Environmental and climatic conditions within the UK have been one of the key drivers for roof drainage and water management at the roofline position across all types of buildings. From historic buildings through to modern architecture the collection of water from roof level; its efficient distribution to outlet positions and its removal down to ground level drainage has been the subject of many designs and innovations.
To meet these exacting standards, industry has been working with British Standards to ensure that products meet the challenges set upon gutters, outlets and down pipes and all of the other components required to provide a proven system, which is efficient and structurally capable of handling large volumes of water under normal and storm conditions.
The following standards deal specifically with metal based products and systems and the performance of such systems in the built environment.
BS 9101:2017 Steel and aluminium rainwater systems – Specification
This standard, which was developed in collaboration with the MGMA, sets out the basic principles for the components, jointing methods, structural design requirements and testing methods for steel and aluminium gutters of any type, this covers extruded, roll formed, pressed and the structural parts of insulated gutters.
BS EN 1462:2004 Brackets for eaves gutters. Requirements and testing
This standard specifies the physical properties, required coatings and test methods for rafter brackets designed to support eaves gutter which conform to BS EN 612. It provides test methods for loading and resistance to coating abrasion, as well as detailed specifications on number and sizes of fixing holes. For all other gutter types used in UK, design of brackets would be determined by the requirements of BS 9101.
BS EN 612:2005 Eaves gutters with bead stiffened fronts and rainwater pipes with seamed joints made of metal sheet. Definitions, classifications and requirements
This standard pertains specifically to a type of gutter which has a beaded edge, very commonly used on the continent, where it makes up a large percentage of the external eaves gutters fitted to domestic and small commercial properties. Gutters of this type are supplied by some companies in the UK market, typically in steel, but other materials such as copper and zinc are sometimes used.
BS 460:2002+A2:2007 Cast iron rainwater goods. Specification
This standard specifies the requirements for cast iron rainwater which confirm to the traditional profiles used on buildings in the UK. It defines the dimensions and tolerances for a fixed set of gutter profiles, as well as giving details of mechanical properties, surface conditions and coatings, jointing and fixing methods.
BS 8530:2010 Traditional-style half round, beaded half round, Victorian ogee and moulded ogee aluminium rainwater systems. Specification
This standard specifies the requirements for cast and extruded rainwater made from aluminium which confirm to the traditional profiles used on buildings in the UK. It defines the dimensions and tolerances for a fixed set of gutter profiles, as well as giving details of mechanical properties, surface conditions and coatings, jointing and fixing methods.
BS EN 12056-3:2000 Gravity drainage systems inside buildings. Roof drainage, layout and calculation
This standard defines the methods of calculation for gutters and flat roofs in the UK, along with providing outline information about materials, layout and installation of roof drainage systems. In the UK national annexes it provided UK specific design data and rainfall intensity information.
BS 8490:2007 Guide to siphonic roof drainage systems
This standard defines the methods of calculation for siphonic roof drainage in the UK, along with providing outline information about materials, layout and installation of siphonic roof drainage systems.
Withdrawn Standards
BS 1091:1963 – Pressed steel gutters, pipes, fittings and accessories
This standard, now withdrawn by BSi, covered the material properties, dimensions and workmanship for pressed steel gutters with a galvanised or vitreous enamelled finish. Gutters of this type are not manufactured or sold by any MGMA members.
BS 1205-1:1945 – Cast iron gutters, fittings and accessories. Half round gutters
This standard, now withdrawn by BSi, covered the material properties, dimensions and workmanship specially for half round cast iron gutters. Half round cast iron gutters would now be manufactured to the requirements of BS 460.
BS 1431:1960 – Specification for wrought copper and wrought zinc rainwater goods
This standard, now withdrawn by BSi, covered the material properties, dimensions and workmanship for external eaves gutters formed in copper or zinc. specially for half round cast iron gutters. Gutters of this type would now be manufactured to the requirements of BS EN 612.
BS 2997:1958 – Specification for aluminium rainwater goods
This standard, now withdrawn by BSi, covered the material properties, dimensions and workmanship for cast, extruded and folded aluminium gutters. Cast and extruded gutters would now be manufactured to the requirements of BS 8530, folded gutters to the requirements of BS 9101.
Note: Industry standards are continually being updated and copies of current standards are obtainable directly from BSi Group.