Gutters and downspouts are not necessarily what jumps to mind when property owners consider whether their historic structure needs restoration work. But even though gutters and downspouts might not be as glamorous as a full copper, slate, or clay tile roof restoration, they're just as critical in not only preserving a historic property’s roof system, but also protecting the entire structure itself.
Here, we’ll look at the benefits gutters and downspouts provide in helping to protect your historic commercial or residential property, and we’ll also discuss the importance these components play in ensuring your historic structure thrives for generations to come.
Gutters and downspouts help protect a property’s foundation
You can’t maintain a solid historic property if you don’t have a solid foundation. The main function of gutters is to help ensure that rainwater flows off of the roof into downspouts, which then redirect the water away from the foundation of your property and prevent that water from flooding your foundation.
Without said drainage and redirection, excess water can seep into and permeate your foundation, which has the potential to weaken the structural integrity of your historic property — and foundation repairs can be a serious headache for any historic property owner.
Gutters and downspouts help protect a property’s eave, soffit, siding, and windows
Just as gutters and downspouts protect a foundation, they also protect the eave, soffit, and siding surfaces. Without gutters and downspouts for rainwater to collect, redirect, and drain, it can drip on, saturate, accumulate and/or freeze on the eave, fascia, and soffit areas. Allowing moisture to infiltrate and collect at the top of windows, at siding & masonry connections and flashings can lead to eventual rot, decay, and interior damage.
Not only do you risk having to repair a historical roof, but you also run the risk of a premature and costly replacement. A regular inspection of your gutters and downspouts can help identify repair needs before small issues develop into big problems down the road.
Gutters and downspouts help prevent interior and exterior damage
Foundations and roofs aren’t the only exterior elements at risk of damage due to a lack of gutters and downspouts, as water damage can also cause cracks to the exterior of your property, which in turn allows for more moisture to build up inside your walls. Historic carpentry and masonry can also be impacted by poor performing gutters and downspouts, and this can result in more than an unsightly appearance — such damage can pose a significant risk to the structural integrity of your historic property.
Gutters and downspouts help combat the potential for this kind of moisture accumulation, which is why it’s important to assess gutters and downspouts after any kind of severe weather event to determine whether these components have sustainable damage.
We recently restored gutters and downspouts on a residential home in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, after the home sustained damage during a hail storm. This work was key in ensuring the longevity of the property’s roof and exterior for decades to come.
Exterior damage also has consequences on the interior of a property as well. Walls and doors are often sensitive to moisture — especially historic properties with wood framing, which are more susceptible to rotting. Gutters and downspouts guide that water away from the foundation, reducing the risk of a flooded basement and costly repairs.
Gutters and downspouts can help protect the landscaping of your historic property
Part of the charm of historic properties lies in the complete package, and that includes the landscaping around your property, such as plants, flowers, and outdoor entertainment and gathering spaces. Without gutters and downspouts providing an effective redirection of rain or excess water, that water can wash away soil and nutrients, damage grass, plants, and flowers, and contribute to a muddy (and unattractive) outdoor space.
Plus, large areas of pooling from poor drainage can, over time, increase the likelihood of flooding and damage to the foundation of your historic property.
The benefits of investing in the assessment and restoration of gutters and downspouts manifest in a more structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing property. By proactively ensuring that water has a way to drain and redirect away from your property, you can prevent costly repair issues from your foundation up to your roof — protecting and preserving the historic value of your structure for many years to come.
At Renaissance Historic Exteriors, we have the experience and craftsmanship to diagnose and repair or restore gutters and downspouts using the highest quality materials and techniques. Our team of restoration experts provide a comprehensive evaluation of your property, and, if additional work is needed, to chart a course for completion where you’re a true partner every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection of your historic structure.
