HOME IMPROVEMENT HISTORY LEARNING LESSONS: GUTTERS

Nowadays, rain gutters are a vital component of any home. They’re made to hold and remove water from your roof structure and foundation, siding, and many more, to avoid water damage to your home. From the time they initially invented they were as crucial as they are now. This is where our experts in gutter installation explore the historical background of gutters.

B.C. YEARS AND THE ROMAN EMPIRE

Rain gutters are a part of their origins in the Indus Valley Civilization that lasted from 3000 B.C.-1,500 B.C. In the past, they were built from drains that were covered with bricks that were constructed from burnt clay.

After when the Roman Empire came to power in the year 27 B.C.-14 A.D., they revolutionized the drainage system of roads by making them higher in the middle, so that rain would flow down through “gutters.” These introduced their system of drainage to England in the year the year 47 A.D., however, it was not reformed to the extent that they wanted to. it.

THE EMPIRE OF NORMAN

It wasn’t until after the rise during the Norman Empire between the 10th and 13th centuries that gutters were introduced into architecture. Many churches, homes and other structures were rebuilt using stone roofs and parapets which transformed into gargoyles. The gargoyles would flush the excess water out of their mouths, effectively creating gutters.

The 1700s

In the early 1700s cast iron was a widely available and affordable material which led to the development of gutters made of it. (Years later the cast iron material will be replaced by lead, which is the standard type of gutter.) In the later part of the century, wood was cut into V-shapes before being attached to the exterior of public buildings as well as wealthy houses to serve as gutters.

20TH Century

In the Second Industrial Revolution, new technology and materials were created to transform gutters. After the introduction of metal rolling machines invented at the beginning of 1900 builders could turn half-round steel gutters into a ring and then place them along the sides of the buildings.

In the 1960s the seamless aluminum gutters were invented , which completely transformed the field of gutters. Steel was preferred over aluminum due to its strength and lighter, as well as easily to handle. This is why the majority of gutters in use today are still made of aluminum.

If your house needs a gutter cleaning system get in touch with our gutter cleaning specialists to learn more.