RAINWATER GOODS

Rainwater goods are those systems that are used to carry water from a building to prevent it from
entering the fabric or running down the walls.

Types of rainwater goods

1. Gutters - these are horizontal metals usually made of aluminum that are usually installed
along the eaves edges of your roof or on roof features like dormers.

2. Downpipes
A rainwater downpipe is a pipe used to direct rainwater away from a building from roof guttering
to a drainage system.

3. Ridge caps
Since so much water flows through the roof valleys, they must be protected by extensive roof
flashing networks to keep your roof dry and leak-free. A special covering called a ridge cap must
be used.

4. Gullies
Water gullies are an essential part of our wastewater management system. They prevent flooding
in our homes by collecting surface and gutter water

Proper maintenance is vital before the rains start and if you notice signs of a slow drain

Here are ways to prevent blockages on gullies

● Always clean areas around the gully before the rains start
● Regular inspection of your gully
● Avoid flushing too much toilet paper
● Use natural solutions to treat your gully
● Pour boiling water down the drain at least once a month

Materials used to make rainwater goods

● Aluminum
● Plastic
● Galvanized iron

Methods of fabricating rainwater goods

1. Soldiering
Soldering is the process of connecting two metal parts using another metal that has a lower
melting point. The metals to be connected are not melted in the process. The metal that creates
the connection is the solder.

The soldering work must be carried out in such a way that the solder flows satisfactorily. The
minimum overlap requirements are:

– For vertical soldered joints (e.g. rainwater downpipes) and soldered joints of gutter ends and
other accessories an overlap of min. 4 to 5 mm.

– For horizontal and inclined soldered joints an overlap of min. 10 mm.

These are strength joints.

One must use a soldering bit with a weight of more than 500 grams, which must be used at the
correct temperature (350-400 °C).

2. Soft welding

Welding is a fabrication process that uses high temperatures to melt and fuse parts together. The
process of welding doesn't merely bond the two pieces together as in brazing and soldering,
instead, it causes the metallic structures of the two pieces to join together and become one
through the use of extreme heat and pressure

3. Riveting

A rivet is a mechanical fastener for making a permanent join between two or more metal sheets.
Riveting is the act of fastening or securing two parts with one or more rivets. The rivet comprises
a shank with a plain end (or tail), and a head on the other end. The rivet has proved to be one of
the most reliable and safe means of fastening, forming a permanent and structurally robust join.