CASCADE

PVC-U  Gutter & Downpipe Systems

Rainwater systems are supported by outlets, joint brackets and external angles as well as gutter supports brackets. These should all be fixed to the facia. If this is not possible specialist rafter and wall mounted bracket systems are available.

1/.  Position the running outlet vertically above the drain inlet or gully which will take the rainwater to the underground drainage system.

2/.  Fix the outlet in position to the facia. As far as possible secure the fittings through all the available fixing holes. If the gutter is to have a 1:600 fall, the outlet, fixings and gutter should be positioned to allow for for a fall of25mm in every 15 metres of gutter.

3/.  Fix the gutter support bracket furthest from the outlet ensuring the desired fall is accommodated.

4/.  Stretch a line taught between the fixed outlet and support bracket to establish a fixed gutter line .

5/.  Fix the remainder of the fittings to the facia following this line. A joint bracket is required at the junction between the two lengths of gutter.

6/. When all fittings have been fixed fit the gutter ensuring all nibs or clips are fully engaged.

7/.  When a length of gutter has been installed ensure that each end is not inserted a fitting beyond the EXPANSION ALLOWANCE line. This accommodates the thermal movement that will occur within the system.

GUTTER SUPPORT SPACING.

Gutter support spacing should normally NOT EXCEED 900mm. For roofs with a pitch exceeding 35 deg. and or with SMOOTH SURFACES and or subject to HEAVY SNOW LOADING, support spacing should NOT EXCEED 600mm. Various gutter angles incorporate fixing positions which can be drilled for fixing. If the angle is fixed to the facia board, adjacent support brackets should be no more than 900mm away. If the angle is not fixed. the brackets should be no more than 150mm away. Ensure that whatever the surface the support brackets are to be attached to, it can rigidly support the system.

SNOW LOADING.

Heavy snowfalls can create hazards on steep roof pitches and on smooth roof surface finishes when the accumulated snow slips down and off the roof. Additional support brackets (maximum 600mm centres) can cope with some extra snow load. Where 160mm industrial gutter is fitted the multi fix facia bracket (BR60) must be used. However, the combination of heavy load and the slip likely to be encountered on roofs, of all pitches, in mountainous and northern regions of the UK, necessitate the fitting of snowboards close to the eaves to prevent damage to the installation.. Wherever fixing holes are provided in any gutter fittings, they must be utilised during installation.

DOWNPIPE INSTALLATION.

When installing a downpipe system it is essential that the position of the support brackets be spaced at a maximum of 1.8m in vertical stacks. Support should be given to bends and offsets. Downpipe installation MUST accommodate thermal movement. The accommodation of approximately 10mm is made at the top of each 68mm pipe section, but at the bottom of each 110mm and 160mm pipe section. Spigot to socket joints in the 68mm systems require the insertion of a piece of pipe of length equal to the socket depth to produce a secure fit.

DOWNPIPE INSTALLATION EXCEEDING 10m IN HEIGHT. 

Galvanised metal brackets must be used to support the installed weight of 110mm and 160mm systems of a height greater than 10 metres.

STORAGE.

All rainwater components should be stored under conditions which will prevent damage and preserve appearance. Gutter sections, pipes and fittings should be kept in a cool dry store, with lengths of gutter and pipes stacked horizontally on a smooth level continuous base to avoid distortion. Stacks should be no more than 1.2m high to prevent overloading and damage to bottom layers in the stack. Were gutters, pipes and fittings are stored outdoors, leave all items in their packaging until installed to maintain their original appearance.

MAINTENANCE.

Cascade gutter systems should be cleaned out on a regular basis, at least annually, more frequently in locations where there are large amounts of wind borne dirt, e.g. in sandy areas and near trees. The high gloss surface finish retains little dirt. When cleaning of dirt from the external surface is necessary, a mild detergent solution is ideal.

As Cascade rainwater systems are self coloured, painting is not normally required for several years after installation. When painting is carried out the surfaces of all components should be lightly roughened with sandpaper and cleaned . An oil based gloss paint is the most suitable.