RAINWATER MANAGEMENT T
he Met Office has announced that extreme weather is becoming the ‘new norm’ in the UK, with the latest State of the Climate report revealing that rainfall in recent years between October and March was 16% higher than average. Alongside heavier downpours, the UK is also experiencing longer dry spells and record- breaking temperatures, prompting frequent hosepipe bans up and down the country and placing additional strain on our infrastructure. This increasing weather volatility is putting pressure on UK’s guttering systems. Steve Skeldon, above ground product manager at Wavin, the plumbing and drainage manufacturer, says: “Today’s weather isn’t just wetter, it’s more volatile, heavy autumn rains, strong winds and even occasional heavy snowfall are placing greater pressure on guttering systems across the UK.” To cope with these shifting extremes,
Skeldon says that rainwater systems must be designed for durability, capacity and adaptability. “It’s not just about performance of systems - it’s about choosing the right solution for the property, based on a clear understanding of both the building’s needs and the profiles available,” he says. This is where product knowledge becomes essential, Skeldon adds. “Merchants and installers alike play a critical role in guiding customers, whether it’s a homeowner, builder or developer, toward guttering systems that will stand the test of time - and weather. Part of this process is understanding that each property has unique requirements with factors such as roof area, pitch, location, and regional rainfall levels all impacting which is system most appropriate. From steep-pitched residential homes to wide-span commercial buildings, no two jobs are the same.” To accommodate for this variety, Skeldon
says that manufacturers like Wavin offer a variety of profiles. The Wavin Osma range includes six different guttering profiles, designed to support all types of property and likely weather conditions. Systems such as Osma SuperLine or Osma RoofLine are particularly well-suited, offering robust, half round profiles specifically designed to handle the increased water volumes typical of large, flat or low gradient commercial and industrial roofs.
“Meanwhile, for residential properties in areas prone to heavy rainfall, high capacity domestic systems like Osma StormLine or Osma DeepLine are better suited. For example, StormLine is designed to have a higher front edge, ensuring it has the capacity to hold more rainwater and help prevent overshooting rainwater and overflow - reducing the risk of water ingress, even during intense downpours. Like all profiles in the Osma rainwater range,
STORM RISING
How is the drainage industry changing to deal with the changing climate? BMJ finds out.
September 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
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