Welcome to Family Roofing

First appearing on homes, churches and public buildings as early as the eighteenth century, built-in gutters were integrated into the roof line often behind an architectural feature such as a cornice.  Today hidden gutters are used on modern and contemporary buildings for both esthetic and functional reasons.

Traditionally, they were made from mostly wood.  Hidden gutters or built-in gutters installed for contemporary homes and commercial buildings are typically constructed from wood (as an “extension” of the roof) and a lining of some kind.  A lining made of metal like copper or stainless can last anywhere from 50 to 75 plus years.  Alternative lining materials such as rubber (wears out quickly) or aluminum (can’t be soldered and is prone to leaking) might be cheaper. but are ultimately not as cost-effective.

Hidden gutters are esthetically very attractive. They do the job they were created for – collecting and channeling rainwater from the roof and away from the foundation – without detracting from the building’s exterior. Especially regarding residential applications, built-in gutters give a home an “uncluttered” appearance, since they are not fastened to the edge of the roof or the side of the house.

In addition to the esthetic appeal of built-in gutters, well-maintained hidden gutters can last for many years and require a minimum amount of attention.  Although they are designed to be out of sight, it doesn’t mean they are inaccessible.  Hidden gutters can be readily maintained and repaired from the roof and/or a ladder.  Properly installed built-in gutters can provide a homeowner with many years of trouble-free use.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

The most common sign of water penetration is peeling paint and decay in the wood soffit under the gutter.  Other signs are dark stains and mildew or deterioration of masonry.  Water infiltration may be visible in attic spaces or areas beneath the gutters where plaster and other interior finishes evidence water damage.  The sooner a leak or area vulnerable to failure is addressed, the smaller the scope and cost of repairs.  Cleaning out leaves and debris from gutters as often as necessary is essential for durability and proper performance.

Careful inspection by a competent roofer is critical to the longevity and success of the system.  They will look for defects, such as localized damage caused by fallen limbs or other debris, cracks from expansion and contraction at joints or folds, or pinholes from corrosion.  Roofing tar and other bituminous compounds should never be used to patch, repair or coat gutter linings.  It makes the condition of the gutter indeterminable, corrodes metal linings, will crack and fail quickly, and cannot be removed without destroying the lining.  Ice damming is not uncommon in the winter but should not be removed with sharp tools for obvious reasons.

If your home uses a built-in gutter, our best advice is to have a professional clean and inspect them for performance, before expensive wood repairs are needed. Drips can be obvious, however dark areas of wood at the fascia boards and staining or discolouration of the soffits are telltale signs of water ingress.  Keep in mind that weather and temperature play a part when repairs can be undertaken, so don’t leave a problem to grow through the next winter.