Box Gutters
Box Gutters are typically found on older, historical homes in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Unlike aluminum gutters, they are part of the roof structure. Box gutters consist of wood framing with a sheet metal lining, usually copper or terne metal (tin coated steel). The sheet metal creates a trough for the water to flow to the downspout. Since box gutters are usually over one foot wide, they rarely clog or overflow. Copper box gutter linings are more durable that terne metal and require very little maintenance. Terne metal linings require paining about every five years and should be cleared of debris to prevent rust and corrosion.
Best Practices for Replacing or Relining Box Gutters
- Be careful of quick or cheap fixes or coatings. Most box gutters that are leaking will require wood replacement. Applying tar, caulk, or rubber over a leaking box gutter is not a good long term solution and is usually a waste of money.
- Do not install a new metal liner over an existing one. It is always best to remove the box gutter lining and replace any damaged wood beneath the copper or terne metal. Condensation problems usually occur when two metal linings exist within one system.
- Roof systems with box gutters usually create ideal situations for ice dams, especially in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. These conditions include poor insulation and ventilation combined with a significant overhang at the eaves. An ice an water membrane should always be installed on roofs that have box gutters.
- Always use stainless steel outlet tubes. Galvanized outlet tubes are impossible to maintain (since they are too small to paint) after they are installed. Stainless steel tubes are slightly more expensive but maintenance free.
- Rosin paper should be installed over the wood and beneath the sheet metal instead of roofing felt.
- All box gutter seams, corners, and outlets should be riveted and then soldered. Caulk or roof cement should never be applied to new box gutters.
- Some homeowners choose to install terne metal linings instead of copper (due to cost). If terne metal is installed it must be painted with a direct to metal primer then with an exterior paint.
For more information about box gutter repair or replacement, please Email Us.
Deer Park Roofing has two full time box gutter crews with years of experience to ensure every installation is a success.
Copper Box Gutter Photos
