Long may it rain


When building to a budget, value for money when sourcing and purchasing materials is what everyone looks for. However value for money should not be mistaken for being the cheapest materials. It should be purchasing the product which gives you the most. For example, most people when looking at rainwater systems will immediately consider plastic gutters and downpipes as a more economical option. This however may cause problems in future years with discolouration due to sun bleaching, cracking and breakage under a weight such as collected leaves and snow. For an economical alternative which will have


long term lifecycle benefits, take a look at a metal system such as one made out of alu- minium, a strong and lightweight material. Aluminium gutters and downpipes are coated


in a durable polyester powder coating giving 25 years and over of rust proof, maintenance free service requiring practically no painting or replacement. Other metal rainwater systems such as cast


iron if well maintained give 50 years service with copper reportedly a hefty 100 years. This can be of benefit to developers who offer


a 10 year and upwards builders guarantee ensuring that the rainwater system on the property will not be on the list of things that require attention.


Taking it easy


Drainage systems made a return, half a millennium later after the Romans left, with the Normans who realised that their large buildings such as churches and monasteries required a rainwater system. It can be a certain bet that the Normans’


wood and clay rainwater systems were not as easy to install or to maintain as those that are around today. Modern rainwater systems have been developed as years have gone on to incorpo- rate mechanisms which can speed up the installation process saving time when fitting on housing developments. For example some aluminium extruded gutter


systems come with time saving internal joint fit mechanisms which require no mechanical fix- ings and cast iron soil pipe systems have a no nonsense push fit socket feature which requires no special tools for jointing. It is worth researching how easily and quickly


gutters and pipes can be installed when choos- ing a rainwater system, as it could not only be less hassle to install but also cost less money during the installation process.


The perfect finishing touch


There is a vast array of rainwater systems to choose from, different profiles, sizes and materials in the current market enabling a discerning choice of rainwater systems not only on the practical side but on the style and aes-


thetics front also adding value and kerb appeal to your property. Aluminium and cast iron gutters and downpipes can offer traditional profiles and ornate accessories such as decorative earpieces and hoppers – maybe not quite the magnificent gargoyles that were used by the Normans as water spouts to remove water from the roofs – but its not a bad start. For more ornate styles, or if you are looking


to replace an existing design a GRP system is the key for a perfect replicate replacement. Contemporary requirements can be fulfilled with zinc or stainless steel systems giving a fresh


[ 68 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk


Scandinavian or New England feel with fabu- lous copper systems adding dimension as it changes colour naturally from a bright finish to a Green Patina. Looking around at the different rainwater


systems available can be a great way to not only ensure that your property has an economi- cally efficient guttering and downpipe system, but it also helps in making your home stand out from the crowd.


It’s easy being green


As our civilisation moves on we become more aware of how important it is to be Green and ecologically aware. In the 18th century cast iron became popular


Contemporary requirements can be fulfilled with zinc or stainless steel systems giving a fresh Scandinavian or New England feel with fabulous copper systems adding dimension as it changes colour naturally


as the main metal to form gutters from being plentiful and cheap in times when renewable resources were not even thought about. Cast iron is still as popular today not only for


its traditional look but also as a product that is 100 per cent recyclable along with materials such as aluminium, copper and zinc. Copper and zinc gutters and downpipes,


coming from elements which are naturally occur- ring, are the perfect choice for those people who want to make the most of the rain by harvesting it. Rainwater systems which offer a long life


]


cycle, are also ecologically sound adding to the lifecycle of a building and reducing the neces- sity for re-manufacture, transport and fitting of replacement goods. The vast range of rainwater systems, which is


now available thanks to the trial and error of our ancestors ensures that when it comes to choosing a rainwater system in the 21st century you can choose one which will meet all of your requirements.


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