gutters, downpipes, corners, discharge elbows, outlets, brackets, gutter connectors, downpipe connectors, clamps and inspection fittings. Find out what role gutters play in a roof.

What can you gain by installing a gutter system?

Gutters serve several functions, primarily to protect the building from external factors. Their main task is, of course, protecting the façade from rainwater. Rainwater running freely off the roof will leave unsightly streaks on the façade. Over time, these will become visible stains, and mould may appear on the façade itself. Worse still, water can start leaking into rooms, causing further damage and increasing repair costs. Another important function of gutters is draining water from the roof and preventing it from collecting in hard-to-reach places. This is particularly important for a flat roof. Accumulated water will cause leaks and accelerate deterioration of the roof covering.

Recently, it has become very popular to use the gutter system to collect rainwater in specially designed tanks. The rainwater can later be used to water garden plants or fill a garden pond.

What should you consider when installing gutters?

For gutters to work effectively, they must be matched to the roof area and pitch. If downpipes are too far apart on a large roof, the gutters will overflow. It is also very important to use tools suitable for the material you are working with. The most common mistake is using an angle grinder to cut galvanised gutters and pipes. Once damaged, the protective layer no longer performs its function, and the component starts to rust. It is good practice to read the manufacturer’s general recommendations before installation.