The importance of architectural drainage solutions in modern home design

“Architectural drainage solutions are the unsung heroes of modern home design,” shares Stormtech’s Nick Moore. “They serve a critical functional role in removing wastewater from surfaces, managing runoff and preventing ingress of water into homes. This contributes to making our homes safer, more hygienic and less prone to structural degradation. 

Having such an important and practical purpose, you could be forgiven for thinking they don’t also have a role to play in the overall aesthetic of home design. Here, we speak to Nick about how drainage solutions can open up new design opportunities by efficiently optimising spaces and integrating seamlessly with their surroundings.

The main types of drainage systems 

Waterproofing failures are the most common cause of defects in Australian buildings, resulting in millions of dollars in rectification expenses every year. If not managed correctly leaks can have catastrophic effects on the safety, hygiene, and structural integrity of homes. Bathroom leaks are particularly damaging, but the latest innovations in drainage systems mean homeowners can ensure water is draining correctly. Stormtech’s 120SCS Shower Screen Support Drain, for example, collects water from both sides of the shower screen, allowing an entire bathroom to be drained through a single channel – which is perfect for wet room designs and the smaller bathrooms in multi-residential living.

Linear drainage systems such as this one are the most functional and versatile systems available with many applications both inside and outside the home, shares Nick. 

“In bathrooms the most common system is a linear floor channel drain, allowing a single plane of fall into a rectangular drainage channel, covered by a grate or tile insert. This system is popular among designers for many reasons: you can create a consistent flooring level with stepless shower entry, it’s easier to clean and maintain than a traditional point drain; it also creates selection freedom for a greater variety of floor tiles by simplifying the fall and tile cutting requirements.”  

When selecting a system, It’s important not to skimp on quality, because the long-term costs of ineffective drainage severely outweigh any short-term cost savings that inferior products provide.

“When designing or renovating your home, prioritise incorporating an efficient drainage system that looks great, is easy to maintain and will offer the maximum durability.  says Nick. “Choosing products from a reputable company like Stormtech will ensure that your drainage system is the right fit for your project for many years to come.”

Drainage solutions that enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home

Drainage doesn't have to be a purely practical choice. Stormtech's drainage systems are designed with aesthetics in mind, complementing the overall design of your home. 

“Sleek, functional linear drains that blend seamlessly into modern interiors add a luxurious touch, and with a range of grate styles and colour finishes available they can be both discreet or a salient design feature within any plan,” shares Nick. 

For tricky designs Stormtech offers custom innovative solutions, which allow a greater degree of design freedom – incorporating complex angles, curves and unique features.

How to choose the best drainage solution 

To determine the right drainage solution for your home, here are a few key important considerations:

Material selection: Not all drainage materials are the same, selecting the highest quality materials is paramount to long-lasting performance. Stormtech uses 316 marine-grade stainless steel to manufacture their drainage systems, a material that offers the greatest combination of strength, beauty, durability, and corrosion resistance.

The installation environment: Outdoor areas in coastal locations or around pool areas are subject to severe atmospheric conditions. “Additional processes such as electropolishing of grates can help reduce the effect of tea staining on the surface of stainless-steel grates,” says Nick.  

Compliance: The regulatory framework—Australian Standards, Watermark, and the National Construction Code provide a minimum guideline for compliance, however, simply aiming to meet the minimums does not mean that products are durable or will perform in the long term. Stormtech engineers products to exceed compliance requirements to provide peace of mind that products are durable, reliable and fit for purpose. 

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