I’ve been told that our new house has internal gutters. I’ve seen pictures where that seems to mean you have a valley in your roof at some spot and there’s a gutter there. But that’s not the case with our house – it’s a very straightforward hip roof.
I think in our case, it means that the gutters are hidden behind the fascia board and then the downspouts come down through the eaves – is this likely?
I know it’s possible to climb up and look but I’m an acrophobe – I don’t do ladders terribly well.
I’d appreciate any information I can get on this configuration.
Thanks
Replies
Margareto:
You probably have a version of box or cornice gutters where the gutter trough is lined with metal and is built into your roofline rather than typical gutters that are mounted on the outside fascia board of modern construction. In some earlier homes the cornice style gutter downspout was placed inside the roof overhang and routed down thru your exterior wall cavity and connected to the sanitary drain system. If this is what you have make sure that it is in good condition because you will sustain structural damage from leaks. I am guessing that your house was built before 1900.
Stan
Actually, the house was built in 1961. I can see the downspouts (one of which needs repair, which is how the topic came up) and they go through the eaves, but not down through the walls.
Thank you!
Margaret
Edited 12/7/2003 11:03:33 AM ET by margareto
Margareto:
I am surprised that cornice type gutters were used in a house this modern. Check to see what type of metal lining you have. If the gutters are lined with lead coated copper or copper then you are home free as far as maintenance. If your gutters are lined with tin, then they will need to be painted with an oil base enamel every 4-5 years to prevent rust. Use the same paint that is used on tin roofs. I had my gutters relined with copper about 10 years ago (the tin linings had not been properly maintained over the years). If and when your linings need replacement the preferred materials (in terms of longevity) are: (1) Lead coated copper, (2) 16oz copper, (3) stainless steel, (4) tin or terne, or (5) rubber membrane such as Firestone. Aluminum or peel & stick products do not work nor do linings made with asphalt roll roofing.
Stan