- Clean out the garage (before you go out and repurchase things you already own)
- Wash the windows (nothing lets in more sunlight than clean shiny windows)
- Wash the patio furniture (setting it back outside again will put a smile on your face)
- Hose off the front porch (playing with water is always a fun thing)
- Clean out the flowerbeds (get ready for the flowers before you bring them home)
- Clean out the gutters (make sure they are in good repair and ready for spring rains)
- They discharge water away from the home’s foundation walls. Without proper drainage, the home’s foundation will be exposed to all the water runoff from the roof. Nobody wants a wet basement.
- On homes that have a wide roof overhang, many people feel that gutters are not necessary because the roof water runoff is away from the foundation. However, when it rains it creates a waterfall effect along the roofline. Nobody wants a waterfall on their porch when leaving or entering their house during rainy weather.
- Without gutters your foundation plantings take a beating. The waterfall effect will erode the soil and create a muddy mess.
- 1066: English towns and churches are being rebuilt after the Norman invasion. Gutters on churches are constructed with gargoyles.
- 1240: The Tower of London has a downpipe erected to protect the whitewashed walls.
- Middle Ages: Drainage disputes become one of the most frequent cases heard by authorities.
- 1539: The start of the appearance of rainwater goods on grand houses. Cisterns and hopper heads are crafted from lead.
- 1709: Cast iron replaces lead for rainwater goods.
- 1939 – 1945: Plastic replaces cast iron for gutters and downspouts.
- 1960’s: A seamless gutter machine is invented and aluminum is now used for gutters.
We frequently get calls from contractors and homeowners concerned about where the downspouts should go. Most have experienced a problem with drainage. Alloy Gutter Company will be happy to meet with you to discuss your best options for downspout placement.
Keep in mind that the primary function of a downspout is to discharge water away from a home’s foundation. Also, it is best to avoid discharging water on to a driveway or sidewalk. Nobody wants an ice rink on the concrete during the winter months.
Because every property is unique, Alloy Gutter Company will advise you of what will work best for your home. Of course, the final choice is always up to you. Give Alloy a call and let a company with over thirty five years of experience help you to make the best choice.
I’m always amazed by all the artsy/creative people out in the blogosphere. They never seem to run out of great ideas. They take the most unlikely objects and turn them into useful things for the home. Recently I went on Pinterest and searched “gutters;” I found gutter projects that are both doable and usable.
Many versions of outdoor planters are shown. Most of these gutter planters are attached to fences or hanging from chains. Herbs seem to be the most widely used plants. Typically, gutters hold rainwater but these now have drainage holes for the plants.
Another idea is to use gutters indoors as bookshelves. The photos often show them in children’s rooms. They can be cut to any length to create custom shelving units.
Can you think of any new uses for gutters? Here at Alloy Gutter Company we are sticking with what we do best; protecting your home’s exterior from moisture damage. However, you if come up with a crafty gutter idea, let us know and Alloy would be happy to share it on this blog!