Coping with Rain
However much we like to moan about it, rain is a fact of life and every building has to have a system to effectively deal with rainwater. Gutters and downpipes will take water away from roofs and connect with underground drains, protecting the building’s structure.
Popular materials available include plastic, cast iron, aluminium and steel, with choices of rounded or rectangular profiles. Plastic has price advantages, but metal is stronger and should be longer lasting. Factors to take into account include the climate of a given area – not just the amount of rainfall but also its intensity and how sun, snow and frost will affect the chosen system.
Aesthetics can play an important role too. Rainwater systems are now available in a huge range of colours to complement the building’s style and environment.
Where to buy rainwater systems
- Plastivan UK - Unit 4 Bonville Industrial Estate, Bonville Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5QU, 0117 300 5625
- Marley Alutec - Dickley Lane, Lenham, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 2DE, 01234 359438
- Geberit Sales Ltd - Geberit House, Academy Drive, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6QZ, 01926 516800
- Pipelife Ireland Limited - P.O. Box 29, White's Cross, Cork, County Cork, 00 353 21 4884 700
Good Day.
I recently was asked to survey a Victorian drainage system on a house in Guildford. One finding has puzzled us that we cant answer and i was hoping you might be able to shed some light. On the drive connected to the rainwater down pipe is a pit about 8-9 ft deep , roughly 3ft across sperically and full of water. This pit is very close to the property. There are clearly some pipes on the opposite side to the inlet that probably run off to the street somewhere. Can you possibly tell me what purpose this serves.