Everything has a history, whether American history, the invention of cars, Ohio’s history, or even our home gutters. It’s hard to believe that the history of home gutters dates back thousands of years, all the way back to the Romans!
If you’re ready for a history lesson to learn more about your home gutter system and its evolution throughout the centuries, keep reading as we discuss the history of home gutters. You’ll learn more about this crucial home component that does more than drain water away from your home.
47 AD
Think back to your high school history class and learning about Roman Emporers. Back in 47 AD, Claudius was emperor, succeeding Caesar. When you picture Rome in 47 AD you probably envision sandals, togas, horses, and chariots, and you’re correct. But did you know that the first gutter system was constructed in 47 AD? Though not much is known about their ancient technology, we know that gutter systems were used to protect structures.
They weren’t made from metals like most modern-day gutter systems, rather, the first gutter systems were made from clay and bricks. After their invention, the Romans brought the concept of gutters to Britain, introducing the technology as a way to protect structures.
10th-12th Centuries
Fast forward to the 10th and 13th centuries when the technology of gutter systems greatly improved. Advancements in building structures and homes greatly improved with stone being used in more buildings. During the 10th and 13th centuries, most buildings had roofs made of stone. These stone roofs protected the inside of the buildings from water damage and worked in conjunction with gargoyles.
When you picture medieval times, you probably envision gargoyles on nearly every building. They were used to ward off evil spirits by protecting those inside the building and draining water from the roof. Gargoyles would collect water from the stone roof and divert it away from the structure, just like modern-day gutter systems.
1200s-1500s
Gutter systems continued to improve in the 1200s when the first downspout was invented. Much like today, downspouts were used to carry the water from the gutters and divert it away from the structure. The first downspout was used on the Tower of London to protect the pristine white color of the palace. Gargoyles helped collect water from the structure and keep it off the siding to maintain its color and avoid staining.
As the concept of gutters evolved, more and more buildings implemented them and made them from lead. Eventually, their popularity rose and more gutter materials like wood and cast iron were introduced.
20th Century
As gutter systems became more mainstream, more durable materials were used. Metals like steel and copper were used to create more durable gutter systems, and eventually, metal rolling machines were invented to allow the gutters to hold more water. Though metal gutter systems were durable, they lacked a non-corrosive coating so they corroded easily. Aluminum and vinyl gutters were also introduced in the 20th century, paving the way for more advanced gutter systems.
1960s
Did you know that seamless aluminum gutters were invented in the 1960s? Art Knudson invented a machine that rolled and cut gutters, allowing gutter installation companies to roll heavy-duty aluminum into larger gutters, allowing more water to flow through the system quickly. Seamless gutters rose in popularity thanks to their performance and the fact that they minimized leaks, an issue most sectional gutters have.
Present Day
Seamless gutters are still the premier gutter style choice among homeowners in and around Central Ohio. Though we still make seamless gutters today to reduce leaks, there are different styles like traditional half-round gutters, k-style, gutter screens and filters, and more, and there have been many innovations in gutter technology.
Though half-round gutters can effectively collect water from the roof and divert it from the foundation, they’re smaller and can’t keep up with heavy rainfall. Not to mention they clog and overflow easily, especially here in Ohio where we have four seasons including autumn with plenty of falling leaves and pine needles. Likewise, gutter filters and screens create clogs as they can trap debris through the small openings in their gutter guards. This debris will eventually impede water flow, making it difficult for stormwater and meltwater to move through the system.
The best gutter system for any home in Ohio is K-Guard® Gutters! Our gutter product is seamless, eliminating leaks like most traditional sectional gutter systems often develop. Our gutters are complete with oversized gutters and downspouts to allow more water to flow through the system quickly, keeping up with heavy rainfall, sleet, and rapid snowmelt. K-Guard® is also extremely durable, withstanding any weather condition, ideal for homeowners in Ohio.
The K-Guard® Leaf Free Gutter System has multiple components like a curved hood that prevents clogs while keeping water moving through the system rapidly. Because debris can’t enter the system it’ll stay clog-free for life! That means never having to perform gutter maintenance or repair your gutters again. Plus, it’s a seamless gutter system so there’s no chance for seams to loosen or the gutters to leak.
K-Guard® also comes with a transferrable lifetime warranty that protects your investment. Our lifetime warranty ensures your gutter system’s paint will never chip or fade, the system will never clog, and you’ll never need to perform gutter maintenance again. No other gutter system on the market can match the durability, capacity, performance, and warranty of K-Guard®. Plus, you can customize your K-Guard® System so it complements your home.
Contact our team today if you’re ready to switch to the K-Guard® System. We’ll be happy to schedule a free estimate and provide a detailed analysis of your current gutter system and a quote for installing our K-Guard® Gutters.