How Large Gutters and Downspouts Protect Your Property

In our restoration work, one unexpectedly contentious topic is the matter of gutters and downspouts. Often, customers want to minimize the size and visibility of gutters, which is understandable on the surface. However, this approach often risks their buildings and other projects by putting inadequate drainage around their roofs.

Larger gutters are often called for, particularly on roofs with complicated topography, which can create unusual water flows. Further, when properly installed and painted, larger gutters and downspouts are rarely more noticeable than smaller implementations.

Every building with a roof needs gutters and downspouts to deal with rain, snow, and other runoff. It only makes sense to install systems that will do the job properly, even if the gutters are larger than "standard" 5-inch systems.

Large Gutters Reduce Water Damage

The primary purpose of gutters is to ensure that all water on a roof flows off it smoothly but also in a controlled fashion so it can be routed properly through downspouts and away from the building. 

When the gutters are too small, they can easily become overloaded, causing water to spill out all over the place - potentially onto vulnerable walls and other surfaces you want to keep water away from. Small gutters are also more easily clogged, which can lead to standing water on the roof. This will quickly eat away at roofs and potentially lead to leaks.

Larger Gutters Can Handle Complicated Roof Topography

Your typical arched home roof provides very predictable water flow since most of it simply slides right down the sides - but what about buildings with multiple towers, steeples, arches, and other complicated elements? This can cause uneven water runoff or small "rivers" is formed as the water flows together. 

Larger gutters can be implemented to specifically catch these unusual water flows before they cause other issues for the building.

Success Is in The Implementation

The more valuable the building, the more critical it is that gutters be properly installed. Hiring experts to understand the water flow and implement appropriate gutters and downspouts will bring the best results because they know the following:

• Proper spacing for gutter hangers. The gutter hangers must be spaced to account for how much weight the gutters will hold at maximum load. If there are too few hangers, the gutters can sag or even break under the weight of the water.
• Proper gutter pitch. Gutters must keep the water flowing towards the ground, directing it towards the downspouts. However, the speed of the water must also be controlled, making gutter pitch a critical calculation.
• Minimizing seams. Many gutters are custom-made to reduce the number of seams. Seams are the weak point in gutters, and the fewer, the better.

Heather & Little are experts in architectural restoration and preservation. Our combination of artistic vision and engineering expertise has allowed us to protect historical buildings worldwide. Please take a look at our work, and contact us for a consultation on your project.