The drainage system is an important element of the roof, which provides the collection, disposal of rain and melt water. It consists of standard parts: pipes, gutters, funnels, connecting and shaped parts. They are made of different materials, have a special configuration. This affects the pricing of drainage systems and their effectiveness.
Plastic gutters
Designs made of plastic are very popular in the market. They are made of hard or plasticized PVC with the addition of stabilizers. The first type of material is characterized by high strength, and the second - flexibility. The gutter made of hard PVC is suitable for large roofs, where there are increased loads from rain and melt water.
Advantages of plastic systems:
- low cost: in the price lists of companies, prices for plastic drainage systems start at 250 rubles. per linear meter;
- ease of installation: the low weight of the main structural elements allows you to install them without additional difficulties;
- ease of processing: plastic can be cut without problems using suitable tools;
- tightness: individual elements are interconnected using special rubber clips. In this case, the plastic does not deform under temperature changes;
- design: manufacturers offer gutter systems in 9 shades on the RAL scale;
- resistance to the negative effects of the environment: PVC does not change its appearance and properties under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, chemicals and lasts more than 50 years.
The disadvantages of plastic gutters include their low resistance to mechanical stress. Therefore, the instruction for such products prohibits use on high-rise buildings. PVC parts are not repaired. If any element is damaged, it must be replaced. This design requires periodic maintenance. It is also mandatory to replace the seals.
Popular manufacturers of gutter systems made of plastic are BRYZA (Breeze), Galeko, Gamrat (Gamrat), Murol (Murol), Scala (Scala), Hunter (Storm, Regent, Maxi), Technonikol. They produce pipes and gutters of various diameters, external and internal corners, couplings. You can also find drain funnels, tees, inspection hatches, elbows, adapters.
Steel gutters
Systems formed from steel go on sale with a special protective coating - galvanized (cold or hot), polymer, painted. This extends the life of the elements and improves their aesthetic qualities. The advantages of such systems:
- strength: the structural elements of the drain are able to withstand heavy loads from wind and snow, therefore they are used in regions with difficult climates;
- durability: the service life of the steel drain reaches 10-35 years (depending on the manufacturer);
- wide range of color schemes;
- lack of linear expansion under the influence of the temperature factor.
Steel elements are considered unstable to corrosion. Therefore, if the protective coating is damaged, quick deterioration of the material occurs. Also the disadvantages of this design solution include the large weight of all elements and the complexity of their installation.
The cost of steel drainage systems starts from 150 rubles. per linear meter. Popular manufacturers of such products are called Vegastock, Galeko, Insi, Lindab (Lindab), NIKA (Nika), Ruukki (Ruukki).
Gutter systems made of other materials
Aluminum
Gutters made of aluminum are less popular, but not without advantages. They are light in weight and are sold in various colors. Aluminum elements are not afraid of temperature changes, are not subject to corrosion and are easy to install. Their service life reaches 40 years. The disadvantage of such systems is called the low variability of shaped elements. Therefore, they are more suitable for structurally simple roofs.
The cost of aluminum gutters starts from 200 rubles. per linear meter. Similar products are produced by Vegastock, Battleship, ALUTEC.
Copper
Copper is an expensive metal and is used to create exclusive gutter systems. They have only one color - natural, which darkens over time, becomes covered with a patina and acquires an emerald hue. Copper does not need additional protective coating and lasts several decades.
The disadvantage of the material is its high cost (from 2500-3000 rubles per linear meter). For fastening copper elements using parts of the same metal. Popular representatives of such systems are Zambelli, Aquasystem (Aquasystem).
Zinc titanium
Mostly used on roofs made of the same material. The alloy is characterized by high strength, corrosion resistance and durability (service life of more than 100 years). The main disadvantage of the zinc-titanium drainage system is its high cost.
The cost per meter running starts from 500 rubles. A popular representative of gutters made of zinc-titanium alloy is Aquasystem.
Drains of round and rectangular section
Circular systems are considered traditional, found in buildings of any type: private sector, small production facilities. This design is universal due to the presence of free knees. At the same time, it is able to maintain an attractive appearance for a long time, does not lose its operational qualities.
The advantage of round systems is their simple installation. To fix the gutters, brackets are used, all elements are interconnected due to the presence of special grooves. To install the pipes, holders are used, which should be at several points along the entire length.
Elements with a rectangular section gaining great popularity in the market, due to their original appearance. They cost more than traditional round options, but this is justified by the presence of modern design.
The disadvantage of rectangular systems is called relatively complex installation. Special rivets and sealants are used to connect the individual elements. High-strength fasteners are used to fix the pipes to the wall of the building.
Key selection criteria
When buying a drainage system, they are primarily guided by the existing type of roof, the estimated load from melt and rainwater. The more complex the roof, the more precipitation is provided, the more powerful and stronger the basic structural elements should be.
When choosing a drain, its cost is also taken into account. With a minimum budget, you should not give preference to copper or zinc-titanium systems, which are the most expensive.
When buying drainage elements, pay attention to their color scheme and configuration. Equally important is the presence of the necessary components and fasteners. Also take into account the features of the installation and maintenance.