Last Updated on December 16, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
If you are looking to renovate your home, particularly your gutters, getting box gutters is one of the best choices in the market.
But not all people know about box gutters and how as part of full gutter solution, custom-made box guttering are available that suit any style home so it’s time to familiarise yourself with them so you can decide if it’s for you.
What are box gutters?
Box gutters are a type of gutter system. Just like its name implies, it is boxy in shape. The reason for this is that it is quite unique.
When it is installed into a home, the gutters box in your roof on all sides. Another unique feature of this type of gutter system is that it is concealed from the public. No one will ever know you actually have gutters installed!
The difference between eaves gutters and box gutters
In Australia, most homes make use of two types of gutters: eaves gutters and box gutters.
Eaves gutters are installed to the fascia boards. They run along the perimeter of the roof. Because it is visibly a separate part of your home, eaves gutters can be seen by anyone. The good thing about these gutters is that you can also observe if there’s anything wrong with the gutters or not.
Of course, the downside of having such a gutter system is that if it isn’t maintained properly, they can be unsightly as it can be easily seen by practically anyone.
Eaves gutters are still the number one go-to choice for Australians and closing in on number 2 are box gutters.
Box gutters have been rising in popularity in recent years as homeowners strive to modernised their homes and go for aesthetically pleasing styles, both in the interior and exterior.
How box gutters work
How box gutters work is not rocket science, and its purpose is the same as any other type of gutters.
Gutters work by channeling rainwater and other debris away from the roof. This is important in keeping the structural integrity of your home as water and debris can damage your roof and ceiling.
The gutters don’t just dump water anywhere – the pipes leading down to the ground are usually situated within the property that is well away from the house’s foundation. Water overflow in the wrong location can result in damages to the home’s foundation.
As you can see, it is important to hire professionals when installing gutters. Box gutters, when improperly installed, can also affect the overall look of your home. It may not look seamless.
Materials used in box gutters
Most gutters use stainless steel or galvanized steel. Both materials are affordable and can withstand the elements and the test of time.
The downside of using steel gutters is that it needs to be repainted every 10 years or so. Maintaining the paint quality is paramount so that rust can be kept at bay.
For easy maintenance, it is wiser to go for materials that don’t rust, such as copper, aluminum or vinyl. They may cost more, but the overall maintenance of it will be cheaper in the long run. Paint lasts longer on these materials too!
Should I get box gutters for my roof?
Convinced you want to box gutters? Look at its pros and cons:
PROS
- Seamless and concealed gutters on your home
- As it is bigger in size, they can take in more rainwater than usual.
- Box gutters tend to last longer because of its placement.
CONS
- They can be costly for some homeowners
- Box gutter replacement and repairs are also costly
- If the gutter overflows, there’s a high chance that the entire gutter is damaged.
