Menu path
Set-Up > More... > Downpipes
What it does
This command lets you define downpipes and their accessories for roofing projects. In some markets, downpipes may also be referred to as downspouts – the process for defining and using them is the same.
🧾 Downpipe Setup Dialog
When you select this command, the Set-Up > Downpipes dialog box is displayed.
Field | Description |
Supplier | The supplier of this downpipe |
Finish | The finish of this downpipe |
Description | The style of this downpipe as either Round or Rectangular as required to identify it |
Thickness | The thickness or gauge of the material of this downpipe |
Length | You can specify 2 standard lengths for the downpipe pieces as well as the product codes and costs for each length |
Estimation method | You can set the take-off as "per spout" or "add total spout length" in order to calculate the number of lengths required |
🧾 Accessories Configuration
You can specify the product code and cost for all accessory items such as the pop (or dropper), straps, offset, shoe and elbow associated with this downpipe. For the strap, you can specify the spacing between straps so that the number of straps can be estimated.
Depending on what you want to supply, you can report or not report any of the accessories – item cost and for straps, the frequency or spacing along the downpipe.
The product code of the accessory is used for ordering, but it is also the key that links the accessory item to a downpipe item in the system.
The important thing to get correct here is the 'estimation method'. The correct association between the accessory and the tile is how the software gets your material orders perfect every time.
🔧 Estimation Methods for Accessories
Method | Description |
Spaced Along DP | Adds the accessory item at the distance interval set under Number or Distance (for example, DP straps) |
Per DP | Adds an accessory item per downpipe, for example, a dropper or pop |
Per DP (Offset) | Allows you to add an offset from the wall to the eave, and you will be prompted to subtract from DP length (if required) when used |
Optional (included) | Adds the item automatically for each DP instance, but may be removed |
Optional (excluded) | Provides for it in the list but must be selected by the operator when used |
Per Join | Adds the item at a DP joint |
🔧 Dialog Controls
Button | Function |
Add | Allows you to add a new downpipe |
Delete | Allows you to delete the selected downpipe |
Select | Allows you to select an existing downpipe |
Update | Allows you to update a selected downpipe |
OK | Closes the dialog and saves the changes you have made |
Cancel | Closes the dialog without saving the changes you have made |
💾 Data Storage
The information is saved to the file downpipes_v6.csv and DPaccess.csv in the ..\User folder.
Material data files such as this are best edited from within AppliCad software via the appropriate dialog box, however as they are in a comma separated text file format (CSV) they may also be edited in a spreadsheet program.
🛠 Setting Up Outlets Only (Advanced Configuration)
In some markets, the roofer doesn't install the downpipes, but they do install the outlets for them when they install the fascia and gutter. Outlets also go by the name of pops, spigots, nozzles etc, so take this into account in this explanation.
Since the roofer doesn't need to bother with downpipes in this scenario, they only need the outlet. There is a definition trick we can apply to allow the outlet to be quantified without the downpipe. For some contractors, this might effectively duplicate the number of items defined – outlets by themselves and downpipes with outlets.
How to set up outlet-only configuration:
Go to Setup > More > Downpipes.
Define a downpipe that is actually an outlet. For example:
Note that the description is for an outlet [1] so you can select the correct item, and there is no product code or other definition for the actual downpipe [2], since we don't actually want a downpipe.Select Add since this is a new item in your list.
Next select the Accessories button to add an accessory to this false "downpipe", giving it the required description, product code and cost etc and the estimation method of 'Per DP'.
Select Update and then select OK (to save the new definition).
Result:
When you apply the "downpipe", which is actually an outlet, you get the dot indicating the required location on the roof plan report for your installers:
AND you get the outlet in your parts list. Note that the line item category is a downpipe accessory:
