Are you considering buying a house with built-in gutters but not sure if it is a good idea? Do you want more information on built-in gutters to help you decide if they’re worth keeping?
At RoofSmart, we have repaired and converted over 100 built-in gutters. Through this experience, we have learned about the pros and cons of built-in gutters and how much it costs to work on them.
Built-in gutters can easily cause a lot of damage to your roof, so it’s important to understand their advantages and disadvantages before deciding if you want them.
In this article, you’ll learn about the pros, cons, and costs of built-in gutters and how they compare to standard gutters. By the end, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether built-in gutters are right for you.
What are built-in gutters?
Built-in gutters (also known as California gutters, internal gutters, or hidden gutters) are gutters that sit along the outer edge of your roof. This means that instead of having shingles that go all the way down to the edge of the roof, there’s a strip of torch down or PVC that runs along the edge of the roof where the water will collect.
Here is an example:
Typically, the facia board that runs along the outer edge of the roof sticks up several inches instead of being flush with it. This acts as the outer wall of the gutter and prevents the water from spilling over the edge. A drain with a downspout underneath is installed near the edge of the roof for the water to drain out.
How much do built-in gutters cost?
With built-in gutters, you typically have 3 options:
- You’re installing them for the first time
- You already have them but want to reline them
- You want to convert them into a regular roof
These three choices all cost about $20 per foot. This may seem surprising, but all of them require roughly the same amount of labor and materials. The old material (either the shingles on your roof or the built-in gutter) must be removed and then new material is put on.
With that in mind, there are a few variables that can impact the cost.
What are the factors that impact the cost of built-in gutters?
- Installing standard gutters after a conversion: The average cost to install gutters is $1,000 to $4,000.
- Hidden damage to your roof: If your roofer discovers rotting wood from an internal leak while working on your roof, then this can add several thousand dollars to the project (depending on how extensive the damage is).
What are the pros and cons of built-in gutters?
While built-in gutters are good for getting rid of visible gutters on your roof, they can also cause a lot of damage. It’s important to understand the full picture before committing to having built-in gutters on your roof.
Pros:
- Aesthetic appeal: When done right, built-in gutters can look more seamless and aesthetically pleasing than standard gutters. Some homeowners prefer to have a more subtle look.
- Affordability: If you already have built-in gutters the more affordable option is to keep them and continue to perform maintenance or repair them as needed.
Cons:
- Susceptible to leaks: Due to the design of built-in gutters, a lot of standing water sits at the edge of the roof. This creates the opportunity for water to seep into the roof and leak all over the entire expanse of the gutter. The other issue is that it is extremely difficult to seal the area around the drain. This is consistently a problem area in a built-in gutter.
- They don’t drain very well: Standard gutters drain because they are angled, allowing water to flow to the drains easily. However, with a built-in gutter system, you can’t really angle the house. This causes water to pool at the edge of the roof and sit there instead of draining.
- They cause the roof to deteriorate: Due to the drainage issues, there is also a build-up of debris that needs to be cleaned off more frequently. The combination of sitting debris and pooling water can be lethal for your roof. If the built-in gutter is made with torch down, this will cause the material to deteriorate and make the leaking even worse. Torch down cannot handle standing water.
- They cause internal damage to the roof: Anytime you have a roof that leaks for long enough, it can easily lead to mold and rotting wood. Before you know it, the entire outer edge of your roof might be completely rotted.
How do built-in gutters compare to standard gutters?
Aside from the way that they look, there are some key differences between standard gutters and built-in gutters.
- Tilted for better draining: With built-in gutters, you cannot really tilt them to help with draining because the gutter is the roof. This is why built-in gutters constantly have standing water. However, standard gutters are tilted toward the downspout to help the water flow down and out. Pooling water is much easier to avoid.
- Fewer leaks and water damage: The number one issue with built-in gutters is that they cause leaks and internal damage to the roof. Standard gutters do not have this issue (most of the time) because they are separate from the roof and have better water flow. A typical leak in a standard gutter is a nuisance that drips water onto the siding. On the other hand, a typical leak in a built-in gutter can rot your roof from the inside out.
Making the Right Gutter Choice for Your Roof
Every home is unique, so the decision to repair, maintain, or convert built-in gutters depends on your specific situation.
Your roof’s longevity and functionality are critical to protecting your home. By weighing the pros and cons of built-in gutters and their alternatives, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and budget.
To help you make your decision and ensure that your built-in gutter works properly, you can hire an experienced roofer.
Not sure how to find one? Read our article “How Do I Know If A Roofing Contractor is Qualified?” to learn how to search for and assess a roofer’s qualifications.
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