PVC gutters

What are PVC gutters?

PVC gutters have only recently become available on the Polish market. Previously, only metal components were used. In Western Europe, however, they have been used successfully in construction for around 50 years. A gutter system also includes downpipes, connectors, fittings, fixing brackets and accessories. The more complex the roof, the more gutters, downpipes and connecting components it needs. The choice of system also depends on the effective roof area: the area that needs to be drained.

PVC components are between 1 and 6 m long. PVC gutters come in various shapes (cross-sections) and many colours, and don't need refinishing. The systems work correctly as ambient temperatures change from -50°C to + 50°C. The plastic is coated with titanium oxide or acrylic, or stabilised with ultraviolet rays.

The installation method involves both the way components are joined and the individual parts used. For the system to work properly and effectively, it must be watertight and every part must fit precisely. Watertightness depends on how it is installed, so it's best to leave installation to professionals. At Ambit, you'll find experienced, skilled specialists.

Uses and benefits of gutters

Modern gutters and downpipes form a durable, efficient system that complements the appearance of your home. They are highly resistant to weather, especially sunlight and acid rain, as well as air pollution and mechanical damage.

A gutter system's main job is to collect rainwater and melting snow and ice from every roof slope and carry it to the stormwater drainage system or into the ground. A system that works efficiently keeps your roof safe and durable. Proper roof drainage is crucial to the longevity of the facade, foundations and below-ground walls, and therefore of the whole building.

Gutter systems are designed to collect all the water from a building's roof properly. To make sure your chosen system can drain a roof slope of a given size, seek advice from specialists with many years of experience in manufacturing, installing and selling these systems.

When installing the system, consider using only rainwater to water your garden. Simply fit a rainwater collector into the downpipe. Saving drinking water that might otherwise be used for watering the garden is good for the environment and your budget.

Components

• Gutters are open-section channels along the roof edge that collect rainwater. They run at a slight fall towards the building's corners so that water flows to the downpipes rather than spilling over the edges.
• Downpipes are vertical, closed-section pipes. They collect flowing water and carry it away from the building.
• Outlets - connect the gutter to the downpipe. An outlet is a section with a properly formed opening that allows the downpipe to be connected. There are intermediate outlets and end outlets at room corners. Intermediate outlets allow downpipes to be fixed regardless of the gutter's position.
• Discharge fittings are fittings at the end of the downpipe. They can connect to the stormwater drainage system or discharge above ground.
• Connectors - include standard, sealed and adjustment couplings. Adjustment or sealed couplings allow joints with an expansion gap.
• Corners - join gutters at the corners of a building.
• Downpipe fittings - include bends, tees, reducers, couplings and reducing couplings. They connect downpipes to outlets and join downpipes and outlets of different diameters. They also allow changes in downpipe direction and the connection of additional equipment.
• Gutter brackets, hooks and pipe clips - secure the components to roofs and walls.

Cross-sections

The gutter's shape affects the appearance of the roof, the drainage system's capacity and how easily debris can be removed. The following types are available on the Polish market:

• half-round - the most popular type, used to drain all kinds of roof covering and highly resistant to mechanical loads;
• semi-elliptical - installed on roofs with medium and large areas; despite their relatively small size, they have a high drainage capacity;
• rectangular or square - shallow in height and therefore installed on roofs of small and medium-sized buildings; they are secured with internal hooks that cannot be seen from below;

Linear drainage systems

These consist of:

• channels - collect water and carry it to a collection chamber, then to the stormwater drainage system. PVC channels are mainly used in green spaces, residential parking areas and similar locations;
• gratings - collect rainwater, cover the channels and protect them from damage. They are placed over the channels and secured with snap-in or block fixings;
• collection chambers - collect water flowing through the channels. They are installed at the lowest points of the system, with or without a silt trap;
• chambers with silt traps protect the drainage network from sand build-up but require periodic maintenance;
• solid end caps or end caps with outlets, known as outlet spigots. End caps are fitted at the beginning or end of the channels. Those with spigots are needed to create horizontal outlets to stormwater drains or to connect individual system components.

Entrance mats and rainwater gullies can also be added to a linear drainage system. An entrance mat collects water in front of the entrance door, while a gully can carry water to the drainage network.

PVC gutter manufacturers

The Polish market offers many types of these components from different manufacturers. Our range includes top products from two leading PVC gutter system manufacturers:

• Gamrat
• Marley
• Galeco PVC

We offer only top-quality products backed by long-term warranties. Our specialists will gladly help you choose the best solution. Simply arrange a meeting with an Ambit expert for complete product information and professional advice on where and how the solution can be used. This will help you make the right choice of PVC gutters and other products from our range.