Cast iron gutters are simple and operate invisibly. Most people don’t take enough time to consider the value that gutters add to their property. Just think about it. What would happen to your home if you didn’t have gutters?
Every time it rains, the water would run off directly from the roof and collect at the foot of the house, just around the foundation. The water-soaked soil would compromise the foundation, and in no time, you would be facing expensive repairs or a complete teardown and rebuild of the property.
The driveway and garden would be waterlogged and flooded, and the running water would damage the external walls, windows and doors. Excess moisture would lead to mould growth, and the roof structure would be easier to compromise.
Cast iron gutters might not be the most glamorous thing in your house, but they are worth every penny you put into them.
This guide looks at the different cast iron gutter components and how they contribute to the functioning of the gutters.
What Does a Cast Iron Guttering Structure Consist Of?
The most evident part of a guttering system is the gutters which collect the water. But there's more to the system. Guttering components include:
- Gutters
- Gutter support brackets
- Gutter unions
- Stop ends
- Gutter angles
- Stop end and running outlets
- Downpipes
- Offset bends
- Downpipe connectors
- Downpipe clips
- Downpipe shoes
- Downpipe branch
You can find these and other cast iron gutter parts at the Cast Iron Superstore. We stock them in multiple sizes and profiles to suit your preference and complement the design of the house.
What are Gutters?
Gutters are a rainwater collection system that collects the rainwater that runs down the roof of a building and diverts it away into a soak away or drains to keep it away from the foot of the structure.
Functions of a Guttering System
A guttering system has two primary functions. The first is to collect rainwater from the roof and direct it safely away from the house. Through this function, the gutters protect the foundation and roof, and other external parts of the property from water damage.
The guttering system also functions as a rainwater collection system for properties that want to put the rainwater to good use. The gutter system can direct the water to a storage tank for purification and use.
The Guttering System Structure
For the cast iron guttering system to work, it relies on multiple components, big and small. Each of these components is crucial, and the system's efficiency reduces if one fails. The components are:
Stop ends
Stop ends are located at the end of the gutter run. You can also find them inside the gutters in components like angles and outlets. When installing a stop end, the level of the gutter should always fall away from the stop end. This keeps the water from overflowing over the stop end.
Gutters support brackets
Gutter support brackets hold the gutters in place. They are attached to the fascia board, also known as fascia brackets. We have multiple types of cast iron gutter support brackets to suit various installation preferences.
Gutter angles
There are different types of gutter angles, usually distinguished by their angle. They range from 90 to 135 degrees, but it's possible to find them in other variations. They are used at the corners of the installation to ensure the gutters follow the shape of the roof. When choosing gutter angles, determine whether you want external or internal gutter angles. However, the internal and external gutter angles are the same for half-round, deep flow and square cast iron gutters.
Gutter
Gutters are unmistakable. They are the most prominent part of the guttering structure. They are a moulded channel that collects rainwater from the bottom of the roof and channels it to a downpipe. Like other components, they come in different mouldings and profiles.