 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
The following
information is a quick reference guide for
NSW building professionals and consumers relating
to the installation of high fronted gutters in residential
homes.
It does not replace the need to ensure that gutter
installation meets the performance requirements of the
Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Recent trends
High fronted gutters are popular among consumers as
they hide the lower edge of tiles or roof cladding. If a
gutter overflows, including high fronted gutters, it can
result in water flowing back into the roof or building. If
this occurs over a prolonged period it can permanently
damage the internal structure and must be avoided.
Installation requirements
In NSW, all stormwater and drainage works must, by
law, comply with the NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage. The code requires that all guttering be designed and installed in accordance with Australian/ New Zealand Standard (AS) 3500.3 sections 3, 4 and part 5. Compliance with this standard will meet the relevant requirements of the BCA.
Manufacturer’s installation instructions are only a guide
and do not overrule the need for the installation to
comply with with AS 3500.3. Where the installation is the replacement of an existing guttering system, care needs to be taken to ensure the new system complies with current Australian Standards and the BCA.
Prevention measures
Where a gutter overflow can cause water to flow back
into a building, including into the eaves, sufficient
overflow measures must be included in the design
and installation of the guttering system. The installer is
responsible for ensuring the gutter system has sufficient drainage, downpipes and adequate overflow measures for the expected rainfall in the area.
NSW building professionals and consumers relating
to the installation of high fronted gutters in residential
homes.
It does not replace the need to ensure that gutter
installation meets the performance requirements of the
Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Recent trends
High fronted gutters are popular among consumers as
they hide the lower edge of tiles or roof cladding. If a
gutter overflows, including high fronted gutters, it can
result in water flowing back into the roof or building. If
this occurs over a prolonged period it can permanently
damage the internal structure and must be avoided.
Installation requirements
In NSW, all stormwater and drainage works must, by
law, comply with the NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage. The code requires that all guttering be designed and installed in accordance with Australian/ New Zealand Standard (AS) 3500.3 sections 3, 4 and part 5. Compliance with this standard will meet the relevant requirements of the BCA.
Manufacturer’s installation instructions are only a guide
and do not overrule the need for the installation to
comply with with AS 3500.3. Where the installation is the replacement of an existing guttering system, care needs to be taken to ensure the new system complies with current Australian Standards and the BCA.
Prevention measures
Where a gutter overflow can cause water to flow back
into a building, including into the eaves, sufficient
overflow measures must be included in the design
and installation of the guttering system. The installer is
responsible for ensuring the gutter system has sufficient drainage, downpipes and adequate overflow measures for the expected rainfall in the area.
The following
are examples of continuous and
non-continuous overflow measures that may be used in combination with each other to meet the relevant requirements:
non-continuous overflow measures that may be used in combination with each other to meet the relevant requirements:
Other
non-continuous measures include the use of
rainwater heads with slots or weirs. Slotted gutters may also provide an overflow measure, however the slots must be of sufficient size. It is recommended that the gutter manufacturer be consulted on this.
It is important to note that gutters may become blocked
anywhere along their length, so non-continuous overflow
measures may not be sufficient to prevent water flowing
back into a building.
rainwater heads with slots or weirs. Slotted gutters may also provide an overflow measure, however the slots must be of sufficient size. It is recommended that the gutter manufacturer be consulted on this.
It is important to note that gutters may become blocked
anywhere along their length, so non-continuous overflow
measures may not be sufficient to prevent water flowing
back into a building.
© State of New South
Wales through the Office of Fair Trading
