What are aluminium downpipes?

Vertical pipes made using high-quality aluminium, our reliable Aluminium Downpipes transport rainwater from a building’s gutters into a drainage channel (e.g. a soakaway or sewer).

This helps prevent mould, damp and water damage, preserving the structural integrity of the building’s walls and foundations.

What are the best aluminium downpipe solutions?

1. Cast Collared Downpipes: Round, square & rectangular aluminium downpipes with a collared style diecast socket, factory-fitted to each extruded length.
2. Pipes with Swaged Joints: Extruded aluminium downpipes with a swaged jointing system and separate standard or bespoke wall fixing brackets.
3. Vandal Resistant Pipes: Non-grippable downpipes that protect public sector buildings (those vulnerable to vandalism, e.g. schools, hospitals, prisons, etc.) by making them hard to climb/damage and negating the expensive installation of brick recesses.

What are the benefits of aluminium downpipes in gutter systems?

The main benefit of aluminium downpipes in gutter systems is their efficient and safe channelling of rainwater. Here are some more key benefits:

• Extensive lifespan: Aluminium is strong and highly durable, lasting around 30 years (or up to 50+ years if properly maintained), meaning you should never need to replace aluminium downpipes!
• Natural corrosion-resistance: Aluminium is one of the few metals that naturally resists corrosion, making it perfect for external applications like downpipes.
• Lightweight: Significantly lighter than iron or steel, aluminium downpipes minimise the strain on your building’s fascia and make installation easier, faster and more cost-effective.

Which materials are best for durable downpipes?

Aluminium would, of course, be our top choice for durable downpipes! There are benefits to other materials, but also some considerations to make.

For instance, while cast iron can also be very durable, it requires regular re-painting to prevent rust. Whereas, aluminium naturally fights against it. Additionally, despite some types of PVC being robust, it generally has a shorter lifespan than aluminium, can become brittle or fade over time (aluminium won’t rust, rot or corrode), and it is also the subject of many environmental concerns (aluminium is 100% recyclable). 

What is the lifespan of aluminium downpipes?

Aluminium downpipes generally last around 30 years as they experience much less wear & tear than gutters.

Their lifespan is enhanced by the natural corrosion-resistance and durability of aluminium, which prevents rust, cracking and degradation from extreme temperatures, heavy downpours and UV exposure.

Maintenance tips for aluminium downpipes

To maintain your aluminium downpipes, we would recommend regular cleaning, inspections and fitting extra protection. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Regularly clear leaves & other seasonal debris: Remove leaves and other debris from your downpipes with a trowel or scoop at least twice a year, or more frequently if you have trees nearby. Avoid pushing the debris into the opening of the pipe if you can.
2. Check for blockages: Use a hosepipe to test the flow of water through your downpipes, this will make any blockages apparent. Use a plumber’s snake to clear clogs.
3. Fit bird or leaf guards: Mesh bird and leaf guards prevent debris by acting as a physical barrier that stops leaves, twigs and nesting materials from accumulating in your downpipes.

Maintaining your gutters is also very important, especially during the colder months when damage can become more severe. Here’s our guide to maintaining your gutters in winter.

Choosing the right downpipe size for your gutter system

Choosing the right downpipe size is crucial for effective rainwater management. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Consider your roof’s area & pitch: A larger, steeper roof requires larger/more downpipes to handle the volume of surface run-off.
• Take local rainfall intensity into account: Areas prone to high levels of rainfall will need bigger downpipes as they have higher flow capacities.
• Think about your gutter’s flow capacity: It is generally best to match the size of the downpipe to your gutters, as the flow capacity will need to be equal to (or greater than) the gutter’s to prevent overflow.

Which areas does InterCounty Rainwater cover?

InterCounty Rainwater serves the North West of England, including areas in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside. This includes anywhere within a 60-mile radius of our Hyde-based premises, such as:

Stalybridge, Mossley, Dukinfield, Denton, Audenshaw, Ashton-under-Lyne, Droylsden, Glossop, High Peak, Longdendale, Stockport, Buxton, Didsbury, Withington, Chorlton, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Heywood, Middleton, Chadderton, Royton, Failsworth, Lees, Shaw, Milnrow, Saddleworth, Bolton, Salford, Worsley, Hebden Bridge, Littleborough, Todmorden, Altrincham, Trafford, Stretford, Urmston, Flixton, Wigan, Wythenshawe, Timperley, Hazel Grove, Bramhall, Prestwich, Hale, Lymm, Mottram, Prestbury, Bollington, Poynton, Prestwich, Whitefield, Irlam, Warrington, St. Helens, Widnes, Runcorn, Rossendale, Rawtenstall, Bacup, Marple, Blackburn, Burnley, Blackpool, Preston, Hyndburn, Macclesfield, Northwich, Wilmslow, Handforth, Heaton Chapel / Moor / Mersey / Norris / Park, Whaley Bridge, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Cheadle, Middlewich, Holmes Chapel, West Yorkshire, Calder Valley, Calderdale, Kirklees, Derbyshire, Halton, Wyre, Fylde and more.

Please browse our Aluminium Downpipes below.