Page 5 - MGMA MRM issue 02

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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