There are so many different types of gutter systems available, and choosing the right gutter system for your home can be complicated and sometimes frustrating. At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we’re here to help you understand how to install gutter systems. We provide quality insulation installation and gutter installation and repair services across the Triad area. If your home or business is located in Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, or surrounding areas in North Carolina, let our professionals help you with all your insulation and gutter needs today.
One such gutter system is called an underground catchment system. This is an alternative to draining roof runoff into daylight. This type of system works like this: the downspout can connect to a catchment system, storm sewer, or rainwater harvesting system. One type of catchment system is a drywell that can be installed underground, but many types of both underground and above-grade catchment systems are available. When designed to collect roof runoff and properly drain overflow, rainwater harvesting systems, which retain the water in a tank for use in watering landscaping, may also be used to meet roof drainage requirements.
If you think a catchment system might get the job done most effectively for you, follow these steps from the U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy from their website, Building America Solution Center. Here’s how to install a catchment system:
- Connect downspouts to lateral piping that extends at least 10 feet from the foundation.
- Provide overflow protection to alleviate the water load during peak rain events. Locate overflow pipe at a branch in the downspout, or tee-off near the top of the catchment basin. If it branches off the downspout, as shown in this illustration, it must extend at least 5 feet from the building foundation and drain to daylight.
- 3a. Install a clean-out in the catchment basin. In a drywell, as shown here, this clean-out consists of a perforated pipe through the center of the gravel that allows the basin to be flushed out periodically. The clean-out should also connect to the lateral pipe to allow leaves and other debris to be removed
- 3b. Isolate the catchment basin with a geotextile filter fabric to prevent soil intrusion from clogging the system.
- 3c. Fill the basin area with coarse gravel. One to 1½-inch gravel is typical. Small gravel will tend to clog too quickly (EPA 2012).
There are many benefits to underground rainwater systems. They make a lot of ecological and economic sense. If you’re considering installing an underground catchment system, we’re happy to check out your home and gutters for you and determine how best to move forward. At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we want to help you make these important decisions for your home. Contact us today!