Gutters and the importance of their good operation

Gutters-and-the-importance-of-their-good-operation-Αποφράξεις-Πειραιάς

Gutters are the hydraulic system that removes rainwater from tile roofs, roofs, balconies, yards and generally from the external surfaces of a building according to Αποφράξεις Πειραιάς. They help keep water from pooling on horizontal exterior surfaces and preventing water corrosion damage, which can be severe.

Gutters consist of two parts. The first part is the spigot, through which water enters the gutter system. The second is the water transport pipe, to the desired place. A problem usually occurs when the gutter spout becomes clogged. So the unwanted water is not removed and stagnates or is removed at a very slow rate. Materials that clog the gutter are leaves, trash, stones, or pieces of plaster or cement that may have become detached and not removed in time.

This debris can also go inside the gutter and block the water removal pipe. For this reason, we place a special cover on the opening (grate) to prevent their entry, but allow the free passage of water through it.

Gutters are usually semi-circular or square in cross-section and are connected to a drainage pipe. Their purpose is the immediate removal of rain or other water from the roofs, walls and foundations of a building, so as to prevent corrosion caused by water in these places.

The systematic maintenance of the gutter is necessary to avoid problems that moisture can cause on the external surfaces of the building as well as on the internal ones, if the water soaks the surfaces for a long time. The cost of later repairing the damage caused by a malfunctioning gutter can be high.

Common repairs made during the inspection are to change the drain pipe connections where they may have broken. The same happens with broken supports where they change the slope of the gutters, resulting in a lack of proper drainage and preventing the proper drainage of water.

But the most common problem is the accumulation of leaves and debris from the birds’ nests that prevent the passage of water with a fast flow, especially after a heavy rain, resulting in the gutter overflowing in these places and leaking in many places on the walls.

Clogged gutter

Clogged gutters are a very common occurrence during the winter months. In winter unlike in summer, it rains, blows and the wind raises soil which settles in the gutters.

But what is a gutter?

Gutters are pipes that are outside our house. They are divided into 2 categories:

Horizontal gutter

The horizontal gutter is horizontal piping which we find on the roof of our house, or on balconies and terraces. We usually see them more in detached houses.

Vertical gutter

The vertical gutter is vertical piping into which the horizontal piping ends. And we find them mostly in corners of buildings, houses, on balconies and rooftops.

Their main function is to collect rainwater and lead it to a central point. With this practice we avoid collecting rainwater on our terrace, which will flood it.

Because they are outside of our house, apart from collecting the water in a central point, they also collect other things like soil, tree leaves, bugs and others. Over time, if we do not take the necessary actions, the pipes are very easy to clog. The first solution is their proper use and maintenance by you. If you don’t then you should definitely have a gutter or patio gutter unblocked. Under no circumstances do we recommend unblocking gutters yourself.

The points in the gutters to look out for

1) The location of the gutter outlet: The outlet should ideally be at least one meter away from the terrace terrace or roof parapet or any wall. This prevents clogging of the opening by leaves or other debris that tends to collect at the edge of the wall.

2) The special protective cover on the mouth must be made of lead foil and not of lead. This way you will avoid unwanted cracks

3) The next place that can give you trouble is where the gutter is horizontal, such as channels on tile roofs. There may be a slight slope for the water to run off, but it is a vulnerable place for rubbish to accumulate and must be cleaned frequently.

4) If the water transport pipe has many angles then a problem may occur. The water is delayed in leaving it with the consequence that there is even a temporary accumulation of it and the garbage can easily block the free flow.

5) Finally if the gutter is near a door. For example in the balloon where the gutter may be close to the window (inlet, outlet). Usually there is also a terrace next to the window, at a slightly higher height than the gutter. Water will be difficult or slow to drain. This creates the risk that many objects will collect and clog the gutter.

However, since there is a chance that a gutter might get clogged, a plumber can very easily unblock it for you. It is very important for the proper functioning of the gutters and the smooth removal of water.

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