Quattro Struga: 5 fundamental assembly rules that guarantee 100% tightness

The Struga Quattro gutter system combines minimalist design with the maximum durability of Scandinavian steel. To fully utilize its potential and enjoy its 50-year functional warranty, it's crucial to follow a few fundamental installation guidelines.

Our Technical Advisor, Grzegorz Zięba, in the Bratex Dachy video instructions, highlights five key aspects of correct installation. 

I. Correct determination of the slope and installation of hooks – nthe most important element for system performance.

The purpose of the inheritance: A minimum gutter fall of 2,5 mm to 5 mm per linear metre (depending on the length of the slope) must be ensured.

Hook installation strategy:
o Hooks (both butt and rafter) are installed every 45 to 65 cm in the axes.
o We start the installation from the outermost hook, and leveling is carried out from the penultimate hook, which guarantees the correct slope along the entire section.
o Important for Rafter Hooks: It is necessary to cut a groove in the battens/boarding (wider than the flat bar) which allows the hook to be moved and adjusted and ensures it lies flat.

Snow protection: Gutters must not provide support for sliding snow. The gutter must be installed below the roof extension line. Otherwise, snow guards should be used.

Installing two-piece butt hooks: How to connect the components?

Struga Quattro butt hooks consist of two elements: supporting element (from hoop iron/flat iron) and movable element/upper (made of painted sheet metal, which holds the gutter).

Two-stage lock principle:

• Mounting the carrier: First, we mount the supporting element to the fascia board (remembering the bean-shaped holes for adjustment).
• Initial lock (step I): Before finally attaching the gutter, slide the top element onto the support element. It engages on the first tooth, which only serves to protect the painted part from slipping.
• Final lock (step II): The gutter is hooked onto the movable element, securing it to the hook. The gutter is then pushed towards the eaves, which forces it to lock onto the second tooth in the main (supporting) hook. Only this ensures the final and permanent locking of the system.

Important note: If you wish to dismantle the gutter (for any reason), it is necessary deformation of this tooth, which confirms the durability and tightness of this locking mechanism.

➡️ See in practice:  Struga Quattro gutter installation
  How to properly install rafter hooks?

2. Expansion and 100% Tightness thanks to Butyl

The secret to the tightness of Struga Quattro is the unique connection system.

Expansion gap: An expansion gap of 3 to 5 mm should be maintained between the gutters. This is necessary to allow the elements to withstand changes in temperature (thermal expansion of steel). This is necessary to ensure that the elements can work under the influence of temperature changes (thermal expansion of steel).

Butyl sealing: Both the gutter connectors and the covers are fitted with a butyl seal. This seal compensates for thermal movement and any minor installation differences.
Principle: Before fastening the connector, the butyl seal must be pressed thoroughly so that part of it comes out between the gutter joints, ensuring full waterproofing.

➡️ See in practice: Struga Quattro – assembly instructions part I (regarding sealing and covers)

3. Correct installation under the downpipe
Proper preparation of the discharge hopper and riser is crucial for efficiency.

• Gutter hole: Despite the trapezoidal shape of the pipe, a round hole should be cut in the gutter – this is responsible for the throughput.

• Edge Unwind: After cutting the hole, the gutter edge should be tapped/rolled down a few millimeters. This simple procedure prevents water from being drawn up to the bottom edge of the gutter and increases flow.

• Sleeved downpipes: Struga Quattro downpipes are factory-sealed, eliminating the need for external connectors, screws or rivets, maximising aesthetics.

• Clamp spacing: The distance between downpipe clamps should be optimally 140 to 180 cm, which ensures the stability of the vertical system.

• Insulation system: The pipe clamps have cage nuts that enable easy installation using pins of various lengths (e.g. 100-360 mm) – adapted to any insulation thickness.

➡️ See in practice:
Quattro Planer – assembly instructions part I (cutting a hole and sleeve pipes)
Struga Quattro – assembly instructions part II (pipe and clamp assembly)

4. Eaves finishing and integration with the covering
The Quattro planer, as a suspended system, requires specific eaves treatment.

• Dedicated Processing: Due to the internal hooks, it is recommended to use dedicated Bratex flashings, which feature perforated slots for screw mounting and hook holes. This eliminates the time-consuming cutting of standard eaves flashings.

• Ventilation: It is always a good idea to close the gap at the height of the counter-batten with perforated sheet metal flashing, ensuring ventilation of the roof partition.

• Integration with roof profile: Hook strips can be installed on eaves flashings, which are used to attach snap seams (e.g. Snap Lock), ensuring an aesthetic and consistent finish.

Correct installation of the Struga Quattro system is the foundation of its 50-year functional warranty and flawless, minimalist appearance. Precise solutions, such as a two-stage hook lock and butyl sealing, make this system the choice of professionals.

Don't wait! Discover all the benefits of the Struga Quattro Steel Gutter System and ensure your roof receives the best possible solution. We invite you to visit the product page and contact your nearest Bratex Distributor, who will assist you in selecting and purchasing the system.