Aluminium Rainwater Pipes
Dales Fabrications Ltd offers a range of aluminium downpipes and rainwater hoppers. These include swaged downpipes from our contemporary range, cast socketed downpipes from our traditional range, and flush-fit rainwater downpipes. Additionally, our secret fix range of rainwater pipes includes security downpipes.
We provide all our aluminium rainwater pipe systems in a vast array of standard and bespoke finishes. These systems are complemented by an extensive range of standard components.
To suit each of our aluminium downpipe ranges, we also offer cast aluminium and fabricated aluminium rainwater hoppers.
Our standard aluminium downpipes can now also be conveniently ordered online, making specification simple.
Contemporary round
Dales’ contemporary range of pipes provide a modern and streamlined appearance with downpipes “swaged” to fit into each other.
Our round range of rainwater pipe consists of 76.2mm (3″), 101.6mm (4″) and 152.4mm (6″)
Contemporary square
Dales’ contemporary square pipe can be fixed flush to the building to help prevent vandalism.
Our square range of rainwater pipe consists of 76.2mm (3″), 101.6mm (4″) and 150mm (6″)
Contemporary rectangular
Our rectangular contemporary rainwater pipe is available in 101.6×76.2 (4″x3″).
Rainwater pipe brackets are available to fix the pipe flush to the building, or standing off by 30mm as standard.
Traditional round
Traditional square
Traditional rectangular
Design & Specification Service
PROJECT MANAGEMENT DESIGN & SPECIFICATION SERVICE
Upon receiving project drawings, Dales assigns a dedicated Project Manager to oversee each project. Project Managers act as a single point of contact throughout the project’s life, from its initial design to completion. Together with the specifier, Project Managers establish relevant criteria, such as support methods, material requirements, and budget. Additionally, the Project Manager prepares CAD drawings, calculations, NBS Specifications, and quotations. This comprehensive approach provides a complete specification service. To further discuss your project’s requirements, you can contact our Project Management Team on Tel: 0115 930 1521.
PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE
Dales prioritises client confidence and assurance. Accordingly, we hold full Design/Professional Indemnity Insurance with first-class security in the London market. This means architects and specifiers can use our products with confidence.
BS EN ISO 9001: DESIGN & MANUFACTURE
Since 1993, Dales Fabrications has adhered to the standards of BS EN ISO 9001 accreditation. Click here to view our ISO 9001: Design & Manufacture certificate.
Design considerations
Roof Drainage and Gutter System Design
At Dales, we utilize a project management system staffed with qualified and experienced technicians. Our project managers can design a gutter system tailored to your specific project needs, including advice on gutter and rainwater downpipe positioning in accordance with BS EN 12056-3 for a given rainfall design rate. To use this service, please contact a member of our project management team.
All published flow capacities in this literature are calculated following the recommendations of BS EN 12056-3: 2000. Dales policy refrains from issuing high, although genuine, experimental results that include no margin of safety.
Lead times
All standard rainwater pipes are available in standard polyester powder paint finishes within two weeks. However, for 152.4mm rainwater pipes (either dia or sq), Traditional pipe systems, or if lead times are crucial, please call one of our Directors at 0115 930 1521 to discuss your requirements.
Purpose-made hoppers and other Specials
Dales specializes in manufacturing both standard and bespoke items. While most bespoke gutters integrate with our complete eaves systems, we are always eager to help specifiers achieve their design ideas. If you have a suitable project and would like a visit from one of our Technical Managers, please email your request to sales@dales-eaves.co.uk.
Lightning Conductivity
Dales aluminium gutters and rainwater downpipes can usually be made electrically continuous using the Dales lightning conductivity clip as part of a lightning protection system. This can be discussed with a Dales project manager, and details can be provided.
However, it’s crucial to note that aluminium gutters and rainwater pipes are not suitable as the sole lightning protection system for any building and should only be used as part of an overall lightning protection design. Specifiers should refer to the latest EN BS standard concerning the protection of structures against lightning for further information.
Associated products
Gutters
A range of gutter systems are available here.
Fascia Profiles
Dales are able to design and manufacture fascia profiles to almost any shape, size or proportion including curved and elliptical designs. Additionally, as part of our specification service preliminary drawings can be prepared which can be inserted directly into your own drawings. All systems are designed on an individual project basis and a 25 year guarantee may be available, subject to terms and conditions. Example drawings can be downloaded here.
Soffit Systems
Dales offer a wide variety of different soffit types, from secret fix panels to secret-fix planks. For more details, click here.
Rainscreen panels
Dales designs and manufactures aluminium rainscreen panels on a bespoke basis to suit each individual project. For more details, click here.
Support Systems
More information of the various support systems that Dales can provide is available here.
Wall Copings
Dales designs and manufactures aluminium wall copings on a bespoke basis to suit each individual project. For more details, click here.
Fire
Fire: Aluminium & Finishes
Dales Aluminium Products are non-combustible
Dales manufactures products in plain aluminium, anodised aluminium, or architectural polyester powder coating finishes. All these meet non-combustible standards (A1 or A2, s1 d0).
Compliance with Building Regulations:
Building Regulations Part B: Fire Safety (June 2022 Amendments apply from 1st December 2022) mandate the exclusive use of non-combustible materials that are either A2 s1, do or A1 for specific building elements:
- for walls and ‘specified attachments’ of relevant buildings over 18m, and;
- on the external surfaces of external walls for all ‘residential’ purpose group buildings over 11m (Groups 1 & 2)
Only materials achieving classification as either A2, s1 d0 or A1 non-combustible under Fire Classification: Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018 are deemed suitable.
A European Commission Directive* forms part of the structure of legislation** on which English Building Regulations, including Part B, are based. It lists construction materials in Class A that do not contribute to fire, including steel, aluminium, and their non-organic treatments (e.g., zinc-galvanising for steel and anodising for aluminium).
Aluminium, steel, and their non-organic treatments are A1 non-combustible and do not require testing under BS 13501-1:2018.
Dales Fabrications Ltd uses architectural polyester powder coatings from major manufacturers such as Syntha Pulvin (Sherwin Williams), Interpon D (Akzo Nobel) , Drylac (Tiger), Axalta, Powdertech. These coatings are independently tested under Fire Classification: Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018 and achieve A2 s1, d0. Independent test classification certificates are available upon request.
Useful resources:
Dales Fabrications Ltd has also undertaken independent tests (Warrington Fire) – WF 432374 – EN 13501-12018 that confirmed A2 s1 d0 classification for an architectural powder coated Dales Fabrications Ltd system. A video taken during the test can be viewed above.
* Details of the commission decision can be found here 96/603/EC: Commission Decision
**Details of legislation can be found here SI 2019/ 465
Fire: General
For all aspects of fire prevention and prevention of fire spread, specifiers, developers, and main contractors should consult a qualified and experienced fire safety engineer. The engineer should ensure that all submitted details, especially those involving Dales PPC or anodised aluminium products, comply with current building regulations and the overall fire strategy for the project.
Specifiers, developers, and main contractors are encouraged to conside the RIBA Fire resources web page.
Dales’ design liability is limited to the reasonable skill and care of a specialist sheet-metal fabricator.
Quotations from Dales include only the expressly listed items. They do not cover the supply or design of supplementary items such as insulation, plywood, vapour barrier, fire protection, insect mesh, or mastic/sealant (except gutter sealant). Any references to bill pages, specifications, or drawings are for information only.
Colour & Finish
Details of the colours and finishes available can be found here.
ANODISING VS ARCHITECTURAL POLYESTER POWDER COATING
ANODISED ALUMINIUM:
Anodising offers a low-maintenance, high-performance product with virtually no UV fade. Therefore, it is ideal for aggressive environments, including locations with high levels of UV light such as marine and coastal areas. Moreover, it provides a wide range of colours and an attractive metallic sheen that changes with the angle of view, making it a fantastic premium product. While it may stretch or even break the budget, many clients still prefer anodised finishes over architectural polyester powder coatings due to their low maintenance characteristics and lifetime guarantee.
Anodising provides a naturalistic finish, meaning every anodised item will vary in appearance, and achieving a consistently uniform finish is almost impossible. This characteristic is similar to the way pieces of natural stone, wood, or slate vary. As a fundamental characteristic of anodising, this variability represents a primary difference between it and paint finishes such as architectural polyester powder coating. In fact, the variance and shading differences that occur across anodised products of a chosen colour are a primary reason to choose anodising to protect your building. Ultimately, if a uniform colour finish is desired, then anodising is probably not the right finish for you.
ARCHITECTURAL POLYESTER POWDER COATINGS:
Alternatively, if you want a low maintenance, robust finish in a staggering palette of RAL colours offering different gloss levels even for relatively small production runs of bespoke products, then architectural polyester powder coating is the solution. The colours and finishes for polyester powder coating are developing all the time and now there are even special effect powders that simulate timber, stone, corten, verdi gris and more.
Dales use only Syntha Pulvin powders in their second factory, which houses their Syntha Pulvin Approved Applicator facility. However, Dales are happy to provide our products in Interpon D1036 & D2525, Tiger Drylac, Axalta and Powdertech Special Effect powders using each manufacturer’s Approved Applicator, as necessary.
GUARANTEES:
Dales products, whether supplied in anodised or architectural polyester powder coated finish can usually be provided with guarantees. However, this depends on their geographical location and specific environment and is subject to terms and conditions.
Marine Specification
To ensure clarity and compliance, the specifier must include Marine Specification in the contract particulars. Our Project Managers can assist by providing advice and appropriate NBS Specification clauses.
In the “Colour” section above, the comparison between Anodising and Polyester Powder Coating indicates that in high UV locations, such as coastal areas, we recommend an anodised finish based on performance criteria. However, when budget, contract size, and production issues are taken into account, marine specification polyester powder coating may be the more practical choice.
If architectural polyester powder coating is intended for use in a coastal or marine situation, a marine environment paint specification should be considered, particularly in aggressive settings like industrial areas within 2km of the sea or tidal estuaries.
In non-marine environments, we apply polyester powder coating to visible faces only, achieving an average 60-micron paint film. This can be guaranteed for up to 40 years, subject to terms and conditions. Conversely, for a Marine Specification guarantee, a minimum of 60 microns of paint must be applied to the rainwater pipes, and A2 stainless steel fixings must be used to secure the downpipe brackets.
The polyester paint manufacturer or anodiser will determine any guarantee based on an individual project. This decision follows the completion of a questionnaire and a possible site visit, both required before placing any order. Note that for goods on the seafront or within 1km of it, a paint manufacturer may not offer a guarantee, but anodisers might.
ACUTELY EXPOSED OR INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS
For acutely exposed marine or industrial environments, Marine Specification can be upgraded in several ways, including:
- Changing the base aluminium alloy to a ship-building alloy,
- Using Qualicoat 2 specification powder coating,
- Amending secondary supports to all aluminium,
- Using A4 stainless steel fixings (if suitable fixings are available),
- Opting for an anodised finish.
If your project is in an acutely exposed marine or industrial environment, please contact one of our Directors or Project Managers to discuss this further. However, note that guaranteeing products in harsh environments is not always possible.
GUARANTEES:
Dales aluminium rainwater downpipes, whether supplied in an anodised or architectural polyester powder-coated finish, can usually come with guarantees. This depends on their geographic location and specific environment and is subject to terms and conditions.
Durability, Loadings & 3D Modelling
DURABILITY
Dales aluminium rainwater pipe systems are designed to provide a low-maintenance life of 60 years in rural and suburban conditions, and up to 25 years in industrial conditions, depending on the exact environment. For details on marine environments, see the section above.
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
As part of the Dales Project Management: Design & Specification Service, we issue a full technical guide to the site. This guide includes A3 copies of all Dales detail proposal drawings in full color and generic system fixing instructions. Additionally, the guide features a comprehensive ‘Fixings Identification List’ that specifies where each fixing should be used. This information is also noted on the detail proposal drawings.
Customers must request a full O&M pack from Dales. This pack includes a complete set of detail drawings, the relevant generic fixing instructions, the maintenance schedule, and any guarantee originally requested in the initial customer order.
LOADINGS: GENERAL
Dales aluminium rainwater pipe systems are designed to accommodate loadings exceeding those induced when the system is operating at full capacity, in compliance with BS 9101:2017.
3D MODELLING
When Dales is required to design systems using 3D modelling software, such as AutoDesk Revit, lead times for preparing detailed design drawings or 3D models may increase. Consequently, this may affect overall lead times for the provision of manufactured products. Dales is not liable for any costs arising from the increase in design time due to 3D computer modelling requirements. Dales reserves the right to charge for any additional design time incurred in their office resulting from the need for 3D modelling.
THERMAL MOVEMENT
Dales designs all rainwater pipe systems to accommodate the temperature extremes typical in the UK. For overseas projects, please contact Dales to discuss your specific project requirements.
Curving systems, Joint Modulation & Fixings
CURVED OR FACETTED GUTTERS
Implementing a curved gutter system is technically demanding and costly. However, the visual impact of a completed curved system always imparts a ‘landmark’ quality to the project. Since 1977, Dales has been renowned for designing and manufacturing curved products. When specifying these systems, Dales recommends that one of our Directors or experienced Project Managers meet with the project design team to discuss the possibilities. You can reach us via the chat facility or call us at 0115 930 1521.
In situations where a curve in plan involves a non-rectangular or square gutter profile, such as a raking or moulded front face, a facetted gutter may offer the most satisfactory solution.
MODULATION TO GRID OR CURTAIN-WALLING
Rainwater pipes systems are usually supplied in standard lengths, typically 3 meters. Modulation with grid or curtain-walling mullions is not normally considered necessary. If modulation is required, it should be specified in the NBS Specification clause. Dales Project Managers can then assist and advise on any costing implications that may arise due to modulation.
FIXINGS
Fixings are a potential weak link in any system. Dales takes the process of fixing selection as seriously as the system design itself. All fixings are selected after careful consultation with manufacturers and rigorous testing for both ultimate strengths and potential incompatibility issues. Consequently, all necessary fixings are supplied as part of the complete package from Dales.
Sustainability
BS EN ISO 9001: DESIGN & MANUFACTURE
Dales operates within the constraints of BS EN ISO 9001 accreditation and and have done so since 1993. Our ISO 9001: Design & Manufacture certificate is available to view here.
BS EN ISO 14001: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Dales Fabrications work within the constraints of BS EN ISO 14001, having gained certification in December 2023. Our ISO 14001 certificate is available to view here.
ALUMINIUM: THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE
Aluminium is recognised as one of the most sustainable materials for use in the building industry. This is due to the vast natural deposits of bauxite (aluminium ore) and product longevity, combined with low recycling costs. Around 98% of the aluminium used in UK construction projects is recycled.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Our environmental policy is available to view here.
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
Our Responsible Sourcing policy is available to view here.
PREFERRED INSTALLER NETWORK
Our network of carefully selected preferred installers are on hand to provide a full supply and fix package. These companies specialise in the install of our materials and fit them on a regular basis. They vary in size from large facades installers to smaller eaves and rainwater goods specialists.
Gallery
Rainwater systems brochure
Contemporary Round
Contemporary Square
Contemporary Rectangular
Traditional Round
Traditional Square
Traditional Rectangular
Request a sample
Profile, colour and surface finish samples available to order.
VISIT OUR FACTORY
Dales welcomes all specifiers, engineers and clients to see our solutions being manufactured first hand.
Send your drawings
Involve our design team early for optimum solutions by uploading your 2D drawings or provide a link to your 3D model here.
Request site visit
We can bring our experience and expertise directly to you at your site.
Request a sample
Profile, Colour and surface finish samples available to order.
VISIT OUR FACTORY
Dales welcomes all specifiers, engineers and clients to see our solutions being manufactured first hand.
Send your drawings
Involve our design team early for optimum solutions by uploading your 2D drawings or provide a link to your 3D model here.
Request site visit
We can bring our experience and expertise directly to you at your site.
Products
