Down pipes

Downpipes are an often overlooked element of a functioning system. Ground drain locations, challenging roof designs and water volume can cause overuse of pipes to drain the gutters. This can lead to too many downpipes causing a spider web appearance, detracting from the architectural look of the building. Careful planning of a new building can place ground drains at locations where pipes can be minimized or hidden. Where we have to work with existing drainage such as renovations, there are a few options available.

A common problem with older homes is that of building settlement. A large overhang at the front entry of a home can settle and the roof may sag creating a low point. Aside from raising the building, we need to place a downpipe at this location or allow the gutters to overflow. Consider installing a chain drop, turning an unsightly downpipe into a functioning feature to your home.

Roof damage. I don’t need to tell you that replacing a roof is expensive. Water running from one roof elevation to another causes premature erosion of the protective surface of asphalt shingles, causes rot on wood shingles and unsightly stains on every roof. More recently there is a trend to install downpipes down the roof to control run-off. This may not be the most elegant solution as downpipes just don’t look very good. A good option is to install a Roof Pan fabricated from aluminum in a color closer matching the roof.

Built in gutters are formed at the building stage of a home, creating a gutter at the eave and normally constructed with an EPDM rubber lining. Sloping the gutter and physical size of the outlets are common problems leading to overflow. Installing a new drain and downpipe at low points or increasing the size of the outlet can often solve this.

Commercial buildings, Retro-fits on high-rise may require custom applications where normal downpipes are not adequate. In these situations we custom fabricate downpipe systems from TIG welded aluminum, Steel and PVC systems.

DOWNPIPE STYLES 

*2X3 ALUMINUM*3X4 STEEL*3” ROUND*LINDAB*COPPER*ZINC