Gutters for Industrial and Commercial Buildings: A Complete Guide
20 July 2021. By Shane Barker, Pre-Construction Manager
Understanding Gutters for Industrial Sheds and Commercial Structures
When planning a new industrial shed or warehouse project, selecting the right guttering is critical for ensuring your building’s durability and compliance with Australian standards. Gutters not only manage rainwater effectively but also play a key role in protecting the structure from water damage.
This guide covers the key considerations for gutters in industrial buildings, including design recommendations, regulatory compliance, and the best gutter types for steel construction services.
Design Recommendations and Guttering Regulations

Every industrial steel builder and commercial steel supplier must adhere to the National Construction Code (NCC) and other Australian standards when designing roof drainage systems. These regulations are in place to ensure buildings are safe, durable, and built to withstand Australia's challenging weather conditions.
Here are the key regulations to consider:
- National Plumbing and Drainage Code AS/NZS 3500.3:
This code provides calculations to determine the roof’s surface catchment area and the appropriate gutter size based on slope, gradient, and rainfall intensity in your location. - NCC Volume One, Performance Requirements FP1.2 and FP1.3:
This section focuses on large commercial buildings, ensuring rainwater is directed away from the structure and managed effectively to prevent flooding and water damage. - NCC Volume Two, Part 3.5.2:
Relevant for smaller sheds and residential-style structures, this section ensures compliance for buildings subjected to extreme rainfall events.
By following these guidelines, you’ll create a guttering system that aligns with legal requirements and protects your industrial building for decades.
How to Navigate Guttering Design Requirements
Interpreting these codes can be complex. That’s where our expertise comes in. Steelcorp specializes in steel construction services for industrial sheds and commercial structures. We can guide you through compliance requirements, ensuring your building design adheres to all relevant standards while meeting your specific needs.
For more details on council approvals, visit our Journal.
Recommended Gutters for Industrial Sheds and Steel Buildings
At Steelcorp, we recommend using Stramit® gutters, known for their durability and suitability for steel structures. Below are the options we commonly use:
Fascia Gutters:
- Made from high-tensile steel for long-term performance.
- Coated with Zinc, Aluminium, and Magnesium alloy for superior corrosion resistance.
- Available in a variety of COLORBOND® colours to match your design.
Half-Round Gutters:
- Feature a curved profile for self-cleaning and high water-carrying capacity.
- Ideal for warehouse projects and industrial buildings in high-rainfall areas.
Custom Box Gutters:
- Tailored to your building’s size and rainfall intensity.
- Minimise downpipes for a streamlined appearance and improved cost-efficiency.
Choosing the right gutter depends on your building’s size, location, and intended use.
Why Guttering Matters for Steel Structures
The guttering system of an industrial shed or commercial building is more than just a functional component. It ensures:
- Compliance with local and national regulations.
- Protection from water damage and structural issues.
- Longevity of the building by managing rainwater effectively.
Steelcorp’s team of experienced designers will recommend gutter systems tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring reliable performance and compliance with all standards.
Contact our team to learn more about our process and how to get a structure that is resistant to the elements for decades to come.
