Our Architects’ Guide to Gutters, Downspouts, and Balcony Drains
Our Austin Architects Share the Top Considerations to Keep in Mind When Choosing Gutters, Downspouts, and Balcony Drains for Your Home
Gutter and drainage systems work to keep your front porch dry and prevent foundation damage. While gutters and downspouts are essential for many homes, improper placement can impede function and distract from the beauty of your home’s architecture. Our Austin architects share our guide to gutters, downspouts, and balcony drains — outlining everything you need to know before installing gutters on your home.
Determine Where You Need Gutters, Downspouts, and Drains
Not all homes need gutters, and homes requiring gutters don’t necessarily need the entire roofline trimmed. When determining your home’s need for gutters, downspouts, and drains, you must examine the roof planes and consider where water will run off. Get the most out of working with your architect by consulting them on the gutter design. Your architecture team will be able to review the subcontractor’s gutter plans and make any suggestions or revisions.
You May Need Gutters…
If your home has short roof overhangs.
If people will walk under the overhang.
If you live in a wet climate.
You May Not Need Gutters…
If you have a large roof overhang that’s over 12 inches.
If your house is elevated and not at risk of foundation damage from water runoff.
If you live in a very arid climate.
Integrate Gutters and Downspouts with the Home’s Architecture
While gutters and downspouts are necessary for most homes, improper planning can negatively impact the overall look of your home. When installing gutter systems, it’s important to consider how the gutters, downspouts, and drains will integrate with your home’s architecture and style. For example, placing a downspout on the home's front facade or near a walkway is not ideal. Instead, an inconspicuous placement on the side of the house will ensure the overall look is uninterrupted. Additionally, the gutter system finishes should match the look and feel of the home or blend in completely. Finally, always have your architect review gutter and downspout plans. Otherwise, you could end up with a poorly placed downspout.
Balcony Drains vs. Balcony Gutters
Some balconies require drainage systems to divert water depending on their design and placement. However, bulky gutters running around the perimeter can interrupt a balcony's beauty. So rather than installing balcony gutters, our Austin architecture team prefers to use balcony drains. Balcony drains and channels are built into the flooring, covered with a grate, and divert water into a built-in pipe system that carries water to the side of the home or a connected drainage system. Balcony drains are an excellent option for a more streamlined look that doesn’t affect the home’s appearance.
Gutter & Drainage System Glossary
The components of a gutter and drainage system include the following.
Gutter
The gutter is the trough fixed beneath the roofline that captures water runoff.
End Cap
The end cap closes off the end of a gutter section.
Fascia Bracket
The fascia bracket attaches the gutter to the roofline.
Downspout
The downspout connects to the gutter and carries water down the house to the ground or a connected drainage system.
Downspout Bracket
The downspout bracket attaches the downspout to the side of the house.
Elbow
The elbow changes the direction of the downspout, typically to connect to a drainage system or run water away from the foundation.
Deck and Balcony Drains
Deck and balcony drains are built-in drainage systems embedded in the floor and connected to concealed pipes to direct water to a drainage system.
Floor Drain Grate
Floor drain grates cover the opening or channel where water collects.
Drain Pipe
Concealed drain pipes in the wall carry water to the drainage system.
Gutter and Downspout Styles
There are four main types of gutter and downspout styles. These styles are available in various colors, materials, and finishes.
K-style Gutters
K-style gutters are the most commonly seen gutter style. They get their name because their profile resembles the letter K. This gutter style is sometimes designed to resemble crown molding. It is typically finished in the same color as the fascia to blend in with the home’s architecture.
Half-round Gutters
Half-round gutters offer classic charm, making them a great selection for contemporary, transitional, and sometimes traditional style homes. This gutter style is more appealing in look than K-style gutters. However, they don’t sit flush against the roof fascia and might not handle as high of water volumes.
Box Gutters
Box gutters are squared off, giving them a contemporary or industrial edge. This gutter style can handle high volumes of water while providing a streamlined look that coordinates with many modern architectural styles.
Rain Chains
Rain chains are decorative alternatives to downspouts that turn water diversion into an attractive and tranquil feature. Rain chains are a creative solution for areas where downspouts can be difficult to install or along porches. While rain chains offer added style, they can’t handle as much water as a traditional downspout. It’s best to add gravel around the base of the rain chain for water to collect to prevent puddles.
Should You Add Leaf Guards to Your Gutters?
Gutter leaf guards come in various styles, mainly grates or screens, and attach to the open section of the gutter to prevent leaves and large debris from collecting inside and clogging the system. As with gutters, analyzing your space is a necessary first step to determining if you need leaf guards on all or a portion of your gutter system. If your home is under many trees, consider leaf guards to reduce gutter maintenance and cleaning.
Gutter and Downspout Materials
There are three main material options available for most gutter and downspout styles. When choosing gutter materials and finishes, it’s important to consider durability as well as colors or metals that match your existing exterior paint colors.
Aluminum
Aluminum gutters are the most common choice because they are resistant to rust, lightweight, easy to install, available in various colors, and affordable. However, they can dent, so be cautious when cleaning them.
Steel
Steel gutters offer more durability than aluminum, and they can stand up to severe weather conditions. However, they are heavy and can be prone to rust if not properly maintained.
Copper
Copper gutters offer a beautiful warm color and will naturally patina over time. While copper gutters are typically the most expensive, they will last a lifetime, withstand most weather conditions, and add character to your home.
Rainwater Drainage vs. Collection Systems
The main purpose of any gutter is to direct rainwater away from the home’s exterior and foundation. However, you could route to a drainage system or rainwater collection tank.
Route to a Drainage System
Rather than directing rainwater to the yard, downspouts can be connected to larger drainage systems incorporated into the landscape design. This will help keep the yard dry and prevent puddles from collecting in flower beds or walkways.
Collect into a Rainwater Tank
If you’d like to take a greener approach to drainage, consider adding a rainwater collection tank to your gutter system. Rainwater tanks can store clean rainwater that is perfect for watering the garden.
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