A private house should be equipped with a drainage system, with the help of which melt and rainwater will be removed from the roof surface. This measure will protect the facade of the house from excessive moisture and the destruction of the foundation. Most often, metal roof gutters are used for this, the installation of which can be done by yourself. To do everything right, you need to have some idea of the materials, device and methods for making water pipes.
Materials for the water main
Gutters are made from the following materials: metal and plastic. The most economical of them is galvanized metal.
Plastic gutters are lightweight, look good, but not as durable as metal. If water freezes in them during cold time, this can lead to cracks or complete destruction of the structure.
When arranging a water pipe with your own hands, you should pay attention to the option of metal painted in the tone of the roof. It matches the color of the roof and looks very decorative. Such a drain will be practical and reliable in operation under any climatic conditions.
There are several types of metal drains:
- galvanized;
- coated with polymers;
- copper.
The differences between them are mainly in the life and price of the product.
Among the advantages of metal gutters, it is worth highlighting the following:
- reliability;
- resistance to temperature fluctuations (from -60 to + 130 ° C);
- strength;
- resistance to environmental influences;
- ability to withstand snow loads.
Among the shortcomings can be noted:
- higher cost than plastic;
- tendency to corrosion when scratches occur;
- complex installation and fastening;
- heavy construction weight;
- mount only on roofs with an angle of 90 degrees.
Designs made of copper sheets have a very solid and decorative appearance, but are not used often because of their considerable cost.
If the roof of a private building is covered with soft tiles, then it is better to install and fasten the drainage system with your own hands from PVC.
The fact is that such a tile contains stone chips that can spoil the coating of metal systems, but not plastic ones.
Forms of Constructions
The easiest way to make a gutter with your own hands from painted or galvanized metal sheets. You can give it a rectangular or semicircular shape.
You can make a semicircular shape using a rolling tool by cutting a piece of galvanized pipe. First you need to cut a metal sheet of the right size. To give sufficient rigidity and structural strength, its edges should be bent and connected with trims.
Similarly, you can make round-shaped pipes with your own hands. At the edges of the sheet should be folded (make folds). Then connect, and then bend with a mallet. A rectangular pipe can be made using a bending machine or a simple rail. Elements of a drainage system made professionally look beautiful. They can be purchased and assembled a do-it-yourself conduit system.
The resulting gutters with a slight slope are mounted around the perimeter of the roof and fixed. At the joints of the gutters, connectors cut from a steel sheet are used.
Types of drains
According to localization, the systems of drains are divided into external and internal. The internal water conduit is calculated even at the planning stage of the house and is assembled with your own hands parallel to its construction. Such a system is used in places with harsh climate on flat roofs.When installing a water pipe with your own hands, it is easier to make it outside.
Wastewater must enter the drainage system or storm sewer. It is unacceptable to drain water under the house, because over time this will entail the destruction of the foundation. It is very reasonable and practical to collect such sediments in tanks, and then use them for watering plants.
Installation of gutters
To create a roof conduit with your own hands, you should prepare:
- tool for rolling;
- hammers;
- scissors for metal;
- mold for the manufacture of gutters;
- markup tool.
Before installing the gutters for the roof, it is necessary to calculate the dimensions and the required number of fasteners, as well as structural elements.
The gutters are mounted using brackets. They should be placed at a distance of 50-60 cm from each other. To set the slope correctly, you must first strengthen the start and end brackets, and then pull the cord between them. Subsequent brackets should be aligned strictly along the line of the cord.
The slope should be approximately 5 mm per meter. With a small slope, water overflow is possible, and too strong a slope will give the structure an unaesthetic appearance.
Too long gutters should be made on the ground, since in such a design it will be quite difficult to make the mount at the top. The gutter is fastened with sealant and rivets. To connect pipe fragments, they are led into each other by at least 2 cm, and after that they are fixed with clamps.
The location of the water pipe is controlled by a plumb line and must be strictly vertical. It is necessary to mount the upper clamp and hang a plumb line on it, and then mark the location of the others. Attach the pipe to the clamps in the direction of water flow.
Errors in the installation of the water pipe
- Horizontal installation of gutters. The consequence of this error will be the accumulation of water in the corners of the system and the gutter. At the same time, it freezes and thaws, creating ice plugs that impede water diversion. As a result of such drainage work, in a couple of years the system will need to be repaired, even cracking in a plastic drain is possible.
- Incorrect pipe diameters and insufficient number of funnels. The gutter system will not cope with the flow of water.
- Installation of gutters with a slope to the wall or in the opposite direction. During heavy rains, water will overflow over the edges of the gutter.
- Installing a pipe close to the wall of a house or a drain that is too high. Water may get on the walls of the house.
- Installing insufficient brackets. The gutter may not cope with the load and burst.
- Incorrectly assembled plastic pipes. Possible leakage or damage to the pipe.
These rules are common to gutters of all kinds.
The correct installation is very easy to verify:
- The tightness of the joints is checked by plugging the drain holes and pouring water. See if water is leaking. Then open the drain and check if water will flow out quickly.
- The slope of the gutters is checked by level, theodolite or level.
- The absence of overflows and the ability of the pipe to release water is checked by watering the ramp from the hose.
- The correct location of the gutter at the edge of the roof is checked by applying a rail. It should pass under it.
Thus, subject to installation rules, it is quite possible to install the gutter with your own hands, saving money. Ready drain should be periodically cleaned of leaves and other debris. It is especially important to do this before the start of winter, because the main accumulation of garbage occurs in the autumn-summer period.
A properly installed water main will not only protect the building from atmospheric precipitation, but also give the house a complete look. Some types of drains look very decorative and can truly be considered decoration of the building.
The gutter system protects the base of the building from the damaging effects of the natural environment, but this is only possible with the proper interaction of its components: roof, gutter, pipes and drain.
The larger the drain pipe will be discharged, the less water will leak into the soil and rocks near the structure.
This will naturally extend the life of your private home.