The Number of Downpipes You Need for Guttering
Downpipes are an integral part of your home’s guttering system, helping to take excess water away from walls and foundations and preventing it from entering your house. This blog will look at the importance of downpipes and what you need to consider when choosing and installing new downpipes.
The Importance of Downpipes
As mentioned above, downpipes are an important part of your home’s guttering system. Running down the side of the building, downpipes are designed to move water away from the guttering into the drainage system, keeping water away from your house and helping to prevent damage.
What are Downpipes made from?
Downpipes can be made from a wide range of materials including cast iron, plastic, PVC-u, aluminium, zinc, and copper. Traditionally cast iron was the material of choice, and it can still be found on some older houses. Nowadays, most homeowners opt for PVC-u guttering and downpipes due to its durability and low maintenance.
How Many Downpipes Do I Need?
The number of downpipes you need will depend on the size and pitch of your roof. For example, the larger the roof area and steeper the pitch, the greater the volume and flow of rainwater. This means more water needs to be diverted away from the building and therefore more downpipes may be required.
A good rule of thumb is one downpipe for every 9m (30ft) of guttering. However, you do need to mindful of how many drains you have around your home or business premises. If you are simply replacing an existing guttering system, we would recommend replacing like for like and having the same number of downpipes.
If you are installing an entirely new system, talking to a professional will help ensure you fit the correct amount of downpipes and provide peace of mind that your property is protected.
Downpipe Considerations
Size of Downpipe
The size of your downpipe will depend on the area of your roof and the amount of water you need to direct away from it. We offer 65mm, 68mm and 110m sized downpipes, allowing you to choose the most appropriate size for your building.
Do bear in mind that these measurements refer to the outer diameter of the downpipe, so the inner diameter will depend on the thickness of the material from which your downpipe is made – for example cast iron pipes will be thicker than PVC-u downpipes.
Length of Downpipe
As with the size, there are also various lengths of downpipe available. Here at National Plastics we offer both 2.5m and 4m long downpipes. This means we can accommodate guttering systems for a variety of buildings, from traditional terraces and family detached to commercial and hospitality buildings.
Explore Our Range Of Downpipes To Suit Your Needs
Here at National Plastics we offer a wide range of downpipes in various lengths, widths, and designs, so we’re sure you’ll find the best downpipe for your home. However, if you’re unsure which is right for you, call our team of experts today on 0800 22 77 77, who will be able to guide you through your options and answer any questions you may have.
