How To Place A Side Drain In A Storm Gutter System?

There is no single way to install a duct system for the collection and evacuation of rainwater from the roof. The most common are those in which the downspouts are placed in the middle of the gutters and side drain assemblies, in which the vertical pipes are placed at the end of the gutter. In this post we are going to review how to install the second option, with a step-by-step process for assembling the gutters and the side drain.

Choose the type of ducts

The first thing we must do in any gutter installation is to choose the materials and characteristics of the gutters. To do this, we must first find out about the peculiarities of each type of duct, the most common are:

Aluminum gutters.

Zinc gutters.

Galvanized gutters.

Copper gutters.

Once we have decided on the material with which we are going to work, it is necessary to know the rainfall rate of the place where the construction is located and the measurements of the roof , as well as its inclination. With these data we can also make a decision about the diameter of the rain gutters.

Calculate the slope of the installation

After choosing the ducts, it is time to start the assembly and this is where one of the peculiarities of lateral downspout installations comes into play. We must install the horizontal ducts with an inclination of at least 0.5% towards the downspout .

This requirement is fundamental, since otherwise it is very likely that water will accumulate and we will be favoring the formation of obstructions with all the problems that they entail for the installation. In addition, this inclination also allows gutter maintenance to be easier, since the cleaning of the channels can be carried out more quickly.

Place the supports

It is important to calculate the exact places where we are going to put the duct fasteners to ensure that we comply with the necessary inclination in the installation. On the other hand, it is also essential not to leave more than 50 cm between each support . In this way we will be securing the system in case it has to support a lot of weight.

You will have to choose the type of supports depending on whether the assembly is done on the facade, under the roof, on the eaves of the building, etc. Be sure to consult with a professional which is the best option.

Put the gutters in place

Once the supports have been placed, we have to put the gutters in their final place and fix them . In this type of installation with a side drain, it is possible to put a piece at the end that includes the sides and an opening to fit the downspout. In this way it is much easier to carry out the assembly to drain rainwater.

Install the downspouts

If you have used a specific part for mounting rain gutters with drainage, you will only have to assemble the vertical duct and then fix it to the facade . Depending on the characteristics of the construction, you may also need to place an elbow or some other accessory.

Check that everything is well secured

Check that the gutter joints are sealed and that everything is securely in place. If you find any small problem, resolve it so that you can finish the installation. And of course, if you have any problem, do not hesitate to contact an expert.