How To Build A Box Gutter

A slate tile roof connecting to the box gutter and then to the copper spouts.

How to build a box gutter.

Built in gutters also referred to as box gutters are considered a concealed roof drainage system. Since they are not readily visible they typically don t alter the historic character of buildings and don t detract from or conceal decorative cornice details. K style gutters for houses built after 1950. Hang the new gutter next to the old one and then slide the patch under the seam.

The bottom edge of the lookout should rest on the top of the wall extending passed the outside face of the. The issue today is the copper would disappear not counting the cost to reinstall. Low and behold the box gutter is rotted out. The old box gutters worked great in the day.

When you buy your new gutter section make sure you order either an inside or outside box miter at the same time. The wooden structure should slope to the outlet hole which should be positioned at the lowest point of the gutter. The foundation of most box gutters is wood that is then covered with thin sheet metal such as tin copper lead stainless steel or some other metal that will not readily corrode. There is more information on this later.

Box gutter can be repaired several different ways patch and cover with the holes with metal then line inside with rubber you can also make a new cap to go over the top too keep the look. The shape of the box gutter is created by a skilled carpenter as the shape and slope of the gutter is completely controlled by this craftsman. Cut mini notched rafters called lookouts from the 2 by 6 inch roofing lumber stock. In many cases however a built in or box gutter may be what your house originally had and what it should have now.

Nail each lookout to a rafter. The k style gutter is an adaptation from a design based on the classical orders of design. The esthetics of the box gutter hid the gutter from sight which was important during that time. Section from the box miter with a tin snips and you ve got yourself a custom slip joint.

How to make wood gutters.