Metal or plastic drainage systems: choosing a drain

Recommendation points

• Classification of gutters by design
• External drain device
• Classification of gutters by material
• Steel gutters
• Aluminum gutters
• Copper gutters
• Zinc-titanium gutters
• Plastic gutters
• Varieties of gutters in size and shape
• Recommendations for the selection of a drainage system

Roof drainage systems are made of materials with different properties and are coated with different compositions. We will understand the device and the types of these elements, mandatory for any roof, ask the price and compare the products of well-known manufacturers.

Material of manufacture, design, size and shape are the main factors that characterize the types of modern gutters.

Classification of gutters by design

Systems for water drainage, depending on the location option, are of the following modifications:

1. Outdoor – located around the perimeter of the roof and on the outside of the house.
2. Internal – consist of water intakes on the roof and drain pipes inside the structure.
3. Hidden – they are mounted on the side faces of the building and covered with decorative panels.

Organized drainage includes a set of elements that serve to collect precipitation from the roof and remove it to designated places.

External drain device

In private houses, an external drain, consisting of certain parts, perfectly copes with the task of water drainage.

1 – plug; 2 – bracket; 3 – gutter; 4 – corner; 5 – connector; 6 – outlet funnel; 7 – tee; 8 – drainage funnel; 9 – pipe bend; 10 – pipe clamp; 11 – pipe; 12 – drain elbow

Classification of gutters by material

The choice of material of manufacture begins with an acquaintance with two competing types of gutters – metal and plastic.

Steel gutters

Classic galvanized gutters are still relevant as the most budgetary option. Alumina-zinc coating possesses a 2-3 times large anti-corrosion indicator.

Gutters galvanized in any way can be additionally covered with polyurethane-based polymer films on one or both sides. One of the democratic options, combining the strength of the metal, increased service life and acceptable cost.

Aluminum gutters

Aluminum drainage systems are generally more durable than steel drainage systems. But they do not tolerate alkali, acid and contact with incompatible metals. But aluminum gutters are easy to assemble and install, keeping in mind their insufficient fracture strength.

Copper gutters

The choice of a copper drain is influenced by its ability to serve no less than the house itself. It is advisable to install these systems on permanent buildings covered with durable roofing materials. In addition to the high purchase costs, copper elements require professional installation.

Zinc-titanium gutters

Gutters made of zinc-titanium alloy, a ductile and non-corrosive material, have similar characteristics to copper. Subject to technically competent installation, these systems do not need any restoration work during the entire period of use..

Prices for metal gutters

System	Price, rub.	Materials	Service life, years
Chute, per meter	Funnel	Angle	Pipe, per meter	Tee
Unpainted gutter	180	220	340	260	650	Galvanized steel	> 7
Grand Line 125/90	240	305	700	360	1300	Galvanized steel + polyurethane	> ten
Prefa 150/100	270	420	510	290	1100	Light aluminum	> 40
Aguasystem 125/90	1700	950	1800	1900	2500	Zinc-titanium	> 50
Aguasystem 150/100	1900	3000	2270	1960	2700	copper	up to 100

Metal gutters are the best option for frequent snow melting, typical for folded roofs and corrugated board.

Plastic gutters

The gutters made of polyvinyl chloride are beautiful, smooth, varied in shape and simply assembled according to the principle of a constructor. Plastic systems do not rattle from running water and are not afraid of scratches.

The disadvantage of PVC gutters is the strong dependence of their durability on the quality of the source material. Low-grade plastic does not withstand snow loads, quickly cracks from the sun.

The cost of plastic gutters

System	Price, rub.	Service life, years
Chute, per meter	Angle	Funnel	Pipe, per meter	Knee
“Alt-Profile” Standard-115	116	220	210	120	135	> 15
DOCKE Standart 120/85	134	260	290	170	180	> 20
Gamrat 125/110	255	390	430	350	330	> ten
Hunter 125/74	230	250	260	130	270	> 15

Varieties of gutters in size and shape

The dimensions of the gutters and pipes determine the capacity of the drainage system and are calculated for a specific roof. The shape of the gutters has little effect on their functionality. Here they are guided by taste preferences and sometimes technical features..

Recommendations for the selection of a drainage system

There are no strict criteria for selecting a drainage system – there is common sense that allows you to analyze and act logically.

Let’s compare plastic and metal in terms of strength. It seems that steel gutters are by definition stronger – this is true if the metal is thick enough. There are still manufacturers who use steel less than 0.5 mm thick. With such drainage systems, problems begin already after 5-6 years. On the contrary, high-quality plastic elements have sufficient impact resistance..

Advice:the thickness of a durable steel gutter is not less than 0.6 mm: 0.5 (metal) + 0.1 (polymer).

Let’s compare the resistance to sun and water. The protective film increases the corrosion resistance of the galvanized gutter, but is easily scratched. Used polymer-powder coatings themselves have different resistance to UV and mechanical stress. In the case of plastic gutters, the problem of corrosion is removed in principle.

Advice:high-quality protective coatings must comply with the Ruv4 class in terms of UV resistance, and RC5 for corrosion protection.

Let’s take a closer look at the details. All gutter systems are assembled from approximately the same set, but the internal design may differ fundamentally. Anchoring hooks must not only meet the design requirements, but have a margin of safety. For gutters, not only the linear dimensions are important, but also the throughput, which depends on their depth. A bend in the water flow line will rust faster than a bend with a seam on the side. Reliable gutter connector – made of thick steel with a stiffener and with a soft rubber seal.

Advice:robust brackets are made of 4 mm steel, reinforced with a profile groove and protect against corrosion.

Let’s take a look at durability. Most steel gutters come with a 10-year warranty, which is the actual lifespan of the protective coating. How intact the thin film will be after this period – no one can predict. Having lost its protection, the iron gutter rusts quickly. Plastic systems, according to manufacturers, are no less durable. There are already examples of houses with PVC gutters that have served for more than a decade without damage..

Let’s think about the design. The combination of gutter, facade and roof is possible in three versions: gutter in the color of the roof, pipes and gutters with a coating for the facade, contrasting gutter in relation to the facade and roof. And the roof and gutter from the same material always look good.

A properly designed and properly installed drainage system reduces the risk of walls and foundations collapsing, and the water collected in storage tanks can be used for irrigation or household needs.