When it comes to managing roof water efficiently, rainheads are one of the most important yet underrated components of a drainage system. Especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall or sudden downpours, a well-designed rainhead helps prevent water overflow, reduces pressure on downpipes, and improves the longevity of your roof and gutter system.
At PPC Flashings, we fabricate high-quality, custom rainheads tailored to suit both residential and commercial projects across Victoria and beyond. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Rainhead?
A rainhead, sometimes referred to as a sump box or overflow box, is a container fitted between the gutter and downpipe. It acts as a catchment that allows water to discharge freely into the downpipe, especially during heavy rainfall while helping air to enter the system, reducing vacuum lock and water backflow.
Rainheads are usually installed externally on the building, positioned just below the gutter outlet, and are especially effective when paired with box gutters.
Why Are Rainheads Important?
In Australian conditions, sudden, intense rainfall is not uncommon. Without a rainhead in place, water can build up in the gutters faster than the downpipe can handle, leading to overflow, gutter sagging, or even internal leaks.
Properly designed rainheads offer several key benefits:
- Prevents water ingress into roofs, ceilings and walls
- Reduces pressure on gutter joints and downpipes
- Improves drainage performance by allowing better air displacement
- Supports compliance with plumbing and building codes
- Visually enhances commercial and architectural facades
Many modern rainheads also feature overflow slots or spouts to divert excess water safely away from walls and entry points.
Custom Rainheads: Built for Performance and Style
Standard rainheads may not be suitable for all buildings—particularly those with unique architectural designs, parapets, or unusual drainage configurations.
That’s where custom fabricated rainheads shine. At PPC Flashings, we offer made-to-order rainheads in a wide range of shapes, sizes and materials to suit your roof pitch, gutter profile and aesthetic requirements.
Popular materials include:
- COLORBOND® steel – Durable, colour-matched and rust-resistant
- ZINCALUME® steel – Galvanised and great for industrial sites
- Copper – Ideal for heritage and high-end architectural builds
- Aluminium – Lightweight and corrosion-resistant
All of our rainheads are fabricated to meet AS/NZS building standards and come ready to install.
Match Your Rainheads with COLORBOND® steel Gutters and Flashings
If your project includes COLORBOND® steel gutters or COLORBOND® steel flashings, matching COLORBOND® steel railheads ensure a seamless and professional finish.
Choose from over 20 colours in the COLORBOND® steel range to coordinate with your fascia, cladding or roof. PPC Flashings offers guidance on colour selection and integration with your full drainage system.
Don’t Let Rain Be a Risk
Rainheads aren’t just an add-on—they’re a crucial safety feature for your roof. Choosing the right rainhead (and ensuring it’s correctly fabricated and installed) can prevent serious water damage, improve flow efficiency, and protect the building for years to come.
Get in touch with PPC Flashings to order a custom rainhead or speak to one of our team for help specifying the right solution for your next project.
The information contained in this news post is provided by way of general information only and has not been prepared with your specific needs in mind. Before application in a particular situation, we recommend that you obtain expert advice confirming the suitability of the services and/or products and information in question for the application proposed.