Page 5 - MGMA MRM issue 02
P. 5

FOCUS ON…

 Steel







 Metal represents the most sustainable
 environmentally-friendly building material and
 metal rainwater drainage systems contribute
 significantly to the sustainable design concept,
 thanks to their high recycled content, recyclability
 and energy efficiency.
 Galvanised steel offers significant advantages
 when considering the entire system life cycle. It is
 produced from materials that have high recycled
 content from both pre-consumer and post-
 consumer scrap and can be reused or recycled
 repeatedly without losing its qualities as a building
 material making it a sustainable choice for low
 carbon specification projects. Percentage wise,
 the recovery rates of steel is in the high nineties.

 The popularity of steel amongst architects has
 seen this rainwater system become increasingly
 specified; steel is affordable and cost effective
 and its smart, stylish and contemporary
 appearance adds character to most types of   Style and finish  Maintenance  Benefits of galvanised steel
 build whether it is a residential property or a
 commercial or industrial building.   •  A wide choice of colours to either discreetly   Regular maintenance of all metal guttering is   •  Lightweight, stylish and strong
 complement the overall colour scheme of the   highly recommended but need not be arduous:  •  Stable material with only 1.2mm/m*100k
 building, or boldly creating accents of colour   •  Clear out hoppers, outlets, angles and gutter   thermal expansion
 are available.
 Strength and durability  lengths regularly to keep these free from   •  Easy to install dry-jointed rubber lined gutter
 •  The most popular gutter profile is half round,   debris as you should for any guttering system.  union
 •  Steel is strong and when installed creates a   but some manufacturers also offer a ‘box’   •  Regularly inspect for any signs of
 more robust system.  profile.  deterioration. Ensure joints and fixing points   •  Low maintenance system with no need to
                                                                   repaint
 •  Steel guttering will resist thermal expansion   •  As with the gutter, round downpipes are most   are sealed and not leaking and that brackets
 and contraction providing greater joint   commonly available, but some also come in a   are secure.  •  Push-fit stop-ends with EPDM rubber seal
 integrity – ideal in the UK where the weather   rectangular profile.  •  Clean external visible surfaces regularly to   •  Steel is a malleable material therefore it will
 variations really test the gutter joints.  maintain aesthetic appearance. No need to   not crack over time

 •  The process of galvanising steel adds a   repaint.          •  Fascia brackets: a variety of styles are
 molecular layer of zinc or reinforced zinc   Eco-friendly and sustainable  •  Always place ladders against structures and   available
 compound that is sacrificed to pagination   NOT the rainwater system.   •  Environmentally friendly and fully recyclable
 which protects the steel core.  •  The lifetime value of steel is high because the
 initial cost is low and it lasts such a long time.             •  Gutter outlets can be installed at any point
 •  Products come with manufacturers’                              along the gutter run for complete design
 guarantees of 10 -15 years although a   •  Steel is also 100% recyclable saving landfill   flexibility
 rainwater system made of steel can be   space and conserving natural resources.
 expected to last much longer than that.



 Installation

 •  Steel is lightweight and easy to handle; 3
 metre long lengths help quick installation.
 •  It can be installed by a professional or an
 experienced self-builder
 •  A full range of bracketry is available including
 fascia brackets, side and top fix rafter
 brackets and rise and fall brackets.

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