With many barns and industrial buildings now being converted for domestic use as houses, maintenance is a key subject. These types of buildings differ from standard houses in both their size and their type of construction. One question that often arises is what to do when replacing the roof gutters.
Barns and industrial buildings generally incorporate a roof that is either larger or steeper than that of a standard house. This means that the roof will collect and disperse a larger amount of water than a normal house roof. Standard house gutters are not large enough to cope with the increased rainwater flow, so a different type of gutter system to the standard 110mm usually needs to be fitted.
Industrial or commercial gutters are the best option. Ranging in size from 150mm to 200mm, they provide a much greater flow rate than standard guttering, enabling a large amount of rainfall to be safely channeled away from the roof. Not all manufacturers supply an industrial sized system, and the colour choice is often limited, although black or grey is usually available from those who do manufacture commercial systems. Industrial gutter systems that incorporate a deep flow design are particularly popular as the projection is slightly smaller, making the system more aesthetically pleasing whilst still providing exceptionally high flow rates. Industrial gutters usually connect to 110mm down pipes as standard, as opposed to domestic guttering which generally connects to a 68mm rainwater pipe.
Barns in particular do not always incorporate a fascia board at the eaves. This introduces another problem, as most guttering systems are made to be fixed to these fascia boards. The way round this is to use rafter brackets. These are basically galvanized metal arms around twelve inches long which screw to either the side or the top of the timber rafter. A standard fascia bracket is then bolted to this rafter arm using pre-drilled holes in the metal. The gutter is then clipped into the fascia bracket in the conventional manner.
Of course, smaller barns may have a small enough roof area to enable standard gutters to be used. Most suppliers will be able to supply a flow rate calculator to check this. Many barn owners choice to fit a decorative style gutter to make a feature of this integral part of the roof – cast iron effect PVC guttering is particularly popular in this regard.
Another popular option, particularly on larger barns or industrial conversions, is to use metal gutters. Cast iron remains a popular choice due to its traditional appearance and inherent strength and the large range of sizes and finishes available. Aluminium is also popular thanks to its lighter weight, making installation an easier proposition. Steel gutters have been fitted across Europe for many years and they are now becoming more widespread in the UK. For those who really want their gutters to stand out, copper is an excellent choice. This entirely natural material combines striking looks with a long life and provides an ever changing appearance as the colour gradually changes over the years due to the continuous chemical reaction of the copper with oxygen.
In conclusion, there is plenty of choice available for those renewing guttering on barns, with a number of excellent systems that combine an attractive appearance with very good flow rates. The decision will often come down to budget and the required appearance, but provided a suitably sized system is selected the guttering should protect the building for many years to come.
Plastic Inspection Chambers – Key Facts
Underground Drainage systems have moved on considerably since plastic first took over from clay as the material of choice for builders and civil engineers. This is particularly true when considering the use of inspection chambers, or manholes as they are still commonly referred to as. The following article explains how, why and where to use inspection chambers in a domestic drainage system.
Replacing A Broken Manhole Cover
Replacing a broken manhole cover can be a confusing business. Follow these few simple steps to improve your understanding of what is required and allow you to make an informed choice about what and where to buy.
A guide to Plastic Cast Iron Effect Gutters
Thinking of replacing your old gutters but don’t know which system to choose? Why not consider Cast Iron effect, a new development in plastic guttering, which combines the modern benefits of PVC with the traditional look of Cast Iron. Find out more about this product and how it is manufactured in this article.
