The gutter is an essential element of the roof because it allows it to evacuate and even recover the rainwater that trickles from the roof and thus protect the walls of the house against water infiltration. Whether you are building your rainwater recovery system or you need to change or repair your gutter, the task is almost within everyone’s reach.
Hanging gutters
These are the most common models because they can be installed almost everywhere, they come in several forms – square, round, molded (also called cornice gutter) – and several materials: zinc, aluminum, steel, pvc, copper. The hanging gutters are fixed by hooks at the end of the rafters of the frame, on a board of edge, directly on the cover (tiles, steel tank, fiber-cement), or in the masonry. Their strong point is that it is possible to install them on any type of roof covering.
“Crawling” gutters
They are more discreet as they rest on the cornice or part of the roof. They are preferred if the slope of your roof is important and are not adaptable to all homes.
Main criteria for choosing a gutter
Annual rainfall is a determining factor in the choice of a gutter because it will determine the development of gutters that is directly related to their ability to collect rainwater. The greater the development of the gutter, the better will be the capacity of collection and evacuation of rainwater, which are more abundant in the South than in the North.
The surface of the roof is also a determining factor in choosing the development of the gutters, because the larger the surface area, the more important the volume of water to collect.
The slope is also an element to take into account: in fact, the higher the slope, the smaller the water surface to be evacuated. Good flow requires a slope of 5 to 20 mm / m².
Gutter materials: choose from 5 possibilities
Each material detailed below has specific properties in terms of resistance to shock, temperature, load, and it is important to take them into consideration because they will impact the longevity of the gutters and therefore the protection of your building. It is important to choose the material that best suits the configuration of your home, your roof, but also depending on the climate.
– This is the most used, especially for its traditional character.
– Natural material, recyclable and efficient. It’s very resistant to corrosion and severe climates.
– Installation: by interlocking with silicone sealant or welding.
– Life span: 30 to 40 years.
– Increasingly restrained, it is light and practical.
– Aesthetic material resistant to cold and aging.
– Installation: by embedding with seamless connection, sealing with silicone sealant.
– Life time: 20 years and over.
– Known as the most solid gutter.
– Material: steel coated with zinc (or a zinc alloy) which offers good resistance to corrosion.
– Installation: interlocking without solder or sealant, integrated EPDM seals.
– Life span: 30 to 40 years.
– Very economical, it is however a little less resistant due to the expansion or contraction of PVC which can end up cracking when subjected to intense cold.
– Soft and lightweight material that does not fear corrosion.
– Installation: gluing or interlocking with PVC seal.
– Life time: 15 years.