Narrow channel 6 cm Corten steel grid - SLIMLINE - ACO

Narrow 6 cm drainage channel with Corten steel grate - SLIMLINE - ACO

The ACO Slimline is a drainage solution composed of plastic channel elements with a designer corten steel grate.
It is used around the house where there is no car traffic.

The first thing to do is determine where the water needs to be drained. The possibilities are the sewer, the infiltration system, green space (this is better), a ditch, etc.
The Slimline has options for a 50mm diameter side outlet or an 80mm diameter bottom outlet .

The application of the ACO infiltration system can have the advantage of requiring only limited piping. Furthermore, in this way, rainwater is diverted and infiltrated directly into the ground. The soil's moisture balance will also be improved.

Benefits :

• A discreet and elegant drainage solution for the terrace.
• Lightweight gutter element made of synthetic material.
• Easy to install.
• Grille easily removable.
• Only 6 cm wide on the outside.
• Resistance class A 15 (pedestrian only).

Dimensions:

Gutter:

• Length: 1 m
• Inner width: 4.6 cm
• External width: 6 cm
• Height: 10 cm

Corner element:

• Length: 15.9 cm
• Inner width: 4.6 cm
• External width: 6 cm
• Height: 10 cm

Grid :

• Aluminium .
• Black aluminum .
• Corten steel.

Accessories available separately, see this page.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about the ACO Slimline Corten Steel Drain

1. Is this gutter passable (can a car be driven over it)?

No. The ACO Slimline model is classified A15 . It is designed to support the weight of pedestrians and cyclists only. For a driveway or vehicle access, you should choose the ACO Euroline or Hexaline range.

Expert note: Although classified as A15, this model is sometimes used in front of a garage due to its geometry. Experience shows that by placing it against the threshold and slightly below it (2 to 3 cm), the vehicle's wheel "steps over" the grate without touching it , due to the curvature of the tire and the narrow width of the gutter (6 cm).

2. Can this drainage channel be installed around a swimming pool?

Yes, for the style. The polypropylene body is perfectly resistant to chlorine and salt. The Corten steel grill will add a very aesthetic touch.

Note, however: During the Corten steel maturation phase (the first few months), rusty water may seep out. Avoid walking barefoot on it to prevent staining your towels or light-colored pool coping during this period.

3. How to connect the water drain (what diameter)?

The channel offers several options. You can use a 50 mm diameter side outlet (by drilling through the cover on the side) or an 80 mm diameter bottom outlet (by drilling through the bottom). Specific eccentric fittings are available to adapt these outlets to your standard PVC pipes. See SLIMLINE accessories.

4. Is it easy to cut the gutter?

Yes. The black plastic body can be cut with a simple handsaw. For the Corten steel grille, the use of an angle grinder with a metal cutting disc is recommended for a clean cut, as steel is harder than aluminum.

5. Are the end caps included?

No, the accessories are sold separately. You will need a set of end caps to close the ends of your drainage channel line and ensure the system is watertight. See SLIMLINE accessories

6. Does the gutter have a built-in slope?

No, the base of the ACO SLIMLINE drainage channel is flat (constant depth of 10 cm). It is the installation of your terrace or concrete base that must have a slight slope (generally 1 cm per meter).

Expert note: Even when laid perfectly flat, the drainage system works. Due to the physical principle of hydraulic pressure (communicating vessels), the accumulation of water in the channel naturally pushes the flow towards the outlet (the drain), which is the lowest point. Therefore, the water does not stagnate; it is drawn away by the drain.

7. How do I clean the inside of the drainage channel once it has been installed?

Maintenance is simple: the Corten steel grid is removable . A small lifting hook (sold separately) allows you to remove the grid without damaging it, making it easy to rinse with water or remove dead leaves.

8. What is the difference between the inside and outside width?

This is an important point for installation: the total visible (exterior) width is 6 cm . However, the usable interior width (the channel where the water flows) is 4.6 cm . This is what makes this model so discreet.

9. How do you make a 90-degree angle?

Although it is possible to cut the drainage channels, we strongly recommend using prefabricated ACO Slimline Corten corner elements . They ensure a perfect aesthetic finish (visual continuity) and guaranteed watertightness.

10. Can it be placed against a bay window or a door threshold?

Yes, that's its ideal use. Thanks to its narrow width (6 cm), it fits perfectly along thresholds. It protects your woodwork from rain splashes.

11. How do you join two drainage channels together?

The ACO Slimline system features push-fit connectors. The components simply align and clip onto the fitting. For a perfect seal, you can add a bead of neutral silicone sealant or PVC glue to the joint. See SLIMLINE accessories.

12. Will the grill rust? (Important)

YES, and that's normal! It's Corten steel (weathering steel). Upon arrival, the grille may be gray (raw steel appearance) or slightly oxidized. With alternating rain and sun, it will naturally oxidize to its final orange/brown color. This layer of rust forms a protective layer that prevents deeper corrosion.

13. Is there a risk of stains on my terrace (Blue Stone / Marble)?

Yes, during the maturation phase. During the first few months, the oxidation of the Corten steel can cause rusty water stains.