Replies

1. 
   RonRappel | Aug 16, 2002 09:26pm | #1

   Hi Frank,

   You might want to look at a product called "rainhandler" (www.rainhandler.com) and what they offer as an alternative. I have a neighbor who installed this and seem to be very happy after a couple seasons now (I live in eastern Massachusetts).

   I just ordered enough of them to do my whole house and plan on putting them up in a weekend or two. Will let you know what I find if you're interested.

   Ron

   P.S. I think the main reason for gutters is to get the rain away from the foundation and the associated water problems (flooding basements, water bouncing on ground and rotting sill plate, etc).

2. 
   MisterT | Aug 17, 2002 05:10am | #2

   If you don't install gutters where are all the cows and rabbits going to eat?

   Do not try this at home!

   I am a trained professional!

3. 
   rjw | Aug 17, 2002 11:23am | #3

   Be sure to do a really good job of sealing your foundation and stabilizing the soil because you'll be concentrating a lot of water in the worse possible place.

   Oh, yeah, get lots of extra siding to replace the bottom portion on a regular basis.  Of course, you'll save almost all of the time you need for making water related repairs by not having to clean your gutters!

1. 
   LisaWL | Aug 17, 2002 09:01pm | #4

   True for the colonial in discussion, but there are exceptions.  We have a one story rancher with 8' deep overhangs (shading the house against the hot Sacramento sun); runoff is no where near the foundation, and hits sidewalk so there's no mud splash.  We do need to get a diverter over the front porch, though!

   "A completed home is a listed home."

1. 
   Newf | Aug 18, 2002 12:30am | #5

   ...I think we need Beckman here...Newf                                 Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

   Carpenter, woodworker, gardener, Can't sew or cook

   http://www.quittintime.com/

2. 
   rjw | Aug 18, 2002 12:50am | #6

   Lisa,

   Good point, there always is that exception: and maybe this is a "colonial" with one heck of a garrison overhang!

4. 
   Mongo | Aug 18, 2002 03:48am | #7

   Have a nice overhang...16"-24".

   Consider minimizing the exposure (to resist weathering from splashing groundwater) on the bottom courses of clapboard siding. Start with less exposure, and work up to your standard exposure by the time you reach the bottom of the first floor window trim.

   Slope the ground (subsoil during rough grading, then topsoil) away from the foundation for at least 6'. Quarter-pitch is fine.

   Install stone and a perforated perimeter drain pipe w fabric or a sleeve around the perimeter of the foundation. This is in addition to your footing drain.

5. 
   MikeS | Aug 18, 2002 04:44am | #8

   Ask your building inspector if they are required by local code.

   Mike

   It's O.k. to think out of the box,           Just don't walk off of the plank!