Like any other thing in the material world, gutters sometimes fail. This may be due to both improper installation and environmental factors – an abnormally high amount of precipitation, hurricane wind and other weather events that create extreme stress on the gutter … Let’s take a closer look at what breakdowns can happen to the drain, and their causes.
Damages of the drain, their types and causes
The drainage system is an interconnected system of gutters, pipes, funnels, auxiliary and fastening elements, which serves to collect and drain water generated during precipitation from the roof of the house to a designated place. Parts of the system are mounted to the cornice and the facade of the house according to the rules that take into account many factors – from the shape of the roof to the climatic conditions of the area.
Each of the constituent elements of the drainage system performs its function and carries a certain load, respectively, it may fail. In most cases, climatic and weather factors are the reason. But sometimes the wrong selection of materials, incorrect assembly, and other nuances also lead to a malfunction. Let’s consider the main factors in more detail.
Editing miscalculations
The wrong angle of inclination of the gutters leads to the fact that not all the water goes into the funnel, some of it remains in the gutter, where it also freezes in winter. Typically, the angle of inclination should be between 5 and 8 mm per meter of the gutter. The roof canopy should hang over the gutter no more than one third, otherwise, water will flow past.
Wrong attachment
If you choose the wrong fasteners or incorrectly fasten the components of the drainage system to the roof or facade, the structure may loosen, and during precipitation and wind, it will create unnecessary noise.
Mechanical failures
With increased loads on the drain, if it was not designed for them, the elements may break. This happens with both plastic and metal products. The only way out in this case is to disassemble the section of the drain where the part is out of order and replace it.
Gutter system repair
Gutter repair
Since the greatest load during the operation of the drainage system falls on the gutter, breakdowns most often happen with this element. The first thing that gets into it is water that flows from the roof, as well as often snow, ice and debris. It is the debris, leaves, and small branches that have got inside that often clog the gutter to such an extent that a cork forms in it. It is important to clean the gutters on time since if the blockage gets into the funnel and further into the pipe, it will be much more difficult to clean the system. First, you need to get the leaves and everything that has accumulated by hand – for example, using a plastic scoop, and then rinse with water pressure from a hose.
If the gutter is so damaged that leaks are found (as a result of cracks or breaks), it is necessary to carefully dismantle the damaged section by loosening the fasteners on both sides. If, after examining the site in more detail, you find that the crack is small, you can try to fill it with special mastic. If the damage cannot be repaired, the site should be replaced with a new one of the same size, carefully inserting it in place of the old one. After that, it makes sense to check the tightness and strength of the entire system again.
Replacing the downspout
Downpipe – a drainage section where water gets after passing through the gutter and funnel. Often, the pipe is clogged with leaves and other debris; in the cold season, ice plugs can also form in it, which lead to increased loads on the pipe walls, and sometimes to its rupture. If this happens, then, as in the case described above, you will have to dismantle and replace the damaged part. To do this, dismantle the fastening clamps, remove the pipe and remove the damaged area. Then a new pipe is installed and connected to the rest of the system.
To prevent damage to the gutter due to ice and icicles, you can install heating on it. For this, heating cables are laid along the gutters and inside the pipes, having previously calculated the power.
Damaged fasteners
The fasteners of the drainage system are under heavy load, therefore it is very important not to save on them during installation and install them as much as provided according to the technology. For example, for gutters, the maximum distance between fasteners is 60 cm.
Most often, fastener defects are manifested in its weakening over time. This leads to the fact that in the place where the fasteners are loose, during precipitation, the drain begins to rattle. To fix this, you need to tighten the screws to the desired level. If the fastener is deformed or broken, it should be dismantled and replaced with a new one.
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