Aluminium Downpipes: Choosing the Right Type For Your Property

Types of aluminium downpipes: which style suits your property best?

At InterCounty, we offer three different types of aluminium downpipes. Here’s a full breakdown of suitability for each:

1. Cast Collared Downpipes: A versatile choice, our Cast Collared Downpipes are best-suited to historic properties that require a traditional or period aesthetic. But they can also provide a unique, classic architectural detail for new-builds/modern homes.
2. Pipes with Swaged Joints: Another good all-rounder, our Swaged Downpipes have a slightly more contemporary aesthetic, so work well for new-build developments, but can also add a modern touch to traditional homes. 
3. Vandal Resistant Pipes: Designed specifically for public sector buildings, our non-grippable Vandal Resistant Pipes help to protect schools, hospitals and prisons from vandalism. Best-suited to contemporary architectural styles.

How do you choose the right size aluminium downpipes?

Choosing the right size aluminium downpipes for your gutter system is crucial to ensure proper drainage. 

To choose the right size, you’ll need to consider the pitch of your roof, the level of rainfall in your area and the flow capacity of your gutters. 

• Roof Pitch: Naturally, a higher pitch will require a larger downpipe as there’ll be more surface run-off happening at a faster pace. 
• Level of Rainfall: Properties in areas prone to high levels of rainfall or heavy downpours will need larger downpipes to prevent overflows.
• Gutter Flow Capacity: Your downpipes must be able to handle the volume of rainwater coming from your gutters, which is why it’s best to match their capacities. E.g. For standard half-round 125mm guttering, 76mm round or 65mm square downpipes typically provide appropriate flow capacity. Whereas, larger, 150mm guttering generally requires 102mm round or 80mm square downpipes to prevent bottlenecking during peak flow conditions.

Signs it’s time to replace your old downpipes

Alternative downpipe materials, such as cast iron and uPVC, can be prone to rust and cracking. They generally have a shorter lifespan than aluminium and uPVC continues to be the subject of many environmental concerns. 

If you currently have an iron or plastic guttering system in place that is showing any of the following signs, it could be time to replace with aluminium:

• Visible cracks or holes: Cracks and holes allow water to escape, a sure-fire sign your downpipes are not performing as they should.
• Rust or peeling paint: Rust stains indicate that the protective coating has been compromised. Extensive peeling paint can also be a strong sign of a leak behind the paint.
• Sagging or loose brackets: Sagging downpipes due to loose or damaged brackets can happen over time, causing water pooling and overflow.
• Overflowing gutters: If your gutters are overflowing during heavy downpours, this could be due to clogs in your downpipes. If this is happening regularly, this is a sign your drainage system is no longer efficient.

Aluminium won’t rust, rot or corrode. It is also highly sustainable and durable, providing an excellent snow-loading capacity.

Get your free project quote today!

Get your free, no-obligation quote today to see how much you could save when you switch to aluminium downpipes!

Call our friendly and professional team on 0161 366 8866 or email sales@intercountyseamless.co.uk for a quick project estimate.