Metal gutters - the traditional drainage system to protect the roofs of low-rise buildings. These simple designs have shown reliable, efficient performance over the centuries. Modern options, as a rule, are constructed from finished components of industrial production.
Meanwhile, in the past, the installation of metal gutters for the roof with their own hands was considered commonplace. Moreover, the entire system, from brackets to pipes, was made in an artisanal (manual) way.
In this article we will talk about how to build and install a metal drain for the roof.
The content of the article:
- Drainage Technology
- Which metal is preferable?
- Metal self-made gutters
- Self-made pipes drainage from tin
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Technology of installation of details of drains
- Detailed photo instruction
- Independent installation of oval gutters
- Receiving the installation of a long bracket
- How to install a rectangular gutter?
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Drainage Technology
If we turn to the existing technologies for the construction of metal drainage systems, two options are relevant for use:
- Based on round gutters and water pipes.
- Based on rectangular gutters and drainpipes.
There is, of course, also a different (exclusive) technique of performance, for example, based on wood, but such is rare and does not find wide application.
Metal drainage system attracts not only a beautiful appearance. According to operational parameters, metal gutters occupy a leading position.
Regardless of gutter technology, always running system calculation taking into account the area of the roof. According to the calculated data, the throughput capacity of the gutters, funnels, drain pipes is selected.
Based on the parameters of throughput, diameters, through holes, overall dimensions of fittings are determined:
- corner transitions;
- mounted couplings;
- collective funnels;
- bypass taps;
- connectors;
- drain pipes.
Provided that the master is completely self-assembled, he will have to make all the shaped parts of the working set with his own hands. But if there are no tinsmith skills and desires for production, the whole set of parts can simply be bought. Naturally, in this case, the complete independence of manufacturing the system is already seen as doubtful.
Which metal is preferable?
The choice of material for the metal drainage system is relatively small: galvanized steel, copper, zinc alloy with titanium. The first material is economical and the most popular of the entire group, but from the point of view of durability of operation, it is far from suitable in any assortment.
For example, the thickness of the zinc coating of metal sheet class 2 is 5-10 microns. This protection will last no more than 10 years of operation.
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Metals that traditionally act as the main materials of a drain are galvanized steel and copper. Less commonly used is zinc-titanium alloy and aluminum. Zinc is much cheaper than copper.
Compared to plastic drainage systems, metallic almost never lengthens when heated, absolutely not afraid of low temperatures
Copper gutters are not affordable for everyone, but they will serve for at least 100 years. And over time, they are covered with a noble patina and look very impressive
The life of the galvanized water drain is about 5 years, after which its protection evaporates and the system begins to rust. To avoid this, drains are covered with polymeric protective and decorative shells that enhance both technical and aesthetic qualities.
Galvanized steel drain system
Metal drainpipes
Elite copper version
Galvanized drain with polymer coating
Polymer-coated galvanized steel is a completely different matter. By its durability properties, this material is not inferior to red copper. But to make your own parts from such sheets without damaging the polymer layer is problematic.
Again, it remains only to buy finished products or choose a copper sheet as the material. And metal drains from copper, and especially zinc-titanium, require solid capital investments.
Metal self-made gutters
Making a chute with your own hands from galvanized steel is simple. However, difficulties arise if you try to make a gutter of the same length as in factory production (3-4 meters).
For the manufacture of four-meter parts will require the appropriate technical equipment, which in the domestic environment is usually not. Therefore, the standard length of improvised gutters, as a rule, is no more than 1 meter.
A good example of the manufacture of the simplest drain of a private house from galvanized steel sheet and steel brackets-holders. The system is made by hand
Oval gutter production technology:
- Take a sheet of tin 1 m long, 0.5 m wide.
- Place a piece of sheet on the bench.
- Take a metal pipe of suitable diameter.
- Bend a piece of sheet on the pipe by straightening with a wooden hammer to a semicircle.
- Along the front long edge measure an indent of 10 mm.
- Bend the edge line at an angle of 90º.
Then perform the second bend on the rear edge, cutting off the excess sheet.
For self-production of tin gutter you need a long wide bench and a set of simple tools. Welcome tinsmith skills
Approximately in the same way do gutters of a rectangular shape. Only as edits use angular metal blank.
The scheme of manufacturing a rectangular gutter gutter system for independent practice. An example of a hand-made product at home
Rectangular gutter gutters are even easier to make, as well as to prepare fittings for them. Therefore, it makes sense when choosing a technology to stop on rectangular gutters.
Self-made pipes drainage from tin
In order to make a straight pipe from a tin, a piece of galvanized is measured according to the size of the length and width and cut with scissors along marked lines.
File carefully deburring the edges of burrs, process them until smooth. On the long side, both edges of the sheet are bent in the same direction by a width of 10-15 mm.
The sequence of work in the process of creating a direct pipe drainage system of galvanized steel (copper) with your own hands. The main tool is the tinsmith's wooden hammer.
A galvanized sheet is tapped on a rigidly fixed pipe of a suitable diameter to give it a round shape. Then impose one previously curved edge on one another.
Using a wooden hammer and a metal rectangular bar, they “wrap” the edges in a lock. Carefully tap with a hammer along the seam to obtain a reliably pressed joint. Align the shape of the product on the pipe, trying to get a cylinder close to the ideal circle.
An example of the manufacture of direct drain pipe from galvanized sheet metal. Editing under the round shape is carried out using a conventional metal pipe of suitable diameter
Having the skills to manufacture direct drain pipes made of galvanized, it is easy to master the production technology of receiving hoppers and other parts of the system. With the same success, self-taught masters make brackets for metal gutters and for fixing drainpipes.
Here the method of production is quite simple. The case will require a metal clamp, a hammer, a file, a drill, a tape measure, a pencil and a mild steel strip with a section of 20x1.5 mm.
So do their own brackets for metal drainage systems. Under the round gutters and pipes, a metal strip of 1.5 mm is sufficient. Under square gutters 3-4 mm
Manufacturing technology of steel (copper) bracket:
- Cut a piece of steel strip with a length of 300 mm.
- File the end parts.
- Retreat from any end of 10 mm, make a bend at 90º.
- Sequentially moving the strip and locking it in a vice, arching it to the size of the gutter radius.
- Drill holes for the retainer and fasteners on the remaining straight part of the strip.
Similarly, brackets are made for drainpipes, but already in the form of a yoke consisting of two oval-shaped strips, the bent end edges of which are complemented by bolt-holes for the coupling.
On our site there are several articles with detailed instructions for the manufacture of roof gutters, we recommend that you read:
- Roof drains do it yourself: instructions for the independent production of a drainage system
- How to make weirs for the roof: recommendations on the arrangement of drainage with their own hands
Technology of installation of details of drains
Let us consider in more detail how to make installation of parts of various shapes, made by hand. Each technology has its own characteristics.
Detailed photo instruction
With the standard procedure of installing the drainage system on the sloping roof will introduce the following selection of photos:
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To attach the brackets to the roof shown in the example, you need to nail the frontal board. Determine the width of the board, attaching the bracket to the installation site
We nail the frontal board to the ends of the rafters. It will perform the function of the basis for fixing the brackets and protect the roofing pie from blowing.
In order to ensure a spontaneous drain towards the catchment, the brackets are installed with a slope. It should be 1-2 cm per meter
Having tied the fishing line or cord to the two extreme brackets, we check whether the slope meets the requirements of the manufacturer of the drainage system
Focusing on the "testimony" of the lace, mark up the place for fixing ordinary brackets
Before installing the gutter, carefully check the strength of attachment of the holders to the front plate
Gently squeezing the gutter with your hands, set it in place to adjust the length if necessary and mark the location of the funnel
If necessary, remove the gutter and prune it so that, together with the plug, it is a couple of inches shorter than the slope.
Step 1: Fitting the bracket to install the frontal board
Step 2: Install the frontal board and the next fitting
Step 3: Install the extreme bracket in the highest position
Step 4: Check the slope when installing brackets
Step 5: Layout and install gutter holders
Step 6: Checking the holding strength of the holders
Step 7: Install the metal gutter on the brackets
Step 8: Install the plugs on the edges of the gutter
Installing gutter - only part of the work on the device drainage system. Now you need to assemble and fix the drainage funnel, connect a drain pipe to it and organize a container for receiving rainwater. Next, proceed as follows:
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From the edge of the installed gutter we measure the segment, which is necessary to increase for the full arrangement of the slope
According to the markup, we cut out the metal chute using the metal sheet.
Emery paper gently clean the edge of the cut chute, remove burrs, trying not to damage the polymer shell of metal parts
We remove from the brackets the previously installed part of the gutter. Connect it with the newly cut, using a connector with compensator
In the place marked for the installation of the funnel, we cut a hole through which water from the gutter will enter the funnel and then into the drainpipe
Installing the gutter back, snap the drain funnel under the cut hole.
We assemble a drainpipe using the knees and elbows that are available in the system configuration. To collect rainwater set capacity
In the tank for collecting rainwater, it can merge along a groove embedded in a drainpipe or through a hose. The second option is better protected from atmospheric dust and dirt.
Step 9: Determining the length of the missing portion of the chute
Step 10: Cutting the gutter blank
Step 11: Deburring Sandpaper
Step 12: Connect the two parts of the gutter
Step 13: Cutting the Hole Installation Hole
Step 14: Fixing the drain funnel by snapping in
Step 15: Assemble the drain riser
Step 16: Connect the hose to the catchment tank
Independent installation of oval gutters
The process of assembling with their own hands oval grooves begin as usual with the installation of bracket-holders. It is worth noting an important nuance. If the gutter material is galvanized, the installation of steel brackets is allowed under it. Traditionally used brackets with a shank (long), made by hand.
An example of mounting brackets holders gutters on the roof of a building. Usually, fasteners are made on rafters, but in some cases, sheathing on the boards is allowed.
It is highly not recommended to put steel holders under copper parts, just as aluminum and plastic are undesirable. Copper always requires only copper to be steamed, and a departure from these principles is at a loss. The costs, of course, are substantial, but they pay off with the durability of the pure copper construction.
The same principle should be noted in relation to the zinc-titanium system. You should not save on fasteners, giving preference to expensive drainage structures.
Receiving the installation of a long bracket
The shank of the first bracket is superimposed on the end portion of the outer rafter and fixed with screws. Before fixing, you need to push the bracket forward a distance such that the conventional a vertical line running along the edge of the roof covering crossed the chute at the center point its bottoms.
Fulfillment of this rule is a guarantee of correct collection and removal of water for the maximum possible calculated value of precipitation intensity. Another important point is that the level of the front upper edge of the rim of the bracket should be 25-30 mm below the level of the ramp.
The subtleties of mounting brackets for any type of technology are in this setting the position of the brackets, in which there is a free flow of snow from the roof and the full capture of flowing water gutter
The average value of the size of the length between the rafters of the roofs of private houses is 800 mm. Given the high degree of stiffness of metal gutters (compared to plastic), the placement of brackets with a frequency of up to 1 meter is permissible. That is, subsequent brackets are also attached directly to the rafters.
If the building structure does not allow to observe the specified frequency, it should be fixed to the surface of the outer boards of the batten.
Installed brackets bring to the desired level of slope, slightly bending or bending the rim of each. For marking under the required slope, between the first and the last fastening element tension the cord, exposing the desired slope values to the construction level.
After completing the fit in all respects, they are placed on the gutter brackets, resting them with their edges under the retainers. Then it will remain to mount prefabricated funnels and drain pipes, after which the system is ready for operation.
How to install a rectangular gutter?
From a technical point of view, there are no special differences in the mounting of rectangular and oval troughs. The technology and mounting requirements are similar. But some nuances are still there.
Laying rectangular gutters on the bracket-holders begin in the direction from the receiving funnel to the first bracket. The elements one after another are laid overlapped, the joints are coated with sealant and then fastened with rivets. The shape of the support brackets is, of course, rectangular.
An example of the connection of two rectangular shaped grooves in the installation of a drainage system assembled from rectangular parts. Unlike round gutter constructions, rivet fastening technology is traditionally used here.
The method of fitting shaped parts on rivets through sealing with sealant is used during the entire installation. True, the installation of receiving funnels is often performed by means of self-tapping screws.
Act as follows:
- On the outer bottom side of the bottom, at a distance of 100-150 mm from the edge of the gutter, draw a rectangle 80 x 60 mm.
- On the diagonal of the rectangle from corner to corner, make two cuts.
- Bend the resulting petals down at an angle of 90º.
- A sealant is applied to the flange of the funnel.
- Attach a funnel body to the hole and secure with screws.
From the funnel mounted rectangular plumbing pipes from top to bottom. The connection of the pipes is done by inserting one into the other.
At the same time, the corners along the end edge of the incoming branch pipe are crushed inwards, inserted into another branch pipe, after which they fasten both parts along the contact line with rivets.
The common scheme of mounting the receiving funnel on the rectangular gutters. A waterproof sealant is used to seal the joint.
Fastening the collected drain pipes to the wall of the building is performed in a standard way - clamps.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Manufacturers of drainage systems care about proper installation of their products, therefore, they are increasingly releasing videos that help to understand all the nuances of the installation:
If we compare the installation technology of gutters (round and rectangular), the structure of rectangular systems looks more complicated. Some details differ in size and configuration. For example, the thickness of the strips of brackets under a rectangular gutter is usually taken at least 3-4 mm.
However, from an operational point of view, rectangular systems are preferred. With savings of 10-15% relative to the installation of round gutters, they provide greater throughput.
Do you have personal experience installing metal gutters for the roof? Want to share experiences or ask a question on the topic of the article? Please leave comments in the block below.
