Be it climate change or not, it certainly feels like the weather systems have changed somewhat in Adelaide over the past decades with strong, more extreme weather events becoming more frequent. This article seeks to discuss how many older homes in and around Adelaide can benefit from Gutter replacement and consequential upsizing of the gutter and downpipe system in order to increase capacity for peak rain events.
Gutter and downpipe systems on older homes
Adelaide had a property building boom that really started in the 1960s and to a point hasn’t stopped. More homes were needed at a faster pace as international migrants flocked to the quiet Australian city. Many tens of thousands of homes were built from the 60s to the 90s and many of these homes built and designed in the same way had inadequate roof drainage systems, being Roof gutters, roof downpipes and stormwater systems. Standard back in the day was a smaller sheet metal constructed roof gutter, small rectangular downpipes and in the earliest of the era Earthenware storm water drainage system. In reality the specification of these roof drainage system were never good enough to begin with and with more extreme weather events happening today are being tested even more but what to do If you own a home such as this?
How to Improve Roof Gutters and downpipes performance
The solution to improved performance for your roof drainage system is a total replacement of all components and upsizing of all to allow for greater peak water flow capacity and reduced risk of blockage for small debris.
Gutters
Gutter profiles by way of looks and or appearance have not really changed much over the years. Still the most common profiles of gutters around Adelaide can really be limited to a few with the most popular by far the Fascia gutter and the D gutter. Each of these gutter profiles is essentially the same as it was 50 years ago except for some increases in the cross sectional area. The gutters are essentially 10 – 20mm wider and while this may not sound like a lot it significantly increases the peak water flow capabilities of the gutter.
Downpipes
Probably the number one cause of problems on an older roof and gutter system is the number of downpipes and the size and therefore flow rates of the downpipes used. So many older properties have too few downpipes. A roof that may have really required five downpipes only installed with three etc. When considering that the downpipes installed probably have half the flow rate required by the roof the potential for problems become obvious.
Replacement downpipes should be 90mm round pvc downpipes rather than sheet metal 50mm x 100mm downpipes. A great rule of thumb is to have one 90mm downpipe per 50 square metres of roof catchment. Following this guide you can’t go wrong.
Gutter Guards and Leaf Screens: An Investment in Longevity and reduced maintenance
When having your gutters replaced Investing in gutter guards and leaf mesh can be a great add on. Chances are the same tradesman Installing your gutters can also install gutter guard and being installed at the same time means no opportunity for your new gutters to ever catch leaves and become blocked. With the correct leaf mesh gutters become virtually maintenance free, only the mesh itself requires blowing off with a leaf blower every few months. Good quality leaf mesh is also great for bushfire areas like the Adelaide Hills as it is fire proof and resistant to Embers in the event of a bushfire. Gutter guard can also lengthen the usable life of a gutter system by ensuring that moisture laden leaves are never sitting in the base of the gutter for months on end causing rust and corrosion.
Ensure Your Home’s Long-Term Protection
As Adelaide homeowners, we all want to safeguard our properties from water damage. Regular maintenance of gutters and downpipes is a crucial step in this process, especially for older homes. If you’re unsure about the condition of your guttering system or need professional assistance, consider reaching out to local experts. Roof Restoration Adelaide offers gutter replacement services in Adelaide that is tailored to your housing style. We specialise in gutter and downpipe replacement and increasing the capacity and capability of your gutter and downpipe system. For more information or to discuss your home’s needs and get an instant fixed price quote contact us for an over the phone or online discussion about how we can rectify the problems of your current downpipe system.
