An efficient and tight gutter system is an indispensable element of every roof. It provides drainage of rainwater from the roof. Gutter systems can be made of various materials. One of the most common solutions on the market are gutters made of coated steel. We hereby present the characteristics of coated steel gutters and the advantages and disadvantages of this solution.
Coated steel gutter systems – important information
Coated sheet steel is most commonly used in the production of metal gutter systems. These gutters are characterized by a layered structure. Their core is made of steel and its thickness is in the range of 0.5 – 0.7 mm. In the steel gutter systems coated on both sides, the steel sheet is protected by a zinc layer. The weight of the zinc layers is 275 g/m2. The best parameters are obtained in products that are hot dip galvanized. The top layer of such gutters serves as a protective coating. Its thickness may be 35 or 50 µm. This layer is also applied on both sides – both inside and outside.
Various types of coatings are available for use with steel gutters:
- plastisol – a glossy material containing PVC stabilizers and vegetable oil, resistant to mechanical damage and low temperature,
- pural – it is a polyurethane coating with the addition of polyamides, it is more resistant to discolouration and corrosion, as well as to various chemical factors,
- polyester – HBP, Prelaq, Hard Coat – these are thick-layer coatings with a very smooth surface that is resistant to corrosion and atmospheric pollution.
Gutters made of coated steel can be used with any type of roof covering, as they are available in many colours.
Coated steel gutter systems – advantages
The advantages of steel gutters include:
- high protective properties – they withstand damage and loads, being able to withstand loads from snow or ice,
- high resistance to adverse weather conditions,
- resistant to temperature changes – thanks to the low linear thermal expansion coefficient of steel (0.012 mm /(m.K)), they retain their properties in the range from -40 to + 100°C,
- very high mechanical strength – the highest among all types of gutter systems,
- resistant to ageing – their service life can be as long as 50 years,
- available in many different colour versions – it is possible to match them to the house façade and roof covering,
- can be used with any type of roofing material.
Coated steel gutter systems – disadvantages
There are also some disadvantages of coated steel gutter systems, which include:
- more difficult installation than in the case of plastic systems,
- regular maintenance and painting required,
- possibility of corrosion if the protective coating is scratched or chipped,
- welding or cutting individual elements of the system with a grinder leads to the destruction of the protective coating,
- poor resistance to aggressive environment, such as salt fog or bird droppings,
- possible scratches are visible on the coating.
