Gutter Grip Fact Sheet
Q. What is the appropriate legislation for gutters and downpipes?
A. The Building Code of
Q. What are the codes requirements for eaves gutters?
A. Gutter installations are to be designed and installed to meet the performance requirements of the above codes, and ensure that water does not enter the building
Q. How do I meet the performance requirement of the codes?
A. Gutter systems are to be designed and installed including appropriate overflow methods accordance with Australia Standards AS3500 parts 3 and 5
Q. What gutters require overflow methods?
A. ALL Guttering installations must be designed and installed with appropriate overflow methods including low front gutters
Q. Who is responsible for ensuring that the gutter drainage system is designed and installed to comply?
A. The builder and or gutter contractors/installers
Q. If I install a gutter system in accordance with manufactures installation instructions, will I be responsible if there is a problem with codes compliances?
A. Yes, the installer must ensure that the gutter is installed in a compliant manner.
Q. Can I rely on the Manufactures installation advice?
A. Manufactures installation instructions can not be relied on. It is your responsibility to design and install guttering system to comply. (NSW Office of Fair Trading releases Residential Gutters January 2009)
Q. Is it correct that if slotted gutter is used in gutter system, extra downpipes may be required to comply?
A. Yes, a slotted gutter has less effective (holding) capacity then unslotted gutter. As a result more downpipes are required to comply with the design requirements of the codes.
Q. What are appropriate overflow methods?
A. Appropriate overflowing methods are to be full length (continuous) overflows for all gutters on a building.
Q. Is a 10mm gap at the back of the gutter between the gutter and fascia an appropriate overflow method?
A. Yes, it is one of the options listed in the relevant Australia Standards
Q. Is a 10mm gap the only method?
A. No, there are many options; however, the options must be full length (continuous)
Q. Do slots in gutter satisfy the overflow requirement?
A. No, Slots are not recognized by the BCA (Building Code of Australia) or Australian Standards as an appropriate overflow method
Q. Can I use an inverted downpipe as an overflow provision?
A. No, Australian Standards state that to comply that there is to be no restriction to the free flow of Stormwater by protrusions or other obstructions
Q. Are cut down stop ends of the gutter a suitable overflow?
A. No, Standards require appropriate overflow to be full length (continuous) overflows
Q. Can I use rainhead with slots or inverted nozzles to comply with the appropriate overflow requirements?
A. No, Standards state if blockages occur, overtopping gutter would not be effected by an overflow device at the outlet such is a rainhead
Q. Can I rely on the advice on The Office of Fair Trading website fact sheet?
A. No, “This fact sheet must not be relied on as legal advice. For more information about this topic, refer to the appropriate legislation”
Q. Can I rely on the Australian Steel Institute information sheet (design and installation of high front fascia guttering system?)
A. No, information in this publication has been prepared for general information only, and does not in anyway constitute recommendation or professional advice