The main purpose of a rain gutter is to protect a building’s foundation by channeling water away from its base. They also protect masonry, stop water draining into basements and cellars, protect paintwork by helping keep dry and collect water for other uses such as gardening.

Cast iron, aluminum, steel, copper, zinc, plastics (PVC), GRP and wood are all used to manufacture guttering systems.

Rainwater gutters collect water from the roof and drain it down a leader pipe to the bottom of the building where it is collected or directed to a drainage system. Collected water from a gutter can be stored in a cistern or barrel.

Rainwater Systems are created using a combination of pre-manufactured parts.

Gutter – the gutter pipe stretches around the perimeter of the building just below the roof tiles to gather water as it drips off. Many different finishes and shapes are available in a guttering systems. The shapes are referred to as profiles.

Pipes - Water collected from the gutter is directed to the down pipe to be drained to the ground level. A network of pipes and joints are used to connect the system together and navigate its way down the building.

Hoppers – down pipes from different areas of the roof line can meet at a junction called a hopper where they are joined into a single pipe.

Accessories - brackets, clips, ends and outlets are used to connect the rainwater system together and to secure it to the building.

Solid hoods, screens and louvers are used to act as a screen that allows water to drain away but catches solid debris such as leaves and moss.

Other than the occasionally cleaning out most modern systems do not require any other maintenance. If blocked then water can overflow down the side of the building. Stagnant water in gutters can encourage weeds and grasses to grow.

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