Page 5 - MGMA MRM Issue 01 final

Sustainable Inspecting and The debris should be collected using non- be thoroughly cleaned and de-greased using

an organic solvent such as paint thinners and
metallic tools, such as soft bristled brushes/
Solutions Maintaining brooms and PVC shovels. the damaged area dried and coated with paint
overlapping the damaged area 100mm all round.
Areas of dirt compaction and any other vegetable
If the white paint coating to the inner gutter lining
matter i.e., soil, twigs, weeds, should be carefully
Gutter Systems removed and contaminated areas hosed down enamel is scratched or damaged, clean using a
non-metallic media. Brush off all contamination
and cleaned with fresh water. In the case of
and loose coating particles and repair by painting
both gravity and siphonic outlets check that
the outlets are clear and re-protect the welds if with a good quality gloss paint.
Whichever metal you choose – cast Rainwater systems are integral to protecting necessary. For repairs to membrane gutters, supplies of
aluminium, cast iron, fabricated steel or our buildings and channelling water from roof to Lastly, check that the fixings are sound and membrane patches can be obtained from the
fabricated aluminium – metal represents ground. Therefore gutters, outlets and downpipes installed to the recommended torque setting; gutter manufacturer. Prior to use, wash the
the most sustainable environmentally- must demonstrate in-situ strength and structural if damaged or in need of replacement, contact damaged area with water and washing up liquid,
friendly building material. Metal rainwater capability when handling increasing volumes of MGMA for further advice. rinse off and dry thoroughly before commencing
drainage systems contribute significantly rainfall and wind loadings. any repair work. Where the membrane is badly
to the sustainable design concept, thanks Industrial rainwater gutter systems are Where repairs are required, ensure that the scuffed, torn, ripped or damaged exposing the
to their high recycled content, recyclability designed to give many years of reliable service gutters are clean of debris. In the damaged area, galvanised metal; heat weld a membrane patch
and energy efficiency. dry the surface and remove any loose coating to an area covering plus 50mm all around the
but to achieve this, a regular inspection and particles of protective paint by gently scraping.
maintenance programme is essential; indeed, Remove any zinc salts or rust on exposed damaged section (refer to the manufacturer’s
such a programme is often a mandatory installation instructions).
MGMA members offer a range of requirement of the system guarantees available galvanised surface by abrasive cleaning using a Safety on site is paramount and MGMA
sustainable rainwater solutions: non-metallic media. Brush off all contamination
for industrial gutters. Neglected gutters may lead and loose coating particles. recommends that all inspections and any work
to premature degradation of the system and undertaken on buildings are only carried out by
prevention is always better than cure - a regular Abrade the galvanising and 50-75mm of the competent persons trained for such a purpose
Aluminium maintenance programme is the most effective protective coating around the damaged area to and that adequate and appropriate safe access
way of ensuring that serious problems do not produce a sound, flake free surface. Degrease is always provided. Safety precautions must be
Aluminium represents a sustainable, arise. thoroughly using solvent wipe. Apply product taken for the whole duration of inspections and
environmentally friendly building material; Coated gutters must be inspected at least by stiff bristled brush to bring back protective works. HSG 33 Health & Safety in Roofwork,
the life time value of aluminium is high, annually (more frequently if in coastal/heavy coating to the original 150μms thickness available from the HSE, provides detailed advice
lasting more than 25 years. Eighty per industrial areas or near trees) and MGMA overlapping the prepared area by 50-75mm on this subject.
cent of the aluminium rainwater systems recommends that the gutter inspection is carried to ensure the whole area of treatment is fully Further advice is available from any MGMA
already in use in the UK have been out at the same time as the roof inspection. covered and re-protected. member company whose details can be found at
manufactured from recycled aluminium Details of the inspection, together with any Abrasions and scratches penetrating the www.mgma.co.uk
and aluminium is 100 per cent infinitely repair and maintenance work undertaken galvanised protection in areas
recyclable at the end of its life. must be recorded in the product guarantee not protected should
documentation.
The inspection method will vary depending on
Steel the type of system the gutters are connected
to; for a gravity drainage system ensure that all
Galvanised steel represents a sustainable, pipework is inspected in accordance with BS EN
environmentally friendly building material 12056-3:2000 and for siphonic drainage systems
due to its longevity. Galvanised steel can check that the system (outlets, tailpipes,
be reused or recycled repeatedly without horizontal carrier pipes, etc.) is
losing its qualities as a building material inspected in accordance with BS
making it a sustainable choice for low EN 8490:2007.
carbon specification projects.
Any build-up of debris,
including debris remaining
after the roof installation for
Cast iron example, drilling swarf,
loose fixings, and rivets
Cast iron is a popular choice for its should be cleared
traditional virtues of strength, reliability, from the gutters
versatility and sustainability. Cast iron taking care not to
rainwater goods are often manufactured scratch or damage
from a mix of the following recycled the protective
materials, scrap iron, scrap steel surface.
pressings and scrap steel casting.
The resultant cast iron products are
themselves 100 per cent recyclable at the
end of the product’s life cycle.
Image reflects well maintained gutters
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