Specialized Box Gutter Repair & Restoration for Historic Homes and Older Commercial Buildings Across Pittsburgh

At Prescott Roofing & Masonry, we take pride in doing the kind of work most contractors won’t touch because it’s what we’ve done for over a century. Box gutters, also known as “built-in gutters,” are a perfect example. Box gutter installation requires specialized skills and careful planning to ensure proper water drainage and long-term performance. They’re common on older homes and buildings across Pittsburgh, and they require a very specific skill set to repair, restore, or rebuild the right way.

Whether your box gutters are leaking, rusted out, or just showing their age, our team brings the expertise needed to restore them with care, precision, and long-term reliability.

What Are Box Gutters?

Box gutters are integrated directly into the roofline or eaves, often hidden behind decorative cornices or fascia trim. Unlike modern hanging gutters, box gutters are built into the structure and typically lined with metal (usually tin or copper).

They’re common on:

• Historic homes (Victorian, Craftsman, Colonial Revival)

• Rowhouses and duplexes

• Churches and public buildings

• Older commercial or mixed-use properties

• Flat roof or low-slope roof systems

While they offer a clean, seamless appearance and excellent water-carrying capacity, box gutters can cause significant water damage if neglected or poorly maintained. That’s where we come in.

Box Gutter Repair & Rebuild Services

Prescott Roofing specializes in full-service box gutter repair and rebuilds. Unlike modern gutter systems, box gutters require significant experience and craftsmanship in repair and rebuilding, as well as expert installation. Professional box gutter repair and installation is essential due to the complexity of box gutter systems as compared to standard gutter types.

Our box gutter services include:

• Thorough inspection and water flow evaluation

• Cleaning and removal of debris to prevent clogs and ensure proper water flow

• Repairs to metal linings or full re-lining (copper or EPDM rubber membrane)

• Structural restoration to wood framing/ fascia/ soffit, with emphasis on providing proper slope to the drains

• Waterproof sealants and protective coatings

• Seam/joint/drain soldering for copper applications or high-strength EPDM flashing details\

• Downspout re-sizing and re-alignment for proper drainage

We don’t just patch the problem, we identify the cause and create a long-lasting solution, so you don’t have to worry the next time the unpredictable Pittsburgh weather rolls through.

Box gutters can become clogged with leaves and debris, and their concealed nature can make clogs difficult to detect and clear.

Historic Home Specialists

If you own a historic home in neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, or Mt. Lebanon, you’ve probably noticed that many contractors shy away from working on older box gutter systems. At Prescott, we welcome these jobs. We’ve spent generations working on slate roofs, tile roofs, and century-old buildings with box gutters across southwestern PA.

We’re careful to match original materials and design details wherever possible, so your home maintains its traditional character while gaining modern performance. During box gutter replacement or repair, we prioritize preserving the original features of your home or building. Additionally, if we’re replacing failing box gutters entirely, we’ll work with you on a solution that blends seamlessly with your architecture.

Box gutters can be customized to match the architectural style and needs of e

Copper Metal Linings

Our experience with copper and metalwork makes us a top choice for box gutter restoration in Pittsburgh. Whether you need a partial repair or a full reline, we fabricate and install custom copper liners that are built to last.

Copper-lined box gutters offer:

• A 50+ year lifespan

• Beautiful, traditional appearance

• Soldered joints and seams for a watertight finish

• Natural patina over time

• Exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion

Box Gutter Maintenance Plans

Box gutters should be inspected and cleaned regularly, especially on homes surrounded by trees, exposed to heavy rainfall or other extreme weather events. We offer seasonal maintenance plans to help you protect your investment and avoid unexpected issues.

Routine maintenance includes:

• Seasonal cleanouts (spring and fall) of box gutters and downspouts

• Inspection of seams, drains, and lining materials

• Flashing checks and drainage tests

• Preventive maintenance-performing small repairs before they become major issues

Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent gutters from becoming clogged, especially in the local climate where heavy rainfall and falling leaves are common. Maintenance also helps in maintaining the structural integrity of your home or building by preventing water damage.

Prescott Roofing gives you peace of mind knowing your gutter system is under expert care.

Why Choose Prescott Roofing for Box Gutters?

• 119+ years of hands-on Pittsburgh roofing experience

• Specialists in historic home restoration and custom metalwork

• Trusted expertise in copper, slate, tile, and flat roof systems featuring box gutters

• Honest assessments, clear and concise reports and estimates, no high-pressure sales tactics, and clear communication throughout the course of the project, from start to finish.

• Clean, responsible job sites and full cleanup after every project, with an emphasis on safety and attention to detail.

• Fully insured, licensed, and warranty-backed craftsmanship

Across the Pittsburgh region, property owners trust us to treat their homes like our own.

Protect What Matters with Expert Box Gutter Repair

Box gutters are an integral part of the roof system when functioning properly and being maintained. If yours are leaking, sagging, or showing signs of wear, don’t wait. Water intrusion can cause costly damage to fascia, soffits, walls, and foundations, leading to costly repairs. Leaks can also cause damage to the ceiling and attic, including structural damage and mold growth.

For box gutter repairs, we offer modern silicone coating solutions for properties needing performance on a tighter budget. Rubber (EPDM) linings are also offered as a cost-effective alternative to traditional metal linings.

Call today to schedule your box gutter consultation.

Let the box gutter experts at Prescott Roofing inspect your box gutter system, explain your options, and provide a solution you can rely on. Whether it’s a small repair or a full rebuild, we’ll do it right, and we’ll stand behind the work.

Introduction to Box Gutters

Box gutters are a unique gutter system built directly into the roof structure, offering a sleek and integrated look that sets them apart from traditional gutters. Unlike traditional gutters, which are attached to the exterior of a building, box gutters are concealed within the roofline or eaves, preserving the architectural integrity of the building. This concealed nature of the box gutter installation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides practical benefits, such as reduced maintenance and protection from the elements. Box gutters are designed to efficiently channel water away from the roof and walls, helping to prevent water damage and maintain the structural health of your home or building. Their low-maintenance design and ability to handle heavy rainfall make them a good choice for property owners seeking both functionality and style in their gutter system.

Design and Materials

The design of box gutters is defined by their rectangular profile and hidden installation within the roofline, creating a seamless and unobtrusive appearance. These gutters are typically crafted from durable materials like tin or copper. Tin was a popular, cost-effective option known for its strength and corrosion resistance, especially when painted and maintained, making it suitable for a variety of local climates. Tin, however, is no longer available. Copper, on the other hand, is prized for its classic, aesthetically pleasing look and exceptional longevity, making it a favorite for historic homes and buildings where traditional gutters may not be appropriate The choice of material depends on factors such as the building’s age, architectural style, climate, and budget, ensuring that box gutters can be customized to meet the needs of any property. EPDM rubber membrane, adhered in place, is a more economical alternative for lining box gutters.

Gutter System Components

A classic box gutter system is made up of several crucial components that work together to protect your property from water damage. The main element in the installation process is the box gutter itself, which collects rainwater and channels it away from the roof and to the drains. Downspouts are attached to the drains to carry water safely to the ground, preventing pooling and potential damage to the foundation Additional features, such as sealed/soldered seams and specialized lining material, help ensure a watertight seal and enhance the system’s durability. Regular maintenance, including removing debris and checking for signs of wear or damage, is vital to prevent costly repairs and extend the longevity of your box gutter system.

Installation Process

Installing box gutters is a specialized process that requires expertise, experience, and precision- making it more complex than installing traditional gutters. Improper installation can lead to water damage and further damage to the roof structure, so it’s crucial to hire experienced professionals who understand the unique requirements of box gutters- a strong, stable structure, a durable lining material, proper slope to the drains, and adequately-sized drains and downspouts to facilitate the flow of water. When installed correctly, box gutters provide reliable, long-lasting protection for your home or building.

Maintenance and Repair

Rather than repair or re-build box gutters, some contractors, usually inexperienced, will suggest cutting off the box gutters and installing a less-expensive aluminum K Gutter system. There are several reasons this is not recommended. 1) The overhang of the box gutters protects the walls from moisture penetrations. 2) The overhang helps keep water away from the foundation of the building. 3) Removing the eaves will allow greater exposure to sunlight on the walls of the building, making it hotter in the summer. 4) Removal of the eaves will detract from the original design of the building.

Other contractors may recommend “jumping” or bridging the box gutters with plywood, then installing an aluminum K gutter. This is also not recommended for these reasons. 1) In covering over the box gutters, any issues with the box gutter structure are not addressed, which could result in catastrophic failure of the overhang. 2) The approximate 2′ span the plywood covers, if not properly supported with rafters, will sink and fall in with the weight of heavy snow; also, the low-slope profile creates an ideal shelf for the rapid formation of ice dams, creating further problems.

For serious issues, the ideal solution is a comprehensive rebuild/re-lining of the box gutter system. Ensuring the wood structure is strong, stable and providing proper slope to the drain locations is vital to the rebuild process. In re-lining the box gutter, we highly recommend copper, due to the long-life span of the product. While initially an expensive proposition, copper provides many years or worry-free water removal. A more economical alternative is re-lining with .060 mil EPDM rubber membranes adhered to the insides of the box gutter. While less expensive, rubber has nowhere near the life span of copper and is more prone to incidental leaks and punctures from roofing materials, trees, branches, etc.

Repairs to an existing box gutter system can be achieved through the use of rubber membrane flashing products adhered in place, or sealing seams, drains, etc. with a silicone sealant and then coating the box gutter with silicone roof coating.