Gutters Built Into Roof

These systems are integrated into the design of the roofing structure.

Gutters built into roof.

The gutter is built into the roof structure itself as a trough see illustration below. Yankee gutters are a drainage system inconspicuously built into the roof so that it isn t visible along the roofline of the house. Built in gutters the unseen roof drainage system was specifically chosen to be installed when the home was built thus is part of the original historic character. 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.

They can be a very effective way of managing the flow of water especially on large roofs or complicated water drainage concerns. Built in gutter systems are actually built into the cornice structure and drain through internal or external leaders. 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. Sometimes called yankee gutters box gutters or even philadelphia gutters it s no wonder they remain a mystery to many.

Integral gutter eaves trough gutter built in gutter. They are not readily visible from the ground further lending to the mystery of their design and function. Built in gutter gutters. 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.