Almost all properties nowadays have a gutter system. This is not only because of the realization of the essence of water damage protection by property owners but the local legislation in various states that have made it compulsory for properties.
Though the part on the roof is the primary element of your gutter system, several parts of the gutters work together for the highest level of water damage protection. One of the frequently overlooked when the best commercial roofing services companies do not handle your gutters’ installation is the drain.
Gutter drains are meant to reduce the rainwater amount flowing into the soil around your building’s foundation. In so doing, the contraction and expansion that leads to many foundation cracks and overall masonry failures are averted. The following are your gutter drain alternatives.
Runoff Drains
These connect to downspouts and comprise non-perforated solid pipes. Their primary task is the transportation of rainwater from the downspout to a downhill outlet away from your building. Runoff drains generally comprise corrugated 4″ solid pipes or schedule 40 PVC pipes.
A schedule 40 PVC pipe is often designed for use under walkways and driveways and features a higher load handling capacity of the two. The corrugated pipe is the more versatile of the two and is generally used in spaces with multiple turns.
Interceptor Drains
Most properties feature spaces where water stagnates creating a bother to walk through and a breeding spot for harmful microorganisms. In these spots, an interceptor catch basin is an ideal choice. It will interrupt the water flow from your downspout before it reaches and fills the low lying spot.
In most cases, the interceptor drain is connected to a solid pipe that moves the water downhill.
French Drains
These are trenches with thin gravel layers at their bottom and perforated pipes with earth and gravel at their top. The drains are generally installed in wide-angle curves or against your driveway or building. This way, they intercept gutter overflow before it runs into your foundation and driveway.
French drains are largely invisible on your yard and yet accommodate considerable water amounts.
Catch Basins
These are often bowl-shaped depressions in flat sections of your outdoors where water will converge. They can be installed in your walkways, driveways and side yards. Catch basins collect hundreds of water gallons and are easy to maintain since you can remove the top grate and clean out the dirt at their bottom.
The drain line you will connect from your downspouts to the catch basin is a solid 6″ or 4″ pipe.
Most people assume that foundation drains are also gutter drains. These, however, do not connect to your gutter drainage system but rather intercept the water outside your foundation’s walls and direct it away from the foundation. The above gutter drains might seem easy to choose from for your property.
There are nonetheless several elements professionals consider before recommending the one that works best for you. Getting a certified gutter installer rather than a handyman is essential in this case. This way, the style and dimensions of the gutter drains used on your property will work for you.
