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A rain gutter is a simple arrangement used in a building’s water discharge system. It is also called gutter or guttering, a trough or channel that runs along the perimeter of the roof, collects the rainwater runoff from the roof, and discharges it.
The rainwater discharged using a rain gutter system is conveyed to a drainage system using downpipes.
This article explains the working of rain gutter systems and their types.
Contents:
Working of Rain Gutter System
A rain gutter system channels water out and away from the building’s foundation. As a result, it reduces the risks of:
- Flooded basement
- Damaged siding
- Erosion
- Ruining landscaping
Rain gutters are simple structures that come in different configurations. For example, a standard gutter system has the following components, as shown in figure-2 below.
Image Credits: Jason Lee
As shown in the figure, it consists of a gutter, end cap, fascia bracket, downspout, downspout bracket, and elbow. The gutter captures the water that sheds off the roof. The downspout or leader conveys water from the gutter to the ground. This water is taken away as per the drainage plan.
The end of the gutter is closed using an end cap. Fascia brackets are components that support the gutters from below and are attached to the eaves.
The downspout running through the side of the building is supported using a downspout bracket. The direction of the downspout is changed using elbows.
Rain Gutter Material
Rain gutters were traditionally made out of lead, which was later replaced by cast iron. The use of cast iron for rain gutter facilitates mass production. Later, gutters were manufactured using aluminum alloys, uPVC sections, galvanized steel, copper, stainless steel, zinc, etc.
Rain gutters are also available in different shapes and sizes. Metal gutters are found to be more durable and demand less maintenance.
Rain Gutter Designs
The commonly used rain gutter designs are:
1. Box Gutters
Box gutters are rectangular and box-type gutters boxed into the roofs, as shown in the figure below.
2. Fascia Gutters
Fascia gutters are also called eaves gutters. Here, gutters and eaves are combined so that the gutter appears to be built into the eaves.
3. Square Gutters
These are square-shaped gutters used in areas with heavy rainfall. It is fixed outside the face of the fascia.
4. Round Gutters
These are half-circle-shaped gutters that are fixed to the outside face of the fascia.
5. Quad or D Gutters
These gutters are fixed outside the face of the fascia. They are available in different widths and profiles.
FAQ
A rain gutter is a simple arrangement used in a building’s water discharge system. It is also called gutter or guttering, a trough or channel that runs along the perimeter of the roof that collects the rainwater runoff from the roof and discharges it.
A rain gutter system channels water out and away from the home’s foundation. As a result, it reduces the risks of:
1. Flooded basement
2. Damaged siding
3. Erosion
4. Ruining landscaping
Read More
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