FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

To Gutter or Not to Gutter

jbl | Posted in Construction Techniques on March 24, 2002 09:32am

We recently moved into a newly built house in central Maine. The contractor said he never hangs gutters for fear of ice dams. I’ve never lived without gutters and the inability to leave my house aside from the gable end garage door without getting wet as the snow melts is getting tiresome. The erosion ditches that have now formed don’t drain away either. Any thoughts on putting gutters on a house in a northern climate? Thanks.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Davo304 | Mar 24, 2002 10:22pm | #1

     Kind of sounds like a "cop-out" to me.

    Many, many homes have gutters attached. PA, MI, MN, NY, are all states that have a cold northern climate during winter...many have gutters attached. What about your neighbors nearby? What is on their house?

     At the very least, you could have "rainhandlers" installed. They are basically slats that break up the waterflow and divert it away from your house.  Or you could have gravel or stone  or mulch placed near your run-off areas to catch the water and minimize the mud mess. You could even have a few ground catch basins installed to channel away the ground run-off...Or you could simply have gutters installed.

    What type of roofing do you have, slate, asphalt, metal?  It really shouldn't matter much so long as you have a fascia board that you can attach the gutter to.

    Did your contractor put down a layer of "ice shield" near your eaves? This is a rubber type membrane that is 3 feet wide and comes in rolls approx. 60 feet long. In many areas, (of which I thought included Maine) it is a code requirement that such membrane be installed on roof eaves...the purpose being to protect against  possible water damage that can occur due to ice damming.

    The use of roof aprons that gutters snap into will further guard against water backup under the eaves. But to use roof aprons, the first starter course row of shingles would have to be removed and re-installed afterwards.

    Providing you have a well insulated roof, the possibilty of ice damming is further reduced.  Installing gutters would eliminate the ground mess.

    Contact another local contractor and seek his/her advice.  Unless he/she can give you a really good reason why not to use gutters, plus a good alternative as to how to control the ground mess, get gutters installed by someone knowlegable in your area.

    Davo. 



    Edited 3/24/2002 3:24:35 PM ET by Davo

  2. Fred_Lugano | Mar 24, 2002 10:52pm | #2

    Dear Jeff,

    I'm suspicious of builders who fear excessive roof ice in the new homes they build.

    Most houses greatly benefit from gutters. If you have trouble next winter, get the builder to fix them AND the ice dam problem.

    Regards, Fred

    [email protected]

    1. User avater
      jhausch | Mar 25, 2002 01:41am | #3

      without a doubt, gutters should not be a problem if the home was built properly.  As you probable know, the cause of an ice dam is when the overhang stays cold, but the area directly above the living space does not.  The melting water hit the part that stays frozen, yada, yada, yada.

      check this out, the ice dam animator 'splains it better than I

      http://www.certainteed.com/consumer/vent/html/v_tb001.htm

      Steelkilt Lives!

      1. Fred_Lugano | Mar 25, 2002 01:49am | #4

        Dear Jim,

        Haha, you're baiting with that goofy link. Remember, I'm listed on their pages. When I go to CertainTeed roofing councils, the reps hang garlic and hold up crosses, and do the short version of their venting pitch.

        Conservatively, Fred

        [email protected]

        1. User avater
          jhausch | Mar 26, 2002 03:17am | #7

          Fred,

          The comment was not directed at you, but rather the original poster of the message.  It is this new crappy format that suggests we reply to the last message posted rather than "all" or adding to the thread . . .

          I just thought the link did a good job of showing the "ice dam effect"

          I know that many of you have successfully built in manner that does not use a "cold roof", nor gutters; but I have more confidence in the "forgiveness" of using them.Steelkilt Lives!

          1. Fred_Lugano | Mar 26, 2002 06:36am | #8

            Dear Jim,

            I'm way beyond getting over excited about venting. Let me explain why I hate that link.

            You'll see the animation show 2 roofs buried in snow. The failure roof has snow all over it. The successful vented roof doesn't have a single flake on the ridge vent. A boo-boo? No, it's downright misleading. Ridge vents, particularly the nasty depressurizing baffled variety, don't work when they are buried.

            The entire logic of keeping snow from melting rapidly by venting falls to pieces b/c you get no venting until the snow melts.

            I push hard, really hard for tolerant building systems b/c I know there will always be a worse storm in the future. If you'd seen the troubles with vents that I get, you would never think of them as 'forgiving' again.

            Just showing a bit of my world, Fred

            [email protected]

          2. luvmuskoka | Mar 26, 2002 04:07pm | #9

            I notice that in Northern Ontario, at least the area I visit, no homes have gutters. Generous overhangs, well sloped soil at the foundation, and surface drainage. And as in piffins post, I like the look fo no gutters.

          3. tjcarcht | Mar 26, 2002 04:16pm | #10

            Well at least keep in mind that this is MAINE.  I agree with the (local) contractor's assessment against hanging gutters in this area.  Winter storms typically rip them off.  What you frequently see in ME-VT-NH climates is a generous overhang (as noted) with sheet metal at the roof edge.

            T. Jeffery Clarke

            Edited 3/26/2002 9:18:41 AM ET by Jeff Clarke

            Edited 3/26/2002 9:31:16 AM ET by Jeff Clarke

      2. xMikeSmith | Mar 25, 2002 01:50am | #5

        i hate gutters .. and it has nothing to do with ice dams..

        any house can be designed to function perfectly well without gutters.

        .we also install and repair lots of gutters.. wooden, copper, lead-coat, galvanized and aluminum.

        our 3 houses have never had gutters.. well... except for the one problem area with two valleys intersecting...and we don't have erosion ditches.. and we don't have wet basements..

        now .. if your house was designed without generous overhangs.. well, then you may need gutters... but it is not a sign that your builder is doing you dirt.. he just may not like guttersMike Smith

        Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

        1. Piffin | Mar 25, 2002 03:18am | #6

          I never hang gutters except when it is absolutely necessary and it has nothing to do with my quality of workmanship. I bet most of those posting in favor of gutters and against this builder have never lived thru a Maine winter.

          Fred, sorry to know that you make enemies every where you go riding your hobby horse of vent design.

          Attachment shows what Mike is talking about with good design to direct water away from critical areas.

          Excellence is its own reward!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build

Self-installing an HVAC system requires a lot of thought and planning.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data