How to make weirs for the roof do it yourself - device and
The durability of the roof depends on many factors: the correctness of the calculations, the quality of the roofing material, as well as compliance with installation technology. However, even such a trifle as draining water from the slopes has an effect on the lifespan of the roof. The organization of a well-designed drainage system is an important stage of construction, which is not forgotten by experienced roofers. In this article we will talk about the device for draining rainwater, how to choose the right one, and then do the installation of this element of the drain with your own hands.
Device and species
Drainage for rain and melt water is an essential element of the drainage system of each roof. It is a simple construction, assembled from a pipe, gutters and drainage funnels. It carries out the transfer of fluid flowing from the roof slopes into storm sewer. Depending on the location and nature of use, there are 3 types of drain:
- Spontaneous. This term refers to the unorganized discharge of rainwater, when the atmospheric moisture leaves the surface of the roof slope by gravity without additional equipment. With this method of getting rid of excess liquid, the installation of funnels and gutters is not carried out, and no drain pipes are installed. The lack of natural drainage is that the water falling from the height of the roof damages the finish of the walls, gets under the waterproofing of the structure, erodes the soil or foundation of the building.
- Organized external. The installation of an organized external drain consists in the installation of a drainpipe, gutter and drainage funnels, that is, the creation of a system through which water is transferred from the roof of the roof to the “stormwater”. Drain of this type is suitable for the organization with their own hands drain from all forms of pitched roof. The advantage of the external drain for the roof is that it is easy to install and also to be serviced with your own hands.
- Organized internal. The peculiarity of the internal drain is that the drain pipes pass inside the structure and are hidden from view. Installation of the drain of this design is performed for a flat roof. Internal drainage is more complicated than external one in arrangement, operation and maintenance, therefore it will not be easy to equip it with your own hands. Poor installation, performed without compliance with the correct technology, is fraught with constant leaks.
Note! The diameter of the pipe and gutter, which will be required to equip the drain, is calculated on the basis of the climatic conditions in the construction zone, as well as the area and roof slope. For a roof of a garage or a compact country house, a drainpipe with a diameter of 50-70 mm and a gutter with a diameter of 70-120 mm are sufficient.
Materials
Drainage systems for the roof are made of a variety of materials on which depends on the price and the life of the drain. Components for assembly must have three qualities: resistance to water, temperature and durability. Most often, roof drainage is made from the following materials:
- Galvanized steel. Steel is the most popular material for the manufacture of plum. For those who like this material, there are two ways: choose ready-made models in a hardware store or make a drain with your own hands from sheet metal. Drainage systems made of galvanized steel are sufficiently resistant to corrosion, have a tight connection between the additional elements and serve for at least 15 years. The negative feature of galvanized gutter is a heavy weight, which is an additional burden for the roof truss system.
- Plastic. Modern roof drain of polyvinyl chloride has a high resistance to water, excellent anti-corrosion properties, and it is also much lighter than metal counterparts. Drainage systems made of plastic come in a variety of colors that can be matched to the roofing material. Installation is easily done by hand, as all that is required for assembly, comes complete with weir. The lack of plastic models, that not all of them can withstand cutting temperature drops, characteristic of the harsh Russian climate. High-quality plastic drain for rainwater is more than 20-25 years.
- Copper. Copper drainage systems are an expensive solution for organizing drains from the roof slope. Copper is an inert metal that does not enter into oxidative reactions. The overflow from this material will last more than 100 years, during which time it will only acquire a noble patina of patina. Permanent exposure to water does not harm the copper elements of the roof drainage system. However, they have a solid weight, so when doing the installation yourself, take care to strengthen the roof frame and the roof sheathing.
Experienced roofers recommend choosing weirs based on what kind of coating will be installed on the roof. We use galvanized steel weirs with polymer coating for roller roofs, metal roofs and profiled sheets. Soft roll coatings require the installation of plastic models. And the installation of copper weirs is possible only if the entire roof is covered with this material.
Principles of installation
Regardless of the material, cost or type of drain, the main criterion for effective work is a quality installation in compliance with all safety requirements. There are 2 factors due to which the drainage system functions: tightness and slope towards the catchment area. Professional master in equipping the drain adhere to the following rules:
- The greater the weight of the sinks, the more reliable the truss frame should be at the installation sites. Heavy models made of copper, aluminum or steel are mounted on the rafter legs, and lightweight plastic is directly on the cornice.
- A waterproofing layer is laid between the gutter and the roof rafters. Some masters use plastic films and roofing felt for this, while others recommend processing the abutment sites with bitumen-based mastic.
- Installation of weirs is carried out along all the roof overhangs. The gutter is fixed in such a way that a slope of 3-5 degrees is formed towards the water intake funnel, and a plug is put on the opposite side.
- The gutter is mounted on special brackets in such a way that it is peeking out from under the eaves of the roof at half the width. This arrangement allows you to effectively collect water and protects the gutter from collapse due to snow melt.
- Gutter risers are placed on each external and internal corner of the building. Storm sewers are supplied to these places, tanks are installed to collect water, or sand and gravel are made. The distance from the end of the drainpipe to the ground should not exceed 40-50 cm in order to avoid soil blurring and destruction of the foundation.
- The brackets are placed at a distance of no more than 50-60 cm from each other. The heavier the weirs, the less they take a step between fixtures.
Important! Roof drain needs regular maintenance. A competently designed and correctly installed system is inspected only 1 time per season, after the end of the autumn leaf fall and rainfall, but before the onset of sustained frosts. At this time, clean the gutters and pipes from debris, leaves, check the tightness of the seams and eliminate leaks.