Try One of These Alternatives If You Hate Your Home’s Gutters
Gutters do an important job – they protect the foundation and structure of your home from water falling from the roof. But anyone who’s ever owned a home also knows that traditional gutters have their downsides: they can get clogged with leaves, and ice jams can form in colder weather. They can also crack and sag, allowing water to damage your home’s structure. If you are looking for an alternative, there are several good ones.
Chains from the rain
Rain chains are a practical alternative to gutters and have been popular in Japan for centuries. This method draws water off the roof in a chain, sometimes with a series of bells or cups. The extra resistance slows down the movement of water on its way to the ground, preventing splashing and erosion, and also makes a waterfall sound. Rain chains can also be strategically placed to collect water in a rain barrel, container, or even in a garden bed, making them a great, sustainable alternative to gutters that can even cut your water bill a little.
However, they are heavy, and if you have a large roof, you will need a lot of them to successfully control all the water.
grade
A cheap and practical solution for areas with lower rainfall is planning. This process involves shaping the earth around your home so that water can run off the foundation. You can use rocks or soil to get the slope right, but it needs to be at an angle of 1 inch by 1 foot so that the water can run off freely. This is a project that you can do yourself in a relatively short time; however, leveling is not possible if you live on a hillside or too close to the water table, as this will not be enough to keep your foundation dry.
French drains
Another alternative to conventional gutters is the French drainage system. Instead of a gutter at the edge of a roof, a French downspout does the same on the ground. It consists of a trench that slopes away from the house at a rate of at least 1 inch for every 8 feet, perforated pipe, and some gravel to cover it. This method will only keep the foundation dry if it’s installed correctly, so you’ll probably need to hire a professional to ensure adequate drainage. Installation can be expensive, but once installed, a French downspout requires very little maintenance.
Rain dissipation system
A rain dispersion system is a way to break up rainwater into small streams or even droplets. Instead of catching water, he diverts it away from the house. Sometimes referred to as a gutterless gutter system, it works well if the water path is planned, but can sometimes cause puddles and moisture to build up on your foundation if it isn’t. Some types of roofs are not suitable for dissipating rain, but if you have a sloped roof and sufficient slope, it will draw water away from the house and prevent soil erosion from cascading water.