Gutter Basics for Old Homes and Buildings

With the intensity of rain events increasing, considering how gutters can protect your home or building from harmful water damage is as important as ever. The main function of these systems is to channel roof water from the eaves to the downspouts, where it is then delivered to the ground and diverted away from the building. The effectiveness of gutters is demonstrated by their global, ongoing use for thousands of years, including in historic American structures. While gutter systems do require some maintenance, for any building struggling with runoff issues, the benefits likely outweigh the hassle of keeping them clean and functioning. If you have observed water runoff negatively affecting your building or landscape, it may be beneficial to consider improving, replacing, or installing a gutter system.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. There are many types of gutter systems. The majority of gutters marketed today are made of aluminum, but historically, have been crafted from galvanized steel, copper, cast iron, and even wood. Gutters can be character-defining features for old buildings, so it is important to consider how installing or replacing gutters can impact the historic profile of your building. When installing new gutters on a historic building, be careful to choose a material and design appropriate for your building style. Additionally, understanding what type of gutters you have can also play a role in the appropriate maintenance required to keep them functioning properly.

  2. Proper sizing and placement of gutters is required to maximize efficiency. If installation is not performed by a professional, ensure that appropriate preparation, tools, and techniques are utilized during the process.

  3. Clean your gutters! Over time, leaves, sticks, and other debris tend to collect in gutters and create water dams. Occasionally, objects can become stuck within gutters, outlets, and downspouts. To counter this, all systems should be cleaned semi-annually, and if gutters are made of wood, maintained with a fresh coat of paint or sealer when necessary.

  4. Controlling water runoff does not end with gutters. Once water reaches ground-level, it should be diverted away from the building to prevent water infiltration and moisture damage. This can be accomplished through a variety of methods, including runouts, grading away from the building, or an underground drainage system.

  5. Learn the signs that your gutters need maintenance. If possible, observe the systems during a rain event and watch for spillover, pooling, pitch issues, or leaks. Staining on the surface of the gutters can also identify where gutters are being overwhelmed.

Here are some helpful resources for choosing, installing, and maintaining gutters:

https://www.historicnewengland.org/preservation/for-professionals-students/property-care-white-papers/gutters-and-downspouts/ (Historic New England – gutter overview, projects, and maintenance)

https://thecraftsmanblog.com/what-types-of-gutters-fit-historic-homes/ (The Craftsman Blog – for help identifying historic gutters)

Thanks to our intern Lucas Newton for his work on this piece.

Rebecca Howland