Drainage and Water Management Flashcards
6 cards from real Gutter Company practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Drainage and Water Management flashcards as text
What is a 'valley' on a roof and why does it require careful gutter sizing in that area?
Answer: The internal angle where two roof sections meet, concentrating a large volume of water into one area
Roof valleys concentrate runoff from two roof planes into a single point, dramatically increasing the flow rate that the gutter below must handle.
How is roof area used to calculate the minimum required gutter and downspout size?
Answer: Using the roof's projected horizontal area combined with local design rainfall intensity to determine peak flow rate
Proper sizing requires calculating the roof's horizontal drainage area, applying the local design rainfall rate (inches per hour), and matching the result to gutter and downspout flow capacity tables.
What does 'positive drainage' mean in the context of a gutter installation?
Answer: Ensuring all water flows toward an outlet with no trapped low spots
Positive drainage means every part of the gutter system continuously slopes toward a downspout outlet so no water remains standing after a rain event.
What is the function of a leaf trap (downspout strainer) installed at the top of a downspout outlet?
Answer: To catch large debris before it enters and clogs the downspout
A leaf trap or downspout strainer is a cage-shaped screen that sits in the gutter outlet and catches leaves and large debris before they enter and block the downspout.
What happens to soil bearing capacity near a foundation when gutters consistently overflow or downspouts discharge at the base of the wall?
Answer: Soil can become saturated, lose bearing capacity, and cause foundation settlement or hydrostatic pressure on basement walls
Chronic water saturation near foundations can soften soil, cause settlement, increase hydrostatic pressure, and lead to basement leaks or structural movement.
In regions with heavy clay soils, why is it especially important to extend downspouts well away from the home?
Answer: Clay soil drains slowly and can hold water against the foundation for extended periods after each rain
Clay's low permeability causes water to accumulate and linger near the foundation rather than draining away, significantly increasing the risk of hydrostatic pressure and basement water intrusion.