History of Gutters and Drains as Architectural Components

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Gutters and Drains

Water is one of the most important elements for all cultures throughout history. Since ancient times all kinds of villages have devised different methods to redirect rain and store water for its use. Although it is true that gutters as we know them now emerged not so long ago If you want cleaning of your gutters go to Nubirth Pressure Washing FL, there have always been architectural elements with this same concept. We review the history of storm water evacuation.

Ducts to redirect and store rainwater in ancient times

Ancient peoples and ancestral cultures were already aware of the importance of rain. So we can find traces of water pipes in pre-Roman civilizations located in different parts of the world.

At that time they were stone channels that were placed on the streets, even with underground networks in some cases, to prevent rainwater from collapsing the life of the people. In addition, of course, to store it for later use in reservoirs and wells.

Rainwater channels and water in the Roman Empire

With the arrival of the Romans the architecture and engineering development turns 180 degrees, developing new ways of using water and recon ducting it. First of all we must bear in mind that this civilization appreciated water from many points of view. Not only as a resource of life, but already used as something very popular in baths and hot springs.

In addition to being one of the first towns that established the construction of drains and sewers in their cities, making use of resistant materials such as leads and lighter than stone. Regarding the houses, although there was no installation of a system of gutters and downspouts like the current ones, we can say that each wealthy family house had a water channel.

The middle Ages and the drains of large buildings

The centuries that make up this era of history do not throw much news in terms of the evolution of rainwater drainage ducts except for one thing. With the construction of the great cathedrals begin to add some very characteristic elements that serve as mouths to drain the rain from the roofs.

It is the gargoyles, some fantasy beings mixed with humans and animals carved in stone that were placed in the corners of the roofs to scare away thieves and evil spirits. But whose main function was also to make drains.

Drains of large constructions

The industrial revolution and its effect on gutters

With the advance of technology and the revolution that began in England thanks to the development of machinery and new forms of production, rain pipes also change. In the first place, new materials , metals such as zinc or steel, which have been little used before, begin to be used. What makes different types of gutters appear depending on their composition?

In addition, at this time the great cities we know now begin to grow, affecting architecture greatly. Since houses are transformed to accommodate more people in less space. Emerging thus the blocks of flats and the city apartments, constructions that already provided with gutters

Modern gutters today

As time has passed and the industrial advances, everything related to rain channels and their use in architecture has also changed. In fact, right now we can find gutters of many materials and shapes. In addition to seen designs or hidden ducts and downspouts.

It can even manufacture continuous aluminum gutters on site with custom portable profiling machines. Avoiding having to place different sections with joints that eventually cause maintenance problems. Undoubtedly a revolution and a breakthrough for the sector.