Maintaining a historical home means taking great care in maintaining the exterior. For many, that means getting regular gutter repair to keep older fixtures in top shape. If you're considering installing a new drainage system, learn which options best suit the home’s style. Here are the top varieties found in historical homes and how to take care of them.

Gutters on Historical Homes 101

Box Gutters

Box gutters offer a unique look thanks to their wide design. These systems attach underneath the roof and feature an outlet hole for the drain pipe connection. They are often made with wood framing and sheet metal like copper, stainless, or galvanized steel.

Unfortunately, box gutters may leak as the sheet metal corrodes and soldered areas rust, leaving tiny cracks where water can run down exterior walls. Rotting wood can also necessitate gutter repair as the pipes can pull away from the structure under the weight. Keep these systems free of debris to promote drainage and limit the potential for standing water, which can lead to corrosion. 

Hanging Metal Gutters

There are several other options to consider for your home. For example, half-round gutters are installed directly on the edge of the roof and may have curled outer edges for decoration. They can come sectioned or seamless and are available in many materials, including zinc-coated metal, copper, and aluminum. These are heavier than traditional gutters because of their unique shape. They also require special installation that uses threaded rods and hanging brackets. Half-round gutters are often found on Mid-Century Modern homes with European architectural influence.

K-style gutters are shaped like a “K” when viewed from the side. They come in a wide variety of materials, from copper and aluminum to Galvalume® and steel. The style grew in popularity in the 1960s as metal fabrication technology improved. Today, they are the most popular type of drainage system because they are inexpensive and seamless, preventing soldering problems and encouraging debris and water to flow through the pipes.

Gutter Repairs & Maintenance

Regular maintenance includes removing seasonal debris by hand or with water so precipitation can continue flowing through the drainpipes. Inspect gutters every season to address the need for repairs and prevent costly water damage.

Homeowners interested in gutter repairs or installing historically accurate gutters should contact Walter St. Clair Roofing in Hamilton County, OH. The company was founded in 1923 and offers roof replacements, repairs, and gutter services. Call the Cincinnati-area company at (513) 641-3265 to learn about their five-year workmanship warranty and lifetime roofing guarantees. Visit their website for information on their services.