Why Wood Gutters Won't Work Anymore

By Hallett Gutter Cover
on April 22, 2021
Categories: Hallett Gutter Cover

Gutters are almost as old as history itself. The early use of gutters date back as early as 47 AD by the Romans. Notice those gargoyles on top of old churches or castles? They acted like downspouts, redirecting rainwater. The use of wooden gutters came after, commonly seen on old houses. It has been like that since then until new types of gutters were introduced. It wasn't long until metal and plastic have been used as the preferred varieties for gutters.

Practicality

Wooden gutters add a classic touch to a house. It's a good add-on to the vintage facade of older houses. Though rarely seen today, homeowners are still on the lookout for them. Wood gutters are still a popular choice for homes with historical value and renovations. However, it's recommended that people need to be practical – wooden gutters won't work anymore.

Installation

Installation is more difficult with wooden gutters. They are heavier and installing them is best left to the professionals. They also have more chances of getting loose because of the weight.

Durability

It is expected that gutters must withstand nature. Wooden gutters are more vulnerable to rot and they have bigger chances of sagging or falling. Reapplying paint and primer is regularly needed once a year to slow down the rotting process.

Cleaning

Compared to metal and vinyl gutters, wood has a rough texture. This slows down water flow causing the need for them to be checked more often than usual.

Maintenance

If the other gutter varieties require regular maintenance, wooden gutters require more than the usual. Other types can possibly last years before the need to clean or repair – wood needs to be regularly checked as often as possible.

Wooden gutters are usually best left to older houses to preserve the vintage look. They are still in use but extensive maintenance is required. In terms of being practical, it's better to look for other varieties especially if you're looking for durability and ease of maintenance. There's no stopping you from choosing them though - just be prepared for more maintenance periods ahead.

Do wood gutters still work for you or the modern types do the trick? Join the discussion and go to Hallett Gutter Cover's Facebook page.