Roof gutters have a long history
AD 47: "The Romans bring drains to Britain. They understand the importance of water management and have a goodness of the sewers."
1066: The Norman invasion instigated a massive rebuilding of English towns and churches. Grand buildings have stone roofs and parapets, which lead to gutters and gargoyles to throw the water clear.
1240: Possibly, the first British down pipe was erected at the Tower of London to protect the newly whitewashed walls.
Middle Ages: Cramped conditions and vulnerable building materials make gutter disputes among the most frequent cases heard by local authorities. Anti-fire legislation encourages tiled roofs, which are easier to attach wood, lead or clay tile gutters to.
Facts about copper gutters
Slate and tile roofs also have a long architectural history, making the joining of roof and gutter systems inevitable. Another natural occurrence would be the emergence of noncorrosive materials such as copper to become the most logical choice when designing a roof drain system for a slate or tile roof. Early architects understood that slate and tile roofs would provide very long service lives and, therefore, needed a gutter system that also could provide very long service lives. Over time, copper emerged as that ideal material.
Early architects were well aware of the beauty that copper gutters could bring to a building. From the time they're installed to the time they reach their full patina, copper gutters stand alone for their superior appearance.
There are so many details involved when working with or installing copper gutters on slate and tile roofs. Only professionals trained in such details should attempt them.
Not all gutters or installers are the same. Gutters on slate and tile roofs have nothing in common with aluminum gutters installed on more traditional modern houses. Homeowners should take care to understand these differences before they consider removing their existing copper gutters.
Alternative gutter systems, such as aluminum, should be carefully scrutinized before they are authorized for installation. Many people make the mistake of removing their older existing copper gutters and installing new aluminum seamless gutters without consulting tradesmen versed in copper guttering.
Contact us before you remove copper gutters. Find out if these gutters can be repaired, and if not, what are your options. This information and consultation is free.
Can't use copper?
Aluminum
Copper is clearly the best; however, there are times when it just won't work. Cost, vandalism, and budgets all can play a role in the ultimate decisions. When you must use aluminum on a slate or tile roof, it needs to be modified to accommodate these types of roofs.
Give us a chance to show you our innovative methods for installing aluminum gutters on slate and tile roofs. Methods that we have designed and perfected over decades.
