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Eaves Gutters

External domestic guttering, also known as spouting, is available in standard profiles and in long lengths from the manufacturer, or in some areas made to length on site.

The useful cross-sectional area of an external gutter is governed by the back height and not by the often-high front profile.

Eaves gutter systems, including downpipes, must be designed so that water cannot flow back inside the building.

Permanent leaf guards do not provide the protection claimed and assumed for metal gutters. Although they do prevent large pieces of debris from obstructing the outlets, they allow finer particles to collect on the sole of the guttering. The continual wetting of the interface between any debris and the metal will lead to early corrosion if regular maintenance is not carried out. Decaying organic matter such as leaves can produce organic acids, which will accelerate corrosion.

Vertical outlets to eave gutters or spouting must have an area equal to half the cross-sectional area of the gutter and horizontal outlets must have an area equal to the cross-sectional area of the gutter.

Eave gutters should have an outlet within 2 m of an external corner; where it is impossible, eave gutters should be given additional fall to avoid ponding. Any change of direction can negate the fall of lengths up to 6 m and the number of outlets will be determined by the catchment area.

All eaves gutters should allow free expansion to occur. Such joints can be either a sump, rainwater head, or a saddle flashing, but they should not be fastened to the gutter. See Internal Gutters

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/cop/roof-drainage/gutters#eaves-gutters
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Clause deleted. Now discussed under External Gutters.

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