Are your old, outdated gutters cramping your home’s style? Well, it might be time to upgrade to box-style gutters. These gutters are known for their clean and modern look —but they aren’t as easy to install as other gutter types. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the pros and cons of box-style gutters to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your home.
What are Box-Style Gutters?
Box-style gutters, also known as square gutters, have a rectangular or square shape and are designed to collect rainwater that flows down from the roof. Unlike traditional gutters, they’re typically hidden from view, either behind a parapet wall or placed within a roof’s grooves. This placement gives them a concealed appearance that can blend in with your home’s exterior —which is why they’re also called concealed gutters.
Now, despite their sleek style, these seamless gutters are just as effective as traditional gutters when it comes to channeling rainwater away from your roof and foundation.
Pros of Box-Style Gutters
- Durable and long-lasting
- Sleek and modern look
- Large water capacity
- Highly customizable
1. Durable and Long-Lasting
Box-style gutters are designed to be concealed behind a low wall (aka a parapet) or within the roofing structure, which means they are less likely to be damaged by external factors, such as falling branches or debris.
Additionally, because they are hidden from view, box gutters aren’t heavily affected by exposure to the sun or other environmental factors that can cause traditional gutters to deteriorate over time.
2. Sleek and Modern Look
Another major advantage of box gutters is their ability to blend seamlessly with your roof. Unlike traditional fascia gutters, which can be bulky and unsightly, box-style gutters give your roofline a clean and minimalistic appearance that’s both modern and stylish.
3. Large Water Capacity
Box-style gutters are typically bigger than other types of gutters, such as K-style gutters and half-round gutters. The typical size of box gutters is around 7 to 10 inches in width and 2 to 3 inches in depth. This larger profile allows them to handle large amounts of water, which makes them an ideal choice for homeowners with large roof areas or in areas with heavy rainfall or snowfall.
4. Highly Customizable
Box gutters are available in a range of materials, finishes, and colors, which means they can be customized to match your home’s design aesthetic. Plus, they are typically made from flat sheets of metal, such as copper or aluminum, which are then custom fabricated to fit the specific dimensions of your roofing structure. This customization ensures that the gutter system is efficient and effective in preventing water damage.
Cons of Box-Style Gutters
- More expensive than other gutter styles
- Complex installation
- Water overflow
- Difficult to clean and repair
1. More Expensive than Other Gutter Styles
One of the main downsides of box-style gutters is their cost. They’re typically more expensive than other gutter styles due to their larger size and custom fabrication. Because they are wider and deeper than traditional gutters, they require more materials and labor to install.
Additionally, the custom fabrication of box-style gutters means that they are made to fit the specific dimensions of your home’s roofing structure, which adds to the cost.
2. Complex Installation
Another drawback of box-style gutters is their complex installation process. While traditional gutter installation involves several steps, these modern gutters require a higher level of expertise and precision to ensure proper installation.
Since box-style gutters are placed between two or more roofs, they have to fit the specific dimensions of each roof in a way that ensures good water flow and drainage. This may require additional construction work, such as removing and replacing fascia boards or installing additional support brackets — which can add to the complexity and cost of the installation process.
3. Water Overflow
While box-style gutters are designed to handle a larger volume of water than other types of gutter systems, they can still overflow if they’re not sloped correctly or if there are obstructions in the gutter system.
If this happens, this water can accumulate around your home’s foundation, causing corrosion and potentially leading to structural damage. Also, if the water overflows from the gutters onto adjacent roofs, it can cause damage to the roofing materials and potentially lead to leaks and water damage inside the building.
Despite this, box-style gutters are generally less likely to overflow than traditional gutters because of their wider and deeper shape.
4. Difficult to Clean and Repair
Box-style gutters are often installed in hard-to-reach areas, which can make it difficult to access the gutters for cleaning and repairs — especially if your home has a large or complex roofline. Plus, since they’re installed within the roofing structure, you’ll need to remove the adjacent roofing shingles every time your box gutter gets damaged to access and repair it. This process can be time-consuming and expensive.
How Box-Style Gutters Work
Like other rain gutters, box gutters work by collecting rainwater and directing it away from the building. They’re typically wider and deeper than traditional gutters and installed within the roofing system.
When it rains, water flows down the roof and into the box-style gutters. The gutters collect the water and direct it toward downspouts, which carry the water away from the building and into a drainage system or a collection tank. This prevents water from pooling on the roof or around your home’s foundation, which can cause damage over time.
Should You Get Box-Style Gutters for Your Roof?
Are box-style gutters right for your home? Before deciding to install any type of gutter system, take the time to consider a few things:
- Your local climate. For example, if you live in an area with heavy rainfall or snow, you’ll need a gutter style that can handle the extra weight and volume of water.
- The age and style of your home. Box gutters are a popular choice for modern homes, but they may not be the best fit for older homes, especially if the roofline is uneven or the fascia boards are deteriorating.
- Your budget. There are many different gutter styles available, each with its own price points. Additionally, some types of gutters require more maintenance than others, so it’s important to factor this into your budget when making your decision.
How Do Box-Style Gutters Compare to Other Gutter Styles?
Box-style gutters differ from other styles of gutters in several ways. Here are some of the key differences:
- Size and Capacity: Box-style gutters are typically wider and deeper than other gutter styles, allowing them to handle larger amounts of water.
- Design and Installation: Box-style gutters are integrated into the roofing structure, creating a seamless look. This design also makes them more durable than other types of gutters.
- Maintenance and Repair: Box-style gutters can be more challenging to clean and repair than other gutter systems due to their design.
- Cost: Box-style gutters can be more expensive than other types of gutters due to their custom design and installation.
FAQ About Box-Style Gutters
Box gutters can come in several materials, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most popular gutter materials include:
• Copper gutters
• Aluminum gutters
• Zinc gutters
• Stainless steel gutters
• Vinyl gutters
Ultimately, the best material for your box-style gutters will depend on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the climate in your area.
Box gutters can last for several decades with proper care and maintenance. However, their lifespan will depend on the the gutter material, the weather in your area, and how well your box-style gutters are maintained and cleaned.
Yes, a box gutter can leak if it’s not installed correctly or if it’s not properly maintained. Regular cleaning and maintenance, and gutter guards, can help prevent leaks, but address any leak as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your property.
Yes, box-style gutters do need to slope to ensure proper water flow and prevent water from pooling inside the gutter. Generally, a slope of 1/4 inch per 10 feet of gutter is recommended for box-style gutters. This ensures that water flows toward the downspouts and away from your property.
When To Hire a Gutter Pro
Keep in mind that while you may be tempted to try a DIY gutter installation to save money, installing and maintaining box-style gutters (and any other type of gutters) can be tricky. And if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can lead to leaks and other issues. That’s why we recommend hiring a pro to help you out.
A qualified professional can ensure that your gutter system is installed correctly and able to handle the amount of water that your property receives, which can save you money on repairs down the line. Plus, they can help you choose the right gutter system for your property.
If you want to save yourself time, money, and potential headaches, we connect you to the best gutter installers near you.
Main Image Credit: Ethoseo / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
