When it comes to gutter and downpipe installation, Sydney homeowners should ensure their property meets all relevant standards without cutting corners. Why?
Properly installed and maintained gutters and downpipes are critical to the structural integrity of your home and its capacity to withstand harsh weather conditions. Underdone fixtures are more than a minor oversight. They can pose major hazards to your safety and your property.
So how many downpipes and gutters do you really need? And what should you do to make sure that your home aligns with Australian standards? Read on to find out!
How many downpipes and gutters are enough?
Every house is unique, with different downpipe and guttering requirements. You may have heard the rule “one downpipe for every 30 to 40 feet”, but this simple calculation ignores important factors that must be considered when designing an effective roof drainage system. From roof design (flat, gabled, skillion, etc. ) to how often it rains where you live, there’s more to consider than just the surface area.
To properly calculate the number and type of gutters and downpipes to install, a licensed drainage plumber will consider a range of factors including;
- The roof catchment area in square metres
- The roof slope in degrees (for roofs with multiple slopes, an average must be calculated)
- Rainfall intensity (based on rainfall estimates in your location).
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Consequences of inadequate downpipes and gutters
If you don’t have enough gutters and downpipes, or if your selections are not durable or well-maintained, you could be in for some trouble.
Signs that your current gutters and downpipes aren’t doing the job include:
- gutters overflowing or sagging
- water pooling around exterior walls
- water damage inside the roof cavity or on ceilings
If you’ve noticed any of the above, it’s important to address the issue promptly. What begins as gutters overflowing during heavy rain can soon lead to roof leaks and serious structural damage to your property.
Prevention is always better than a cure, so ensure your roof water drainage system and backyard drainage are up to scratch. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your property is prepared for whatever Sydney’s storm season sends your way.
Standards for downpipes and gutters
The Australian standards for downpipes and gutters are clear.
- Drainage systems must use reliable materials, such as modified PVC, which are designed to endure over time and to withstand a variety of weather conditions.
- Gutters must be appropriately sized to accommodate run-off from the most extreme rainfall events, with box gutters served by downpipes of at least 90mm diameter or 100mm x 50mm rectangular pipes.
AS/NZS 3500.3, the Australian standard for stormwater drainage and plumbing, provides a range of insights to help property owners make the right choices, calculating gutter and downpipe needs based on roof area and rainfall intensity.
What about DIY downpipe installation by Sydney homeowners?
Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming gutter and downpipe installation is an easy DIY job. There are countless YouTube instructional videos and online articles that will assure you that it is. And if you’re handy, maybe it will be.
The real question is, can you afford to make a mistake? Before you choose to go the DIY route for guttering and downpipe installation, consider these things first.
- Your roof drainage system is the key to protecting your home from water inundation. Is it worth gambling with DIY when the consequences can compromise your safety and cost you a fortune in repairs?
- All drainage infrastructure must adhere to national building codes and standards. If yours doesn’t, this may not be a problem – until it comes time to sell. Building inspectors are trained to detect works that aren’t to code, giving buyers a reason to walk away from the sale or negotiate a lower asking price.
- If you incorrectly install guttering and downpipes, the best case scenario is that this quickly becomes obvious so you can rectify it. However, if the mistake only becomes apparent during a major weather event, it may be too late to avoid water damage.
How a professional downpipe installer can help
Life is stressful enough – don’t add dodgy roof water drainage to the mix! For professional guttering and downpipe installation, Sydney specialists Gladesville Plumbing are the ones to call. Get in touch today.