What drains are better: reservoir or metal - photo and video

A house that is not equipped with a drainage system is doomed to gradual destruction: the water flowing from the slopes will eventually destroy the foundation, ruin the appearance of the wall decoration, and slipping the frost will scratch or damage the roof covering. The construction market offers an extensive range of components for the assembly of gutters, differing in price, material, as well as methods of fasteners. In that article, we will compare the most popular galvanized drains and low-cost plastic models to confidently answer the question which ones are better.

Device and functions

Roof drain - a system of organized collection, transportation of thawed or rain water flowing down from the slopes into storm sewers or a special tank. It consists of gutters, water intake funnels, pipes through which the movement of fluid occurs. The elements of the drain tightly connected to each other, and then fixed on the rafter legs or the eaves. Plastic and metal systems perform the same functions:

1. Prevent spontaneous gathering of thawed or rainwater from the slope. Thanks to the installation of drainage, the liquid is sent in an organized way along the gutters and pipes to specially equipped places.
2. Protects the wall finish from getting wet. If water from the slope flows unorganized, it falls on the cladding of the facades, which spoils the appearance, and then leads to accelerated destruction of the material. If the house is wooden, then at constant contact with water the walls are covered with mold and rot.
3. Preserves the integrity of the foundation. Water falling from the height of the roof to the blind area gradually destroys the foundation. Because of this, the base of the house can get damaged, which will be difficult and expensive to repair.
4. Stops ground blur. If the house has an unorganized drain, the water flowing down from the slopes erodes the ground, which causes puddles and dirt.
5. Increases the life of the roofing material. When the thawed and rain water stagnates, the roof covering gradually collapses, small cracks form on the surface of the material, and the metal roofs are covered with rust.

Note! Organized gutter extends the "life" of the roofing material, wall decoration and the foundation of the house, which saves a significant amount to the homeowner. However, this is not all the positive properties of this device, with the help of which in the climatic conditions of central Russia you can collect a lot of free water for irrigation, laundry and other household needs.

Metal drain

Metal gutters were the first devices for water disposal, which were massively produced in factories and enterprises. They are made of galvanized or stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion. Galvanized drains are additional elements, connecting which, collect the drainage system. Modern products for metal drainage have a plastic coating of plastisl or Pural, which improve the moisture protection functions and give the products color. Metal gutters are made from pipes of round and rectangular cross-section. They have the following advantages:

• Metal gutters and pipes are better adapted to temperature changes. They calmly stand from -50 to +120 degrees, without undergoing thermal expansion.
• The metal used for the production of gutters, durable and resistant to corrosion. It is not damaged when snow melts and other mechanical damage.
• Metal products for the organization of drainage are quite durable. Models of steel without additional protective coating serve about 15-20 years, and with a polymer coating - 50-60 years.
• Metal drainage systems are easily installed by hand, as they are connected without compensatory elements and mounted on simple brackets.
• Gutters and galvanized steel pipes, if desired, and having the appropriate tool, can be made with your own hands using sheet metal.

Important! Choosing metal gutters, you should understand that the weight of these products is higher than plastic. Before installation, you need to make sure the strength of the rafter frame so that the drainage system does not deform the roof. In addition, the metal has a high thermal conductivity, therefore, in the winter, it freezes through. So that the work of the drain does not stop when the temperature drops below 0 degrees, they install heating funnels and rednecks.

Plastic drain

Plastic drains came to the construction market relatively recently, they have gained popularity with the mass production of inexpensive and durable polymers. Plastic is a lightweight, durable and water-resistant synthetic material, to which, if necessary, add coloring pigments. Plastic pipes and gutters for assembling drainage have a circular cross-section and a diameter of from 50 to 150 mm. They are sold complete with fasteners, brackets and compensators. Plastic drains favorably differ from metal following properties:

• Plastic is a lightweight material; it weighs much less than any kind of metal. It does not create a large load on the roof frame, therefore it does not require reinforcement of the structure. Plastic models should be used for the reconstruction of old roofs with dilapidated rafters.
• Plastic drains do not corrode at all, which is an undeniable advantage, as they are in constant contact with water.
• Durability. Plastic pipes for water disposal retain their operational properties better and last longer than galvanized steel products.
• Ease of maintenance. Plastic products for the assembly of drains do not require careful maintenance. They retain color throughout the entire life cycle, as they are better protected from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Pipe cleaning is carried out with water from a hose.
• Convenience assembly. You can assemble and install plastic drains with your own hands, since all the necessary elements are sold in the kit.
• Tightness. Connections between plastic elements are more hermetic and do not leak. Therefore, they are more effective in organizing drainage.
• Low noise Plastic models have a low resonating ability, so during the rain they do not produce such noise as metal. Therefore, they are considered a more attractive option.

Note! Plastic drainpipes can be used at temperatures from -40 to +50 degrees. They undergo temperature changes in linear dimensions: pipes expand when heated, and then contract to cool. In order not to burst the drain, the elements are connected using compensators, rubber seals. The drainage collected without compensatory parts can be deformed at the first frost.

Criterias of choice

After the completion of roofing work, homeowners have to make a difficult decision, to choose which gutters to install. From a variety of models, as well as materials, eyes scatter, so it is difficult to make a purchase consciously. Skilled masters advise to consider the following factors:

1. Price. The price of elements for assembling a water disposal system is often the decisive factor in the purchase. Plastic drains are equally galvanized without coating. Products with a polymer coating is 10-15% more expensive.
2. Type of roofing material. Metal drainpipes are installed on the roofs of metal, corrugated, roll. Plastic models are better suited for roll materials, as well as bitumen as well as ceramic tiles.
3. Diameter. The diameter range of the drainpipes lies in the range of 50-150 mm. The larger and steeper the slope, the greater must be the diameter of the gutter. For the roof of a small theft, pipes with a diameter of 50-70 mm and gutters of 70-120 mm are sufficient.
4. Weight. Plastic models weigh less than metal, so they are mounted on the roofs of different designs and sizes. To install metal gutters, you need a durable, reliable roof frame.
5. Climatic conditions. Climatic conditions in the region of construction are an important factor that is taken into account when choosing products for drainage. Plastic has a working temperature from -40 to +50 degrees, and metal from -50 to +120, so it can be used in the Far North.

Important! Manufacturers produce models of different colors, shapes, so they can be chosen in tune to the roofing material or walls. Modern drains are distinguished by an aesthetic appearance, durability, so having spent the money on them once, you can forget about the problem of water disposal for 15-20 years.

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