Gutters Built Into Roof

I always try to encourage preserving original elements even though it might be easier to eliminate the old method for something new and inexpensive.

Gutters built into roof.

These systems are integrated into the design of the roofing structure. Built in gutter gutters. Instead of hacking off a structurally sound or easily made sound eaves trough or integral gutter that is built into the roof surface you can just roof over it. Integral gutter eaves trough gutter built in gutter.

Dating back to the 18th century yankee gutters consist of a v or u shaped wooden trough lined with metal usually copper or terne coated steel that directs water away from the house. Sometimes called yankee gutters box gutters or even philadelphia gutters it s no wonder they remain a mystery to many. Yankee gutters are a drainage system inconspicuously built into the roof so that it isn t visible along the roofline of the house. Eaves trough gutters may project forward from the lower roof edge shown in the sketch below or they may be virtually hidden from view from ground level when they are built into the slope of the roof.

If the integral gutter is a nearly flat extension out over the roof edge also forming a soffit i d think about leaving the built in or integral gutter system in place removing any. They are not readily visible from the ground further lending to the mystery of their design and function. They can be a very effective way of managing the flow of water especially on large roofs or complicated water drainage concerns. Perhaps the rarest form of gutters on homes and commercial building structures are built in gutter systems.