Box gutters or built-in gutters are common on older homes. This antiquated method of rain management can be architecturally sensible, allowing for intricate eave details without a hanging gutter obstructing the view. Unfortunately they can also be a bit of an expenditure. Box gutters require frequent cleaning and maintenance, usually needing new paint every 5 years. If not maintained properly, the results can be disastrous.
This is because this type of gutter is a giant metal trough sitting above the outside wall of your home that collects all of the water running off the roof. If any of the seams in the metal are coming apart, or if deterioration in the metal has caused any holes to form, the water has no place to go, and it will damage the surrounding wood structural and trim components on the outside, and in some cases it will get into the house and cause damage to the ceilings and walls.
Solution
Where feasible, we always recommend that the box gutters be eliminated and the home be converted to a hanging gutter system. Other than keeping them clear of debris, hanging gutters require no maintenance. And if the gutters do become clogged, they rarely ever will result in water getting into the house. Always Perfect Contracting has made this conversion on countless homes in the greater Pittsburgh area.
When the box gutters are an essential part of the homes architecture and removal is out of the question we can still help. If the existing sheet metal is in good enough condition, it can be covered with a waterproof membrane.
We do NOT do installation of new box gutter systems.
We probably won't be the cheapest quote you get, but we are specialists and you will be getting the best job possible.
A leaking box gutter can cause structural damage, as well as damage to adjacent masonry and even interior walls.
A typical box gutter. Without proper maintenance holes can develop and allow water into the structure of the home.
Hiring the right contractor to handle your box gutter elimination is essential. Improper technique can cause severe problems.
Loose soffit and fascia cladding, sagging soffit boards and water stains are all signs of a failing box gutter.
The roof failed prematurely, several attempts were made to repair the work by the original contractor but nothing could be done to permanently fix the issue without starting from scratch.
The previous contractor tried to cut corners by simply covering over the box gutters without actually removing them and adjusting the soffit overhang as needed to make the roof line continuous.
After
Before
