SINGAPORE STANDARD

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR

Drainage of roofs
(Formerly CP 26 : 1983)

Published by
SPRING Singapore
2 Bukit Merah Central
Singapore 159835
SPRING Singapore Website: www.spring.gov.sg
Standards Website: www.standards.org.sg I SPRING
I singapore
This Singapore Standard was approved by the Building and Construction Standards Committee on
behalf of the Standards Council of Singapore on 4 April 2006.

First published, 1983

First revision, 2006

The Building and Construction Standards Committee appointed by the Standards Council consists of
the following members:

Name Capacity
Chairman Mr Goh Peng Thong Member, Standards Council
1" Deputy : Dr Tam Chat Tim Member, Standards Council
Chairman
zndDeputy : Mr Tan Tian Chong Member, Standards Council
Chairman
Secretary 1 : Mr Kenneth Lim See Khoon SPRING Singapore
Secretary 2 : Ms Lee Hiok Hoong SPRING Singapore
Members Mr Boo Geok Kwang Singapore Civil Defence Force / Fire Safety
and Shelter Bureau
Mr Chan Kok Way Individual Capacity
Dr Jimmy Chen Wie Ying Individual Capacity
Er. Chong Kee Sen Institution of Engineers, Singapore
Mr Paul Fok Land Transport Authority
Mr Desmond Hill Singapore Contractors Association Limited
Mr Joseph Lai Kuong Kiu JTC Corporation
Mr Benedict Lee Khee Chong Singapore Institute of Architects
Assoc Prof Leong Eng Choon Nanyang Technological University
Ms Adris Leong Sou Kwan Building and Construction Authority
Mr Larry Ng Lye Hock Urban Redevelopment Authority
Assoc Prof Gary Ong Khim Chye National University of Singapore
Er. See Sing Kok Singapore Manufacturers' Federation
Er. Shum Chee Hoong Housing 8 Development Board
Dr Tan Guan Association of Consulting Engineers, Singapore

The Technical Committee on Architectural Works appointed by the Building and Construction
Standards Committee and responsible for the preparation of this standard consists of representatives
from the following organisations:

Name Capacity
Chairman : Mr Larry Ng Lye Hock Member, Building and Construction Standards
Committee
Deputy Mr Benedict Lee Khee Chong Member, Building and Construction Standards
Chairman Committee
Secretary : Mr Han Kin Sew SPRING Singapore
Members Mr Ch'ng Peng Soon (sewed till JTC Corporation
Oct 05)
Mr Choy Kin Man PSB Corporation
 Mr Gan Geok Chua Singapore Glass Association
Mr Koh Boon Pock Singapore Timber Association
Mr Lau Kwong Chung Singapore Institute of Architects
Major Lim Lam Kwang Singapore Civil Defence Force
Mr Low Leong Leong Singapore Contractors Association Limited
Mr Mok Kwong Wah CPG Corporation Pte Ltd
Mr Jeffery Neng Kwei Sung Building and Construction Authority
Mr Felix Quek Kwang Yong Tile Association
Mr See Seng Mun Singapore Manufacturers' Federation
Er. See Sing Kok Institution of Engineers Singapore
Mr Tang Chee Seng Housing and Development Board
Assoc Prof Tse Swee Ling National University of Singapore
Mr Wong Chung Wan Setsco Services Pte Ltd
Co-opted
Members : Mr Chew Kum Chong (served till Individual Capacity
Nov 0 5 )

The Working Group appointed by the Technical Committee to assist in the preparation of this
standard comprises the following experts who contribute in their individual capacity:

Name
Convenors : Mr Ch'ng Peng Soon (sewed till Oct 0 5 )
Mr Goh Chun Hee
Members : Er. Chong Kee Sen
Madam Eng Yew Hoon
Ms Lee Sui Fung
Mr Ma Ren Wei
Ms Tan Boon Teng
Mr Tan Yong Piu
Mr Lawrence Tang
Er. Tham Kwok Leong
Mr Yeo Boon Leng

The organisations in which the experts of the Working Group are involved are:

BJ Architects International
BlueScope Lysaght (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Building and Construction Authority
Engineers 9000 Pte Ltd
Fast Flow Siphonic Pte Ltd
Housing and Development Board
Institution of Engineers, Singapore
JTC Corporation
KL Tham Engineering Consultants
National Environment Agency
Public Utilities Board
Singapore Institute of Architects
blank page

4
Contents
Page

Foreword 10

CLAUSES

Section One - General

1 Scope 11
2 References 11
3 Definitions 12

Section Two -Materials and components

4 Materials and components for rainwater goods 12
4.1 General 12
4.2 Gutter components 12
4.2.1 Aluminium 12
4.2.2 Titanium zinc 12
4.2.3 Stainless steel SS316-28 finish 12
4.2.4 Zinc/aluminium alloy coated steel 12
4.2.5 Copper-natural mill finish & pre-weathered copper 13
4.2.6 GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastics) 13
4.3 Downpipes 13
4.3.1 Cast Iron 13
4.3.2 Unplasticised PVC 13
4.3.3 Titanium zinc 13
4.3.4 Stainless steel SS316-28 finish 13
4.3.5 Zinc/aluminium alloy coated steel 13
4.3.6 Polyethylene (PE) 13
4.4 New materials 13

Section Three - Design

5 Meteorological aspects of design 13
5.1 General 13
5.2 Design rates of rainfall 14
5.3 Wind 15
5.4 Thermal movement 15
5.4.1 Gutters 15
5.4.2 Rainwater pipes 15
6 Run-off 16
6.1 Effective catchment area 16
 Page

General 16
Flat roofs 16
Sloping and C U N ~roofs
~ 16
Vertical surfaces 16
Rate Of run-off 17
Hydraulic design of roof drainage 17
General principles 17
Standard method of design 17
Gutters 17
Gutter provision 17
Leaf cover for gutters 18
Minimum gradient 18
Type of gutters 18
Profile of gutters 18
Dimensions of gutters 18
Roof drainage design flowchart 19

Section Four - Work on site

Types and spacing of fixings 35
Gutters - general considerations 35
Gutter support 35
Deep gutters 35
Eaves gutters 35
Moulded gutters 36
Industrial eaves gutters 36
Valley, skylight, parapet, boundary wall and large box gutters 36
Rainwater pipes 36
Pipes which require painting 36
Pipe fixing 36
Materials for pipe fixing 36
Jointing 36
Jointing gutters 36
General 36
Cast iron and steel gutters 37
Aluminium gutters 37
Jointing rainwater pipes 37
General 37
Horizontal runs of pipes 37
 Page

9.2.3 Flat roofs 37

9.2.4 Metal pipes 37
9.2.5 uPVC pipes 38
10 Access to pipes 38
11 Encased pipes 38
12 Termination of rainwater pipes 38
13 Internal rainwater pipes 38

Section Five - Testing, commissioning and maintenance procedures for gravity and siphonic roof
drainage systems

14 Testing and commissioning 38

14.1 General 38
14.2 Gutters and flat roofs 39
14.2.1 Test for leakage 39
14.2.2 Visual inspection 39
14.2.3 Inspection for ponding 39
14.3 Rainwater pipeworks 39
14.3.1 Test for leakage 39
14.3.2 Visual inspection 39
14.3.3 Test for blockage 39
15 Maintenance 39
15.1 Periodic inspection and cleaning 39

Section Six - Prevention of mosquito breeding in roof drainage system

16 General 40
17 Roof drainage 40
17.1 Roof gutters 40
17.2 Leaf covers for roof gutters 40
17.3 Rainwater downpipes for roof drainage 40

ANNEXES

A Symbols 68
B Bibliography 70
SS 525 : 2006

Page
TABLES

Flow capacity of standard eaves gutters (level) 60

Reduction factors for capacities of long half-round eaves gutters 60
Reduction factors for capacities of standard eaves gutters containing angles 60
Capacity of outlet weirs for flat roofs 61
Capacity of overflow weirs (sharp-edged weir) 61
Capacity of overflow spout pipes 62
Capacity of grated circular outlets 63
Capacity of grated circular outlets (90 % opening) 64
Capacity of grated circular outlets (80 % opening) 64
Capacity of grated circular outlets (70 % opening) 65
Capacity of grated circular outlets (60 % opening) 65
Capacity of vertical rainwater pipes 66
Capacity of horizontal rainwater pipes 67

FIGURES

Design intensity of 5-minute storm in Singapore 41

Calculation of effective catchment area A, for roofs 42
Calculation of effective catchment area A, for roof with vertical surfaces 43
Definition of eaves gutters 44
Definition of valley, parapet and boundary wall gutters 45
Description of flat roof drainage 46
Profile of gutters 46
Dimensions of gutters 47
Dimensions of eaves gutter (half-round and nominally half-round) 48
Dimensions of eaves gutter (other profiles) 49
Dimensions of valley, parapet and boundary wall gutters 50
Dimensions of gutters with restricted discharge 51
Flow capacities of freely-discharging half-round gutters 52
Design chart for freely-discharging trapezoidal gutters 53
Capacity of freely-discharging gutters 54
Capacity of circular outlets (without grating) 55
Effect of resistance in level gutters 56
Design chart for trapezoidal gutters with restricted discharge 57
Roof eaves design (without gutters) 58
Leaf cover details 59
 SS 525 : 2006

Page

FLOWCHARTS

Selection of design rainfall intensity (mmlhr)

Calculation of run-off
Eaves gutters; half-round and nominally half-round (freely discharged gutter)
Eaves gutters: other profiles (freely discharged gutter)
Valley, parapet and boundary wall gutters (freely discharged gutter)
Gutter with restricted discharge
Flat roof drainage
Vertical and horizontal pipe (gravity system)
Siphonic roof drainage system
Foreword

This Singapore Standard is prepared by the Technical Committee on Architectural Works under the
purview of the Building and Construction Standards Committee.

For prevention of mosquito breeding, roof gutters are not allowed for all new developments effective 1
November 2005 except for those where waiver has been obtained from the National Environment
Agency (NEA) in writing. In such cases the design of roof gutters shall comply with the requirements
as stipulated in this standard.

Additional guidelines for prevention of mosquito breeding have been incorporated to recognise the
public health risk posed by roof drainage system and to take the necessary steps at the design stage
to address the risk.

Factors relevant to the sizing of roof drainage channels under local rainstorm conditions and a method
for direct design are included. Equations developed empirically overseas are adopted and specific
systems for low and high-rise buildings were considered.

This standard is intended to serve as a guide for architects, engineers, builders and others
responsible for the design of drainage systems conveying rainwater from roofs to the point of
discharge into the surface drain.

This standard will be referred to in the National Productivity Quality Specification (NPQS) for the
preparation of building projects specifications.

In revising this standard, the latest British Standard Gravity Drainage Systems Inside Buildings - Part
3 : Roof drainage, layout and calculation (BS EN 12056-3:2000) was used as reference.

Acknowledgement is made for the use of information from the above reference and the valuable
contributions offered by the Meteorological Services Division, NEA.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this Singapore Standard may be the
subject of patent rights. SPRING Singapore shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all of
such patent rights.

NOTE

1. Singapore Standards are subject to periodic review to keep abreast of technological changes and new
technical developments. The changes in Singapore Standards are documented through the issue of either
amendments or revisions.

2. Compliance with a Singapore Standard does not exempt users from legal obligations.
I
Code of practice for drainage of roofs

Section One - General

1 Scope
This code specifies requirements for the drainage of surface water from roofs and walls and
recommends methods of designing gutters, gutteF outlets and rainwater downpipes (see Section
Three).

Performance requirements for siphonic roof drainage systems are also outlined

The code also gives guidance as to the choice of materials (see Section Two) in connection with fixing
and jointing the drainage systems (see Section Four). Section Five deals with inspection, testing and
maintenance. Section Six covers guidelines for design of gutters for the prevention of mosquito
breeding.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this standard. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

Brackets for eaves gutters. Requirements and testing

Zinc and zinc alloys. Specification for rolled flat products for building
Stainless steels
Part 1 : 1995 List of stainless steels
Part 2 : 1995 Technical delivery conditions for sheeffplate and strip for
general purposes
Part 3 1995 Technical delivery conditions for semi-finished products,
bars, rods and sections for general purposes
Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and
sewerage. Unplasticised poly(viny1 chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP)
and polyethylene (PE)
Part 1 : 2003 Specifications for ancillary fittings including shallow
inspection chambers
Eaves gutters and rainwater down-pipes of metal sheet. Definitions,
classifications and requirements
Cast iron rainwater goods. Specification
Glossary of building and civil engineering terms
Part 1 : Section 1.3 : Subsection 1.3.2 : 1989 General and miscellaneous.
Parts of construction works. Roofs and roofing
Part 2 : Section 2.7 : 1992 Civil engineering. Public health. Environmental
engineering
Part 3 : Section 3.3 : 1992 Services. Sanitation
Glossary of rheological terms
Unplasticised PVC pipes and fittings for soil, waste and vent. Applications
 Metal roofing

Bibliographic references are listed in Annex B.

3 Definitions

For the purpose of this code, the definitions given in BS 6100: Part 1 : Section 1.3 : Subsection 1.3.2,
BS 6100 : Part 2 : Section 2.7, BS 6100 : Part 3 : Section 3.3 and BS 5168 apply.

The symbols used are defined in Annex A.

Section Two - Materials and components

4 Materials and components for rainwater goods

4.1 General

All materials and components for rainwater goods should comply with the requirements of relevant
Singapore Standards where these exist, otherwise British StandardsIEN should apply. Such
standards, appropriate to pipes, fittings and fixing accessories, are listed inside the back cover of this
code.

The following materials are widely and successfully used in roofing work. They have different physical
characteristics which should be taken into account during handling, and fixing and reference shall be
made to the relevant BSlEN code and to manufacturer's instructions. The system should be able to
withstand the maximum hydraulic head, which could occur should a blockage take place at the lowest
point.

4.2 Gutter components

4.2.1 Aluminium (BS EN 1462)

Avoid galvanic corrosion by contact with or run-off to or from cast iron, steel (including stainless),
copper, alkaline concrete, mortar or plaster. Protect where necessary with bitumen or other suitable
coating. Joints should be protected - sealed or painted or detailed with overlaps. All aluminium
components should be properly protected if installed in heavily polluted atmosphere or subject to salt
spray atmospheres.

NOTE -These materials are also suitable for non-standard and decorative sections

4.2.2 Titanium zinc (EN 988)

Care should be taken when installing titanium zinc to ensure ventilation on the underside of materialas
non-ventilation will result in undercutting corrosion. A good practice will be the use of separation
polyethylene membrane.

4.2.3 Stainless steel SS316-28 finish (BS EN 10088)

Avoid contact or run-off from other metals, including cast iron, low carbon steel and aluminium

4.2.4 Zinclaluminium alloy coated steel (SS 370)

Avoid contact with stainless steel, copper and lead.

4.2.5 Copper-natural mill finish & pre-weathered copper (BS EN 612)

Copper should be protected with bituminous or other suitable coating to avoid contact with or run-off
from alkaline concrete, mortar or plaster. Avoid contact with galvanised steel, zindaluminium alloy
coated steel and aluminium.

4.2.6 GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastics)

GRP can be formed in a variety of sections, including insulated sections for use in valley and parapet
gutters.

4.3 Downpipes
4.3.1 Cast Iron (BS 460)

Light sections are usually supplied primed, heavy sections with bituminous coating. External pipes
should be fitted with stand-off ears, spacing pieces or holder bats so that subsequent painting can be
continuous around the pipe. Inside surfaces of gutters should be painted.

4.3.2 Unplasticised PVC (SS 213)

Allow for a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion. UPVC is not recommended for direct
exposure to sunlight.

4.3.3 Titanium Zinc (BS EN 988)

Care should be taken when installing titanium zinc to ensure ventilation on the underside of material
as non-ventilated material will result in undercutting corrosion. A good practice will be the use of
separation polyethylene membrane.

4.3.4 Stainless Steel SS316-2B finish (BS EN 10088)

Avoid contact or run-off from other metals, including cast iron, low carbon steel and aluminium

4.3.5 Zinclaluminium alloy coated steel (SS 370)

Avoid contact with stainless steel and copper

4.3.6 Polyethylene (PE) (BS EN 13598-1)

PE should have frequent support to avoid sagging, and a high coefficient of expansion. If used
externally, it should have UV stabilisation.

4.4 New Materials

This code shall not be interpreted to prohibit the use of materials not specifically referred to herein.

NOTE - It may be necessary to seek approval from the relevant Statutory Authority for the use of new materials.

Section Three - Design

5 Meteorological aspects of design

5.1 General

In design it is usually impracticable to guard against the extremely heavy rainfall in the form of
cloudbursts which may occur very infrequently. The aim of the Qualified Person (Architects1
Engineers) should normally be to achieve a balance between the cost of drainage system and the
frequency and consequences of flooding.

The capacity of roof drainage should be adequate to dispose of the intense rains which usually occur
in association with thunderstorms. Allowance should be made where necessary for the effect of wind
concurrent with rain.

5.2 Design rates of rainfall

A rate of rainfall as given in Category 1 below is generally satisfactory for roof gutters where overflow
is not likely to occur inside a building and for other gutters where some risk to the contents of the
building may be acceptable.

For other cases, rates of rainfall corresponding approximately to a chosen return period should be
used.

The return period (T years) of an event can be defined approximately by the chance liT that the event
will be exceeded in any given year. It should be noted that 1/T does not exactly represent the chance
of exceeding the chosen rate of rainfall in a given year, but is a good approximation if T is more than
five years. Since it may be the contents of the buildings that are at risk, this chance per year can be
related to the contents.

The probability (P,) of exceeding the chosen rate of rainfall may be assigned a value between 0.0,
representing assured safety, and 1.0 representing certainty that the rate will be exceeded for values of
the return period equal to or greater than 5 years. P, and T are approximately related by the equation:

P, = 1 - (1 - 1iT) LY (for T 25 years)

where, P, is the probability of exceeding the chosen rate of rainfall;

T is the return period of the chosen event (in years);

L, is the anticipated life of the building or the period for which the contents need to be
protected (in years), whichever is being used as the drainage criterion.

The maximum rate of run-off will result from a storm whose duration is equal to the time of
concentration which is the minimum time for the whole area of the roof to contribute flow at the point
of discharge. A time of concentration of several minutes is typical for many roofs.

The following categories of design risk are proposed based on rainfall records in Singapore:

Category 1 Three rates of intense rainfall are recommended, giving three different degrees of risk
of overloading the drainage system. These are:

a) 165 mmlhr for the design of flat surfaces on which ponding can be tolerated during an intense
storm and for a few minutes after the storm has ceased. Rainfall at this intensity may be
expected to last:

5 minutes once in 1 year

15 minutes once in 10 years

b) 200 rnmlhr for the design of sloping surfaces where ponding normally cannot be tolerated. A
design based on this rate when free board is not provided will occasionally overflow or pond.
Rainfall at this intensity may be expected to last:

5 minutes once in 4 years

15 minutes once in 50 years
c) 330 mmlhr for the design of surfaces where any overflowing or ponding is to be avoided
(except during those rare storms for which design is impracticable). Rainfall at this intensity
may be expected to last:

3 minutes once in 50 years

4 minutes once in 100 years

Category 2 P, = 0.5 may be considered in cases where the building or its contents require an
additional measure of protection. In this category the return period T can be estimated using the
equation T = 1.5 L,, and the chosen intensity of rainfall may be found using Figure 1.

The Qualified Person (ArchitectslEngineers) should choose the intensity of rainfall which at the
chosen location has a return period equal to or greater than the recommended return period. Greater
accuracy is unnecessary.

Category 3 P, = 0.2 should be used if an even higher degree of security is desirable. In this case
the return period T is given by T = 4.5 L, The chosen intensity of rainfall may be found using Figure 1

Category 4 Where the highest possible security (P, approaching 0.0) is desirable, a return period
of 35.000 years is recommended, the chosen intensity of rainfall should then be 500 mmlhr.

5.3 Wind

The entrance to a rain gauge lies in a horizontal plane and, as a result, recorded rates of rainfall take
no account of the driving effect of wind concurrent with the rain. Allowance for the effect of the wind is
not required when designing drainage for horizontal surfaces, or for other surfaces protected from the
wind by nearby objects, but should be considered where sloping or vertical surfaces occur that are
freely exposed to the wind.

Information on the strength of the wind concurrent with intense rain is very limited. A recent analysis
has shown that at times of peak rainfall, an average angle of descent of wind-driven rain of one unit
horizontal for each two units of descent should be allowed (26'to the vertical).

The method of determining the effect of wind on the run-off from pitched roofs and vertical surfaces is
described in 6.1.3 and 6.1.4.

5.4 Thermal movement

5.4.1 Gutters

Supports and fixings to gutters should allow for thermal movement to take place and in addition,
expansion joints may be necessary. The spacing of expansion joints depends upon the flexibility of
the jointing material used, the method of jointing and supporting, and the coefficient of expansion of
the material of the gutter.

Except where the methods of jointing and fixing provide adequate allowance for movement, very long
lengths of gutter may have to be divided into suitable sections. In such cases the allowance for
expansion may be by means of a gap provided between sections and weathered by a suitable
material. Where the ends of gutters abut a structure (e.g. gutters fixed between brick walls), a suitably
weathered gap should be left between the end of the gutter and the structure.

Where structure expansion joints are provided in a building, expansion joints should be provided in
the gutter to coincide.

5.4.2 Rainwater pipes

The type of jointing used for rainwater pipes should allow for thermal movement to take place without
leakage, distortion and displacement of fittings. Particular care is necessary when rainwater pipes of
long lengths are used.
6.1 Effective catchment area

6.1.1 General

The effective catchment area of a sloping or vertical surface depends upon the angle of descent of the
rain. It may normally be assumed for purposes of design that the rain falls at an angle of one unit
horizontal to two units vertical (see 5.3), and that its direction is such as to produce the maximum rate
of run-off; this is the basis of the recommendations in 6.1.2 to 6.1.4. Air flow patterns around buildings
can however affect the local angle of buildings in exposed positions.

6.1.2 Flat roofs

The effective catchment area A, of a freely exposed horizontal surface is equal to the plan area of the
surface (see Figure 2a) Where sloping or vertical surfaces drain into a flat roof, the additional area of
catchment should be calculated as described in 6.1.3 and 6.1.4.

6.1.3 Sloping and curved roofs

The effective catchment area A,, of a freely exposed roof drainage to an eaves or parapet-wall gutter
is equal to the plan area of the roof, plus half its maximum area in elevation (see Figure 2b). For a
valley gutter one side of the roof will tend to be exposed to the wind and the other side will tend to be
sheltered; the method of calculating the effective catchment area A,, is illustrated in Figure 2c.

The effect of wind can be appreciated by noting that, compared to a horizontal roof of the same plan
width, the run-off will be 25 per cent greater if the roof has a slope of one unit vertical to two units
horizontal and 50 per cent greater if it has a slope of one unit vertical to one unit horizontal.

6.1.4 Vertical surfaces

Wind-driven rain will cause run-off from walls and other vertical surfaces which are freely exposed to
the wind.

For a single wall, the effective catchment A, should be taken as half the exposed vertical area of the
wall up to a maximum height of 10 m. Where two or more walls form an angle or bay, the direction of
the wind should be assumed to be such that the walls, considered together, present the maximum
vertical area to the rain. The method of calculating the effective catchment area A, is illustrated in
Figure 3. For an enclosed area, the value of &,will be equal to the horizontal plan area unless the
surrounding walls are of unequal heights. In the latter case the value of A,, should be increased by
half the area in elevation by which the higher wall exceeds the lower wall, up to a maximum of 10 m.

Some rain directed at the wall of a structure will be diverted by cross-winds caused by the presence of
the structure. Some drops reaching the wall will bounce, be blown-off, or be discharged from the wall
according to its surface properties. These drops are retained in the cross-winds and do not return to
the wall. The proportion of rain remaining on the wall is not calculable with present knowledge. Its
distribution depends on the surface tension and surface roughness. For designing wall-drainage the
total rain approaching the wall may be used, bearing in mind that the resulting figure will normally
have a large margin of safety.
6.2 Rate of run-off

Run-off from roofs and vertical surfaces should be calculated assuming that the surfaces are
impermeable. The rate of run-off Q in litres per second is given by:

where A, is the effective catchment area in m2 (see 6.1) and I is the design rainfall intensity in mmlhr
(see Clause 5).

7 Hydraulic design of roof drainage

7.1 General principles

A roof drainage system generally comprises three parts:

a) The gutter or channel which collects the flow from the roof;

b) The outlet into which the flow from the gutter or channel discharges;

c) The pipework which conveys the flow from the outlet to the below-ground drainage system

The three parts of the drainage system can be designed separately if the outlet and the pipework are
made large enough for the flow to discharge freely from the gutter; this is the basis of the standard
method of design described in 7.2.

Occasionally it is necessary to use outlets or pipework that are smaller than those required by the
standard method. When this occurs the capacity of the gutter is less than its capacity when it
discharges freely; a more complicated method of design is necessary (see Flowchart 3d).

7.2 Standard method of design

The method of design described in Clause 7 is based on the following assumptions:

a) The gutter has a uniform cross-sectional shape;

b) The outlets are large enough to allow the gutter to discharge freely;

c) The distance between a stop end and an outlet is less than 50 times the overall depth of the
gutter, or the distance between two outlets is less than 100 times the overall depth.

Eaves gutters should always be designed to discharge freely; if the length of an eaves gutter exceeds
the limits given in (c) it is necessary to reduce its design capacity. Methods of designing valley gutters
that do not discharge freely are described in Flowchart 3d.

7.3 Gutters

7.3.1 Gutter provision

With effect from 1 November 2005, no roof gutters are allowed for new developments except for those
where waiver has been obtained from the National Environment Agency in writing. In such cases the
design of roof gutters shall comply with the requirements as stipulated in this standard.
7.3.2 Leaf cover for gutters

Gutters in buildings that are at or less than 15 m above the adjacent ground level shall be provided
with stainless steel leaf covers. For flat roofs with permanent access, leaf covers for the roof drainage
channels can be omitted. Details of leaf cover are shown in Figure 20.

7.3.3 Minimum gradient

All gutters should be designed with minimum slope of 1 to 150 fall. The Qualified Person
(ArchitectslEngineers) must ensure that all gutters are designed to withstand the load of water when
the gutter is fully filled up to spill over level and human load during maintenance without deformation
in order to avoid ponding.

7.3.4 Type of gutters

Gutters are divided into the following main categories:

a) Eaves gutters - gutters located outside the external wall where the risk of overflow is outside
the building (see Figure 4);

b) Valley, parapet and boundary wall gutters - gutters located inside the external wall of the
building, where risk of overflow is into the interior space of the building (see Figure 5);

6) Flat roof drainage - Roof with pitch of 10' or less to the horizontal (see Figure 6)

7.3.5 Profile of gutters

The cross sectional profile of gutters are divided into 2 main categories (see Figure 7):

a) Trapezoidal gutters;

b) Semi-circular and similar shaped gutters

7.3.6 Dimensions of gutters

The various dimensions and symbols used throughout the code on the design of gutters are illustrated
in Figure 8.
7.4 Roof drainage design flowchart

Selection of design rainfall intensity (mrnihr)

Flowchart 1

Calculate runoff for designated catchment area.

Flowchart 2

roof drainage system

Siphonic roof drainage system Gravity roof drainage system

,
Eaves gutter: true half-round and
Siphonic system to nominally half-round
meet performance

.
Refer to Flowchart 3a
specification in
Flowchart 5

M Eaves gutter: other profiles

Refer to Flowchart 3b k
Valley, parapet and boundary wall
gutter
Refer to Flowchart 3c

Gutters with restricted discharge -

r Refer to Flowchart 3d

Flat roof drainage

t Refer to Flowchart 3e -

Determine the dimensions for vertical

and horizontal pipes
Refer to Flowchart 4
 Flowchart 1 -Selection of design rainfall intensity (mmlhr)

[ start ]
I

Sloping roof/surfaces

Can ponding be tolerated

during intense storm and few b
minutes after the storm has

Category I(i)
Design rainfall intensity =
4 165 mmlhr.
5 minutes once in 1 year
15 minutes once in 10
years

Category 1 (ii)
Design rainfall intensity =
200 mmlhr.
5 minutes once in 4 years
15 minutes once in 50
years

Category 1 (iii)
Design rainfall intensity =
4 , 330 mmlhr,
3 minutes once in 50 years
4

4 minutes once in 100

years

1 Continue next page

 Flowchart I-Selection of design rainfall intensity (mmlhr) (continued)

From previous page

Category 2 :
P,(probability) = 0.5
Building or its contents
require additional
. Category 3: P,(probability)
= 0.2
Even higher degree of
protection required
Highest possible
security with P,
approaching 0.0
measure of protection compared to Category 2 T = 35.000 years

(anticipated life of the

,Determine L,
(anticipated life of the
building or the period building or the period
the contents need to be the contents need to be
protected (years)) protected (years))
Determine T (return Determine T (return
period (years)) where period (years)) where
T=1.5Ly T = 4.5 L,

3
Design Rainfall
design rainfall intensity Intensity = 500 mmlhr
(mmlhr) based on
return period (T) in
years
Flowchart 2 - Calculation of run-off

[ start J
I
Determine the design rainfall intensity (mmlhr).
Refer to Flowchart 1

catchment area (m2)

slo~inssurface?

+I Yes

Calculate maximum area of sloping surface in

elevation.
Add 50 % of calculated elevation area to
catchment area.
Refer to Figures 2(b) and 2(c)
1

Does rooflcatchment area

Calculate vertical area. Add 50 % of calculated

vertical area (up to maximum 10 m height) to
catchment area.
Refer to Figure 3

Required discharge capaciy

' intensity(mm1hr) 13600
Q (11s) = catchment area(m ) x rainfall
 Flowchart 3a - Eaves gutters : half-round and nominally half-round (freely discharged gutter)

I Assume positions of rainwater outletslpipes I

Calculate run-off ( 0 ) for each length of gutter

1.
( i.e. from stop end to outlet or half distance
between outlets.
4
Assume gutter cross-section
Refer to Figure 7 for various type of gutters.

Reduce the requred

I
capacity of the gutter -
I
by adding more Determine W,: top width of gutter
outlets, or Increase Refer to Figure 8 & 9 for dimensions of gutters
the capaclty of the
gutter by enlarging
the gutter. Determine Q: flow capacity from Figure13 or
Table 1 based on W,.

Yes
Is gutter length (L,) > 50 x

1
Apply the reduction
factor to Q from Table
2 (based on L,N,).

Yes
10' included in length of

No
*
Apply the reduction
factor to Q from Table C
4

1
I

From next page

Continue next page
SS 525 : 2006

Flowchart 3a - Eaves gutters : half-round and nominally half-round (continued)

Back to previous page

From previous page

T NO

Determine Y,: Depth of flow at downstream

end of gutter.
Y, = 5/9Y,
(Y, = depth of gutter flowing full)

Increase size of Identify the dimension of outlets in gutters

gutter outlets to
achieve water
depth around
Refer to Tables 7(a) to 7(e) for circular
outlet that is less
outlets fitted with gratings. Determine the
than Y,. Refer to
Tables 7(a) to 7(e) water depth based on capacity, outlet
diameter and percentage of clear opening.

! S
<I

I
water ; e around \
outlets equal or less than

Gutter dimension is acceptable

I
 Flowchart 3b - Eaves gutters : other profiles (freely discharged gutter)

Start j
Assume positions of rainwater outletslpipes
I

Calculate runoff (Q) for each length of

gutter. i.e. from stop end to outlet or half
distance between outlets.

Refer to Figure 7 for various types of

-
gutters.

I Determine Y,: overall gutter depth I

capacity of the gutter
by adding more B,: Sole width of gutter
outlets, or increase B,: Surface width of flow at upstream end
the capacity of the of gutter.
gutter by enlarging Refer to Figure 10 for dimensions in gutter
the gutter.
Find ratio Y o c from Figure 14, based on
BdBu

C
Determine Y, (critical depth of flow at down
stream ) based on ratio in relation to Y,

Calculate
&: cross sectional area of flow at Y,.

15 based on A, and B,

From next page

SS 525 : 2006

Flowchart 3b - Eaves gutters : other profiles (freely discharged gutter) (continued)

Back to previous page From previous page

f
Apply the reduction far
to Q from Table 3

NO

Yes
I Identify the dimension of outlets in gutters 1
Refer to Tables 7(a) to 7(e) for circular outlets
Increase size of fitted with gratings. Determine the water depth
gutter outlets to based on capacity, outlet diameter and
achieve water --+ percentage of clear opening.
depth around
outlet that is less
than Y,. Refer to
4
Tables 7(a) to 7(e)

Refer to Figure 17 for additional increase in

gutter depth requirement for long gutters
based on L a ,
+
Apply % increase to required gutter depth Y.
(Y, = Y, for eaves gutter)
(% increase of less than 5 % can be
disregarded)
Yg= Yg (I + X1100)
Where X = percentage increase obtained
from Figure 17
I I
C
End
1
 Flowchart 3c - Valley, parapet and boundary wall gutters
(freely discharged gutter)

Assume positions of rainwater outletslpipes.

Note: For valley, parapet and boundary wall gutters, an
outlet to be provided very near each angle.

Calculate run-off for each length of gutter. i.e. from stop

end to outlet or half distance between outlets.

Note: Valley gutters min. top width 500 mm;

parapet and boundary wall gutters min. 300 mm width.

Reduce the required

-
C
capacity of the gutter Determine required free board: 217 of Y,(overall depth of
by adding more gutter) or 75 mm, whichever gives smaller value.
outlets, or increase
the capacity of the
gutter by enlarging Determine Y, (upstream depth of flow)
the gutter. Y, = Y, - free board

A
Determine Shape Factor BJB.
B,: Sole width of gutter
B,: Surface width of flow at upstream end of gutter.
Refer to Figures 8 8 11 for dimensions of gutter

+
Find ratio YJYCfrom Figure 14 based on BJB,

Determine Y, (critical depth of flow at downstream )

based on ratio in relation to Y.

I
From next page

I Continue next page

 Flowchart 3c - Valley, parapet and boundary wall gutters (continued)

From previous page

Back to previous page

Calculate
A,: cross-sectional area of flow at Y,
B,: surface width of flow at Y,.

f
Determine Q: gutter capacity from Figure 15 based
on A, and B,

+
Identify the dimension of outlets in gutters

4
Refer to Tables 7(a) to 7(e) for circular outlets fitted
Increase size of with gratings. Determine the water depth based on
gutter outlets to + capacity, outlet diameter and percentage of clear
achieve water opening.
depth around
outlet that is
lessthan Y,.
Refer to Tables
7(a) to 7(e)
equal or less than Y,?

I Yes

From next page 1 Continue next page

 SS 525 : 2006

Flowchart 3c - Valley, parapet and boundary wall gutters (continued)

To previous page From previous page

Refer to Figure 17 for additional increase in gutter

depth requirement for long gutters based on L,N,
I
Apply % increase to required gutter depth Y,.
(% increase of less than 5 % can be disregarded)
Y,f = Y" (1 + Xl100)
Where X = percentage increase obtained from Fig.17

Calculate the overall gutter depth based on

Y, = 7Y&, or Y, = YUf+ 75 mm, whichever gives the
smaller value

depth.
Refer to Tables 4 and 5 for weir ovefflow and

/ Yes
 Flowchart 3d -Gutter with restricted discharge

Note: Eaves gutters should NOT be designed with

restricted discharge
I
( Assume positions of rainwater outletslpipes I
Calculate runoff for each length of gutter. i.e. from stop
end to outlet or half distance between outlets.

4
Assume outlet dimension. Refer to Tables 7(a) to 7(e)
for circular outlets fitted with gratings. Determine the
water depth Yo based on capacity, outlet diameter and
percentage of clear opening

Calculate A,: cross sectional area of flow at outlet,

B, surface width of flow at outlet, based on Yo
Refer to Figure 12 for dimensions in gutters

Calculate Froude Number (F,)

x
Fo = 1 . 0 1 0 x 1 0 4 ( ~ )

F,>= 1, gutter
discharge freely. 4
Design based on freely Yes
dischamed autters
Refer to Flowchart 3c
F,<1, Yo > Y, Outlet restricts the flow of the gutter.
Design based on restricted discharged condition

4
Calculate shape factor BJB, (B,: sole width at outlet)
Determine ratio of YJY0 from Figure 18

1
Determine Y, based on ratio from Figure 18
I I

I Continue next page

Flowchart 3d - Gutter with restricted discharge (continued)

From previous page

Calculate the overall gutter depth based on

Y, = 7YJ5, or Y, = Y, + 75 rnm whichever gives the
smaller value

Refer to Figure 17 for additional increase in gutter depth

requirement for long gutters based on L&,'
I
Apply % increase to required gutter depth Y,.
(% increase of less than 5 % can be disregarded)
Y", = Y, (1 + X1100)
Where X = percentage increase obtained from Figure 17

Calculate the overall gutter depth based on

Y, = 7Y,t/5, or Y, = Yt, + 75 rnm whichever gives the
smaller value
 Flowchart 3e - Flat roof drainage

Start j
I

Determine the maximum design depth of water on roof

based on method of construction, loading capacity,
waterproofing material

4
Determine positions of rainwater outlet and overflow

Adjust outlets and

overflow positions,
numbers, and
Calculate run-off for each outlet and overflow.
1
dimensions.

design depth of water.

Refer to Tables 7(a) to 7(e) for capacity of circular
outlets with grating based on water depth

depth.
Refer to Tables 4 to 5 for weir overflow and
Table 6 for piped overtlow

dimensions acceptable?
No
 Flowchart 4 -Vertical and horizontal pipes (gravity system)

Positions, quantities and dimensions of roof

outlets have been determined based on gutter
1 calculations

1
Determine sizes for vertical
pipes

Eaves gutters: vertical Valley & parapet wall gutters, flat

pipes connected to eaves
gutters should have
same diameter as the
outlets
roofs: tapered outlet is allowed.
Vertical pipe > 213 of outlet diameter
Note: if vertical pipe is smaller than
outlet, joint between rainwater pipe
and outlet or sump should be sealed.

Refer to Table 8 for capacity of vertical pipes at 33 %

Enlarge the fill rate.
diameter of
vertical pipe

t No

$ Yes

Does rainwater down pipe

C
Horizontal length should have fall to prevent ponding
of water. Refer to Table 9 for capacity of horizontal
rainwater oioes

Discharge : discharge of rainwater should be made

to the surface water drainage system.
Connection to sewer system is not allowed.
 Flowchart 5 - Siphonic roof drainage system

Determine design rainfall intensity

Flowchart 1

1
Calculate run-off for designated catchment area
Flowchart 2

4
Gutters for use with siphonic systems should be
dimensioned by siphonic specialist.

siphonic roof drainage systems

Siphonic roof drainage system should be designed by siphonic specialist and
endorsed by P.E.
Siphonic roof outlets should have laboratory test data and certified by
internationally recognised accredited certification body such as PSB, BBA,
ASTM, ISO.
The software used for hydraulic calculation in siphonic systems should have
certification by internationally recognised accreditation bodies such as PSB,
BBA. ASTM, ISO.
Pipe material selected should take into consideration highest and lowest
pressure that may occur in the siphonic system.
The specification of the components used and the method of installation shall
comolv with the relevant Sinaaoore Standards. the relevant international
standards or the manufactur&'s specifications:
Each siphonic stackkystem should have hydraulic calculation showing the
following:
Elements affecting the calculation of frictional losses:
Dimensions of each section part of pipework with similar diameter;
Roughness value of pipes (mm);
Height (m);
Length (m);
lnternal diameter (mm).
Elements affecting the calculation of local losses:
Type of fittings incorporated in the calculation of losses in each section part eg.
Outlets;
Bends (number of bends and type of bends (radius, mitre, and geometry of
bends));
Junction and branches;
Discharge loss;
Single resistance value used for calculation of local losses in fittings should be
 Flowchart 5 - Siphonic roof drainage system
(continued)

I C) I Headloss (m): frictional loss + local losses of various parts of the system of
similar diameter
d) Flow Rate (11s) through each section part
e) Flow velocity (mls) through each section part.
Vertical pipes should have minimum velocitv of 2.21-1-11s
~ o r i z o n kpipes
i should have minimum velocity of 0.7mIs
f 1 Pressure (m) at both upstream and downstream end of each section part.
The maximum allowable possitive pressure is dependant on the material used.
The lowest negative pressure should be higher than the vapour pressure of
water to prevent cavitation; i.e. -9m and the collapse pressure of the material
used.
Residual head (mm or m): i.e. total head - total losses should be equal or larger
than
...-. . . 0.
-.

h) System imbalance (mm or m): imbalance between the various sections is

crucial for the proper functioning of system with more than 1 siphonic outlet.
The maximum value allowed for system imbalance is 10% of total head up to
max 0.5m

Section Four - Work on site

8 Types and spacing of fixings

8.1 Gutters - General considerations
Domestic eaves gutters, especially when fixed on rafter brackets, should be given a fall to allow for
any settlement and a recommended rate of fall is 1 in 150. In all cases, roof felting should be
extended to just below the top edge of the gutter to prevent wind blowing water behind the gutter. The
roof covering should not extend so far into the gutter as to prevent easy cleaning and maintenance.

8.1.1 Gutter support

Gutters should be adequately supported so as to prevent sagging and ponding. Where gutter width
exceeds 600 mm, a gutter board should be provided at base of gutter to prevent gutter base sagging.
Sagging causes back-falls which reduce the gutter capacity, and ponding which reduces the durability
' of the gutter and pose a potential for breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. Care should be taken to see that
there is no sideways tilt of the gutter as this also reduces the gutter capacity.

8.1.2 Deep gutters

Gutters (especially concrete gutters) should not be substantially deeper than required by design.
Blocked deep gutters could result in ponding of large amount of water leading to overloading and
failure of gutters.

8.1.3 Eaves gutters

Eaves gutters are usually supported by means of fascia or rafter brackets which should be fastened
with corrosion-resisting wood screws of minimum size 25 mm long x 5 mm and fitted not more than 1
m apart. Additional brackets should be fitted to or near angles and outlets to prevent sagging. Where
eaves gutters are fixed on brackets, special restraining brackets should be used which prevent the
gutter from being dislodged by strong winds. To avoid damage by ladders and strong winds,
restraining brackets are desirable.
8.1-4 Moulded gutters

Where moulded gutters are not supported by brackets, screw fixing through the back of the gutter is
sometimes used but is not recommended. If this method is employed, the front overspill level of the
gutter should be below the level of the fixing screws in the back of the gutter. Moulded or box gutters
may also be supported by brick or stone cornices, in which case dampness of the structure should be
prevented by the provision of damp-proof courses behind and under the gutter.

8.1.5 Industrial eaves gutters

Where eaves gutters occur on industrial buildings, fixing to or through corrugated wall cladding
materials may require special brackets and fixings.

8.1.6 Valley, skylight, parapet, boundary wall and large box gutters

Valley, skylight, parapet, boundary wall and large box gutters are usually fixed either on supports
resting directly on structural beams or walls or on an adequate member of purpose-made brackets
supported by the structural purlins and/or walls. Where supports are subject to deflection under dead
and live loads from the roof, adjustable brackets and supports are recommended to avoid local
ponding in the gutter. Two such supports should be fitted to each length of gutter, except for gutters
designed for special spans. Every effort should be made to ensure that gutters are fitted in such a
manner as to avoid the necessity for outlets. An adequate number of supports should be provided to
each length of gutter depending upon the gutter material, its strength and the loads and settlements to
which it might be subjected.

8.2 Rainwater pipes

Rainwater pipes may be fixed by ears cast, bolted or welded to the pipe sockets or by loose
holderbats, screwed or built-in, one to each length of pipe. Where pipes exceed 2 m in length, an
intermediate holderbat should be fitted. All holderbats should be adequately protected against
corrosion.

8.2.1 Pipes which require painting

These pipes should be fixed at least 30 mm clear of the building structure using spacers or projecting
ears. Where there is risk of damage, the pipes should be protected.

8.2.2 Pipe fixing

Pipes should be fixed with screws into suitable wall plugs, or with purpose-made pipe nails.

8.2.3 Materials for pipe fixing

Materials for fixings and holderbats should be selected to avoid electrolytic action.

9 Jointing
9.1 Jointing gutters

9.1.1 General

There are three variables involved in the jointing of gutters i.e. the gutter material, the jointing material
and the type of fixing, and it is most important that the correct combination of these materials is
always used.
The advice of manufacturers on the methods of jointing gutters should be followed. In the absence of
any such advice, the recommendations below should be followed.

When using any form of mastic jointing material it is essential to ensure an even spread of the mastic
over the whole surface of the jointing socket and the action of tightening the fixings should cause a
certain amount of mastic to squeeze out of the gutter joint. This should always be cleaned off.

Preformed strips can be laid directly in the sockets before fixing and are sometimes supplied already
in position.

For gutters with bolted joints, the bolt(s) in the sole should be tightened first.

Gutter bolts should be protected from corrosion (e.g. hot dip galvanised steel or stainless steel), and
the number and diameter of bolts in each joint should be in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions and depend on the girth, shape and material of which the gutter is made. For the larger
industrial gutters, bolts should be used in conjunction with washers. Plastic washers should be
inserted under the head of the bolt and under the nut thereby minimising corrosion. For small metal
eaves gutters jointed in mastic, washers are not normally necessary.

Support brackets for uPVC gutters are of two types, one integral with a socket and the other, a simple
clip fixing for intermediate support.

9.1.2 Cast iron and steel gutters

Cast iron and steel gutters normally have spigot and socket ends which should be jointed with mastic
compound or preformed strips using protected steel bolts. Spigots and sockets should be painted
before jointing and all cut ends of cast iron, steel or enamelled steel gutters should also be painted to
prevent corrosion.

9.1.3 Aluminium gutters

Aluminium gutters are normally jointed with a mastic compound or performed strips and all bolts and
washers should be made of aluminium.

9.2 Jointing rainwater pipes

9.2.1 General

Where used externally, joints on vertical spigot and socket rainwater pipes are generally left unsealed
with the exception of the joint between the gutter outlet and the rainwater pipe. Metal pipes left
unsealed should be wedged to prevent rattle.

9.2.2 Horizontal runs of pipes

The joints on horizontal runs of pipes should be sealed and where fixed internally, they should be
tested as for discharge pipes.

9.2.3 Flat roofs

Where internal rainwater pipes are connected to an outlet situated in a flat roof formed of metal
decking, allowance should be made in the joint between the rainwater pipe and roof outlet for
differential movement due to roof deflection.

9.2.4 Metal pipes

Socketed metal pipes can be jointed with suitable mastic compound and, on medium and heavy grade
cast iron, a ring of spun yarn should first be introduced to prevent the jointing material from entering
the pipe.
9.2.5 uPVC pipes

When jointing uPVC pipes, a gap should be left between the spigot end of the pipe and the shoulder
of the socket which it enters in order to allow for thermal movement. A number of different types of
loose sockets are provided for fitting to plain end pipes. Systems with sealed joints are available
where this is required. In all cases the manufacturer's instructions for fitting should be followed.

10 Access to pipes
One or more cleaning eyes for access and rodding should be provided at appropriate points to
horizontal runs of pipe and on long vertical pipes. This is particularly important at the foot of each
stack and at changes in direction.

Access should be provided at each change of direction in horizontal runs and the front of any long
stack and elsewhere where necessary to permit reaching by hand-cleaning equipment

11 Encased pipes
Rainwater pipes may be encased in concrete columns or masonry walls provided that the structural
integrity of the column is not undermined and requirements of the Building and Construction Authority
are met. Precautions shall also be taken to protect certain materials against chemical reaction with
cement. It is also important that the appropriate access points referred to in Clause 10 are provided.

12 Termination of rainwater pipes

Where there is no alternative to a rainwater pipe discharging onto a lower roof (or onto a paved area)
a rainwater shoe should be fitted to divert the water away from the building. In certain cases it may be
necessary to reduce splashing by flitting special shoes.

Where rainwater pipes discharge onto a lower roof, especially a flat roof, it is advisable to reinforce
the covering of the flat roof at the point where the rainwater shoe discharges onto it because of the
excessive localised wear that can occur under such conditions.

Where a rainwater pipe discharges into a gully, it should terminate below the gully grating but above
the water seal, preferably with the use of a back inlet. I

13 Internal rainwater pipes

Internal rainwater pipes and joints in rainwater pipeworks should be able to withstand the heat of
water likely to occur due to a blockage.

Section Five - Testing, commissioning and maintenance procedures for

gravity and siphonic roof drainage systems

14 Testing and commissioning

14.1 General

The principles and methods of testing and commissioning of gravity and siphonic roof drainage
systems are the same.
 14.2 Gutters and flat roofs

14.2.1 Test for leakage

All gutters should be tested for leakage. After the gutter outlet has been plugged, fill the gutter with
water up to the overflow level, if any, or otherwise to the lower level of the free board. Visual
inspection for leakage should be carried out after 5 minutes.

14.2.2 Visual inspection

During the duration of the water pondinglleak test of gutters, check the measurements of the distance
between the water level and the top rim of the gutter to ensure that sufficient free board is maintained
throughout the entire length of the gutter, or the loading of water at design depth do not cause
sagging or deformation that may reduce either the free board or the effective depth throughout the
entire length of the gutter.

14.2.3 Inspection for ponding

After the outlets are unplugged, observe the free flow of water to the outlets. Conduct visual
inspection after the water has been drained off to ensure no leftover ponding in the gutter or on the
reinforced concrete flat roof.

, 14.3 Rainwater pipeworks

1 14.3.1 Test for leakage

All works that is to be concealed should be tested before it is finally enclosed. All rainwater pipes

1 should be tested with water to the pressure which is likely to be exerted within the pipe should a
blockage occur.

' 14.3.2 Visual inspection

This should be conducted for evidence of leaks within 2 to 4 hours after the entire pipe is completely
filled with water.

14.3.3 Test for blockage

The works should be visually inspected during installation to check for compliances with the
specification and design. On completion of the installation, all rainwater pipes should be tested for
blockage to ensure no obstruction.

NOTE - Complete flow test of siphonic system is not practical because it is often not possible to ensure constant
supply of water at a specific flow rate for an extended duration. However, the formation and operation of siphonic
% action can still be observed when the water is released to discharge after water ponding test in the gutterlflat roof,
as well as after the fill test for the rainwater pipeworks.

15 Maintenance

15.1 Periodic inspection and cleaning

Gutters, rainwater pipe works and outlet gratings should be inspected and thoroughly cleaned once a
year, or more often if the building is in or near industrial area, or is near to trees or subjected to
extreme temperature difference.
Section Six - Prevention of mosquito breeding in roof drainage system

16 General

Roof gutters including scuppers have been identified as one major breeding source of the Aedes
mosquitoes. Outbreaks of dengue feverldengue haemorrhagic fever (DFIDHF) transmitted by the
Aedes mosquitoes have been traced to profuse mosquito breeding in stagnant water in roof drainage
systems.

Stagnant water collects in roof gutters due to improper gradient from incorrect installations or warping
of materials with time, and from blockage by leaves and silt washed down from roof tiles. As roof
gutters are located in areas not easily accessible by owners, and there is no safe and permanent
access to the channels for maintenance, they are often neglected and not maintained regularly.

Qualified Person (ArchitectsIEngineers) of roof drainage systems must recognise the public health
risk posed by improper roof drainage systems and take the necessary steps at the design stage to
address the risk.

17 Roof drainage

17.1 Roof gutters

Roof drainage channels such as scupper drains and roof gutters for conveying storm water from roofs
shall be avoided where possible.

Permanent and safe access to the gutters at any height shall be built in for maintenance purposes.

Where roof gutters are not provided, the design in Figure 19 is recommended to prevent roof water
from splashing onto the neighbouring property.

The use of metal or other materials which may warp under long exposure to sunlight is discouraged
for gutters. Gutters made of reinforced concrete are preferred.

All forms of permanently concealed or covered (fully or partially) roof gutters shall be avoided so that
the gutters can be maintained and any stagnant water in the channel be made visible.

17.2 Leaf covers for roof gutters

New gutters in buildings that are at or less than 15 m above the adjacent ground level shall be
provided with stainless steel leaf covers. Other materials for the leaf covers will be considered on a
case-by-case basis if these materials are strong, durable and corrosion-resistant.

Leaf covers shall be designed and installed such that they can be opened up along its length to allow
maintenance of roof gutters to be carried out.

For flat roofs with permanent access for maintenance, leaf covers for the roof gutters can be omitted.

Details of a leaf cover are shown in Figure 20.

17.3 Rainwater downpipes for roof drainage

Horizontal pipes or bends in downpipe systems shall be avoided.

Smaller diameter rainwater downpipes of less than 150 mm diameter (eg. siphonic rainwater
downpipes) shall be provided with gratings.

There must not be ponding of water in the pipes and fittings of the siphonic roof drainage system.
 A
Fig 2(b) Sloping and curve roof: A, = A h + -'-
2
\ \
\
\
\
\
\
\

\
\
\

Fig 2(c) valley gutter: A, = Ahl + A h2 + 1( A v2 - A )

2

A, Effective catchment area of roof or wall

Ah Plan area of roof
A,, Area of roof or wall in elevation

Figure 2 - Calculation of effective catchment area A, for roofs

 down pipe

Gutter

I Intensity of rainfall (mmthr)

A, Elevational area of vertical wall 1 (m2)
Av2 Elevational area of vertical wall 2 (m2)
Ah Plan area of roof (m2)
A, Effective catchment area of roof and wall (m2)

Effective catchment for flow into gutter:

Discharge capacity for into gutter Q (Its)

Figure 3 - Calculation of effective catchment area A, for roof with

vertical surfaces
 UlLDlNG EXTERIO BUILDING INTERIOR

Risk of overflow to
building exterior

Gutter

Eaves gutter

I
I
UlLDlNG EXTERIOR UlLDlNG INTERIOR

Risk of overflow to
building exterior

Eaves gutter

Figure 4 - Definition of eaves gutters

 Gutter

BUILDING EXTERIOR, UlLDlNG INTERIOR

Valley gutter

Gutter

Risk of overflow to
building interior

UlLDlNG INTERIOR

Valley gutter

Figure 5 - Definition of valley, parapet and boundary wall gutters

 I

;
1
BUILDING ; Max. design depth
EXTERIOR ; based on structural
loading and risk of
n
I water intyr
Overflow space
Weir or pipe
y -----,------ ..............................

+
I
~~J
I

R.c. gutter 1 scupper

- drain with rainwater
outlets

Figure 6 - Description of flat roof drainage

a) Trapezoidal gutters

b) Semi circular and similar shaped gutters

Figure 7 - Profile of gutters

-
1,
i
I
Bu, Bc, Bo

Designed Water Line

B"' Bc' B0 I
U
Spillover Level
n
Free board

I
Y", Yc, Yo

Spillover Level

Overall gutter depth

Depth of water at upstream
yg
I

Depth of water at critical depth

(at outlet for freely discharged gutter)
Depth of water at outlet
Top width of flow at upstream
Top width of flow at critical depth
(at outlet for freely discharged gutter)
Top width of flow at outlet
Sole width of gutter

Figure 8 - Dimensions of gutters

 1

t FREE BOARD
yg t
Yu
I t

Figure 10 - Dimensions of eaves gutter (other profiles)

49
t FREE BOARD
yg YIu t
i t

Figure 11 - Dimensions of valley, parapet and boundary wall

gutters
 t
t FREE BOARD
yg I
Yu
t
i 1

Figure 12 - Dimensions of gutters with restricted discharge

Figure 14 - Design chart for freely-discharging trapezoidal gutters
 -
Figure 15 Capacity of freelydischarging gutters
Note:
L:, Total length of gutter
For eaves gutter: Ydis similar to Y, (critical depth)
For valley gutter designed to free discharge: Yd is similar to Y, (critical depth)
For gutters designed to restricted discharge: Yd is similar to Yo (depth of water at outlet)

Figure 17 - Effect of resistance in level gutters

 Fo

Figure 18 - Design chart for trapezoidal gutters with restricted discharge

 Fascia

Void
v

Common
C/ Boundary

Roof eave design without ciutters

NOTE 1 -The above is schematic only, for where gutters are not provided.

NOTE 2 -The design shown is encouraged to prevent roof water from splashing onto the neighbouring
property.

Figure 19 - Roof eaves design (without gutters)

 LEAF COVER TO BE FIRMLY SECURED
TO AVOID DISLODGEMENT FROM THE
ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM

STAINLESS STEEL WIRE MESH

(1.2mm THK x 10mm MESH)

STAINLESS STEEL FLAT BARS AT

APPROPRIATE INTERVALS FOR

ROOF DRAINAGE
CHANNEL

Leaf cover details

NOTES 1 - Gradient of roof drainage channel shall be 1 : 150 or steeper

NOTES 2 -The qualified person (architectslengineers)must ensure that the leaf covers
are properly designed and firmly installed and would not dislodge from the roof drainage
channel.

Figure 20 - Leaf cover details

59
 Table 1 - Flow capacity of standard eaves gutter (level)

Size of gutter Flow capacity

mm 11s

I True half-round Nominal half-round

NOTE - Capacities should be determined for the actual internal dimensions.

Table 2 - Reduction factors for capacities of long half-round eaves gutters

'-g/yg
Reduction factor
50 1.O
100 0.93
150 0.86
200 0.80

Table 3 - Reduction factors for capacities of standard eaves gutters containing angles

Type of angle Reduction factor

Angle less than 2 m Angle between 2 m
from outlet and 4 m from outlet
Sharp corner 0.80 0.90
Round corner 0.90 0.95
 Table 4 - Capacity of outlet wiers for flat roofs

Depth of Discharge Area drained per unit length of weir at

flow' above per unit rainfall intensity of
invert length 165 mmlhr 200 mmlhr 350 mmlhr
of weir of weir Qx (m2per mm) (m2per mm) (m2per mm)
(mm) (I/s/mm)
5 4.66 x 1o4 0.01 02 0.0084 0.0051

Table 5 - Capacity of overflow weirs (sharp-edged weir)

.-
I Ovefflow weirs are used to discharge water clear of
a building when the flow in a gutter exceeds the
design rate, or when a partial or complete blockage
occurs at an outlet.

Capacity of overflow weir Q (11s)

L,H'.~
Q=24000
Depth of Width of weir L
, (mm)
water
h(mm) 100 200 300 400 500 600 800 1000
30 0.68 1.37 2.05 2.74 3.42 4.1 1 5.48 6.85
40 1.05 2.1 1 3.16 4.22 5.27 6.32 8.43 10.54
50 1.47 2.95 4.42 5.89 7.37 8.84 11.79 14.73
 Table 6 - Capacity of overflow spout pipes

1 Capacity of piped overflow (11s) with water depth of 50 rnrn above top of pipe I
Pipe diameter (mm) Drainage capacity (11s)
50 1.4

NOTE -The capacity is calculated based on Bernoulli Energy Equation with 500 rnrn length spout pipe.
 Table 7(a) - Capacities of grated circular outlets

Capacity of circular gravity outlets with grating (11s) (base value at 100 % to be
multiplied by % of opening)
L h'.'
Weir type: Q = L, Orifice type: Q = I-
A.hO.'
24000 12000
lnternal diameter of outlet

NOTE - The capacity of outlets with grating is best determined from experiment. Where experimental data are
not available, Tables 7(a) to 7(e) can be used to estimate the outlet capacity and the related water depth.

The capacity of a circular gravity outlet with grating taken from the
above table should be multiplied with the percentage of reduction
caused by the grating.
In cases where h (depth of water) > 2A,I L;,. flow is of orifice-type; the
percentage of opening is taken as percentage of opening area
submerged over the area of the circular outlet.
Otherwise in cases of weir-type flow, the percentage of opening is
taken as percentage of clear opening around the grating over the
perimeter of the circular outlet.

Example: a 100 mm diameter gravrty outlet with grating which gives

clear opening of 80 % over the perimeter of the outlet; assuming water
depth around the outlet at 70 mm; the capacity of the outlet is
calculated as:

Internal diameter = 100 mm

Perimeter of circular outlet (L,) = 2 x 2217x 50 = 314.28 mm
Clear openings (a+b+c+d+e+f+g+h+i+j) = 251.4 mm
i.e. clear opening at 80 % of L,

Base capacity from table above with h=70. 10=100; Q=5.48 Vs.
Capacity of grated outlet is 5.48 I/s x 0.8 = 4.38 I/.

Example of outlet with

grating under weir type flow
 Table 7(b) - Capacities of grated circular outlets (90 % opening)

I Capacity of circular gravity outlets with grating (11s) (90 % clear opening)
Q = 0.9 x values from Table 7(a)
h Internal diameter of outlet
mrn 50 rnm 75 mm 100 rnm 125 rnm 150 mm 200 mm 250 rnrn 300 mm
10 0.19 0.28 0.37 0.47 0.56 0.75 0.93 1.12
20 0.53 0.79 1.05 1.32 1.58 2.1 1 2.63 3.16
30 0.81 1.45 1.94 2.42 2.90 3.87 4.84 5.81
40 0.93 2.10 2.98 3.73 4.47 5.96 7.45 8.94
50 1.04 2.34 4.17 5.21 6.25 8.33 10.41 12.50

Table 7(c) - Capacities of grated circular outlets (80 % opening)

 Table 7(d) - Capacities of grated circular outlets (70 % opening)

Capacity of circular gravity outlets with grating (11s) (70 % clear opening)
Q = 0.7 x values from Table 7(a)
h Internal diameter of outlet
mm 50 mm 75 mm 100 mm 125 mm 150 mm 200 mm 250 mm 300 mm
10 0.14 0.22 0.29 0.36 0.43 0.58 0.72 0.87

Table 7(e) - Capacities of grated circular outlets (60 % opening)

Capacity of circular gravity outlets with grating (11s) (60 % clear opening)
Q = 0.6 x values from Table 7(a\

I m
:
Internal diameter of outlet
150mm 175mm 1 100mm 1 125mm I 150mm 1 200mm 1 250mm 1 300mm I
 Table 8 - Capacity of vertical rainwater pipes

Internal diameter of
rainwater pipe,
di
Capacity
QRWP
11s
Internal
diameter of
rainwater pipe,
I Capacity
QRWP

di
I I mm
I Filling I Filling
degree degree
f=0.33 f=0.33

Use
Wyly-Eaton

NOTE
Based on the Wyly-Eaton equation:

where
QRWP is the capacity of rainwater pipe, in litres per second (11s);
K, is the pipe roughness in millimetres (assumed 0.25 mm);
di is the internal diameter of rainwater pipe, in miilimetres;
f is the filling degree, defined as the proportion of cross-section filled with
water, dimensionless.
 Table 9 - Capacity of horizontal rainwater pipes

Slope 0100 0 125 0 150 0200

Horizontal pipe capacity is calculated from Colebrook-White formula using an effective roughness of
kb = 1.O mrn and viscosity of v = 1.31 x 10" m2/s

Discharge values, fill degree 70 % (hld = 0.7)

Q ~ a x
-- Maximum flow rate permitted (11s)
v -- Velocity (mls)
SS 525 : 2006

Annex A
Symbols

The following symbols are used in this code:

Unit

Cross-sectional area of flow in gutter or channel mm2

Cross-sectional area of flow corresponding to depth Yc mm2

Effective catchment area of roof or wall m2

Plan area of roof m2

Plan area of outlet to rainwater pipe mm2

Cross-sectional area of flow at downstream end of gutter with

restricted discharge

Cross-sectional area of flow at upstream end of gutter

Area of roof or wall in elevation

Surface width of flow in gutter or channel

Surface width of flow at downstream end of gutter discharging freely,

at critical depth of flow

Surface width of flow at downstream end of gutter with

restricted discharge

Sole width of gutter

Surface width of flow at upstream end of gutter

Effective side-slope of gutter or channel such that width of flow

increases b units per unit increase in depth -

Effective diameter of outlet to rainwater pipe

Top diameter of outlet to rainwater pipe

Diameter of throat of outlet to rainwater pipe or diameter of

rainwater pipe

Froude Number (dimensionless) of flow in gutter

Depth of flow above weir or outlet to rainwater pipe

Intensity of rainfall
 Unit

Length of box-receiver in direction of flow mm

Length of gutter mm

Length of rectangular outlet to rainwater pipe rnm

Transition length of tapered outlet mm

Life of building years

Length of weir or length of perimeter of outlet acting as weir mm

Manning's roughness coefficient (dimensionless)

Wetted perimeter of channel

Probability of exceeding given rate of rainfall

Discharge in gutter or channel or discharge entering outlet to

rainwater pipe

Discharge entering outlet to rainwater pipe

Rate of flow per millimetre length of weir

Longitudinal slope of channel -

Return period of an event years

Plan width of roof perpendicular to the eaves m

Top width of gutter mm

Width of rectangular outlet to rainwater pipe mm

Percentage increase in depth of flow at upstream end of gutter

due to frictional resistance

Depth of flow in gutter or channel

Depth of flow at downstream end of gutter discharging freely,

at critical depth of flow

Depth of flow at downstream end of gutter

Depth of free board in gutter

Overall depth o f gutter

Depth of flow at downstream end of gutter with restricted discharge

Depth of flow at upstream end of gutter

Depth of flow at upstream end of gutter taking into account

effects of frictional resistance
 Annex B

Bibliography

Beij K.H. Flow in roof gutters. Research Paper RP 644, US Department of Commerce,
Bureau of Standards, 1934

Chow V.T. Open-channel hydraulics. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1959 pp 98-114 and pp
327-349

Couper R.R. Factors affecting the production of surface run-off from wind-driven rain. 2nd
International ClBlRlLEM Symposium on Moisture Problems in Buildings, section 1.1

Crabb F.J., San F.R. & Turner P.F. An investigation into roof discharge by eaves gutters.
Building Research Establishment, Note E 81 1, 1958

Herbert M.R.M. The behaviour of water on walls. Building Research Establishment, N 96/74

Hydraulics Research Station. Tables for the hydraulic design of pipes (metric edition), HMSO,
1977

Massias A. Investigation into the factors controlling surface water run-off into a gully grating.
Birmingham University, School of Water Resources Technology, Research Report, 1969

May R.W.P. Design of gutters and gutter outlets: theory and experiment. Hydraulics
Research Station, Report IT 205, 1981

Natural Environment Research Council. Flood Studies Report. Whitefriars Press, London,
1975

Russam K. The hydraulic efficiency and spacing of B.S. road gulleys. Transport and Road
Research Laboratory, Report LR 277, 1969

Storm Drainage Research Project. The design of storm water inlets. Johns Hopkins
University, Report of the Storm Drainage Research Committee, 1956

Rainfall intensity-duration-frequency curves for Singapore Island (derived by the Station-year

method and partial duration series based on 365 station-years of pluviometer records up to
December 1972) - Meteorological Service Singapore

Handbook for roof drainage

Gravity drainage systems inside buildings (BS EN 12056-3:2000)

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