Wood gutters are an architectural delight that combine charm and functionality. Despite losing its popularity to more cost-efficient materials on the market, this material still has much to offer that others can’t replicate. Get to know more about it below:
What is a wood gutter?
Wood gutters used to be the norm a hundred years past, though with the advent of cheaper, mass-produced materials that are more weather resistant, this home gutter material has mostly dropped out of favor. Wood rain gutters made of cedar, redwood, and fir are still available however, and are most often used in renovations of older, historic houses, where staying true to the original building materials takes precedence over longevity. Be prepared to spend a bundle as well if you choose this classic house gutter material. Source: HomeAdvisor
What are its different types?
Gutters can be made using any kind of water-resistant wood, but redwoods and cedar are usually best. Check out our guide below to see the pros and cons of different wood species to help make your gutter choice easier:
– Pine Gutters: Pine Gutters are a good option if you are looking for something inexpensive and with more rustic charm. Unfortunately however, these gutters are structurally weak, can crack easily, and need more maintenance than other types.
– Cypress Gutters: Cypress gutters have many advantages–they are water repellent, strong, and inexpensive. One downside is that this material may be difficult to find.
– Fir Gutters: These gutters are ultra-strong and can be painted or stained, but they are somewhat bland and lack the curb appeal of varieties with a more pronounced grain.
– Cedar Gutters: Cedar is an excellent option for gutters because it repels insects, resists rot, contains natural oils, and needs little maintenance. You should bear in mind, though, that its cost is higher and it changes color as it ages. Source: Fixr
How to maintain wood gutters?
The largest part of maintaining gutters is keeping them clean. Wooden gutters need to be cleaned out thoroughly, removing all debris that may have collected at least once a year. Cleaning wooden gutters every 6 months is an even better idea.
These days you can retrofit the inside of wooden gutters with a metal liner. This will help preserve the wood gutters far longer than they would last on their own. The metal liners are fairly inexpensive to buy, but can be pretty difficult to put into the wood. Should you decide to retrofit your existing wooden gutters with metal ones it will cut down considerably on the amount of oiling required. You will still need to paint the exterior of your gutters regularly and keep them clean. Source: DoItYourself
Are you looking to install new gutters on your home? We can help! Call us for a free estimate.
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
