Gutters direct rainwater and melting snow from the roof of a building to a downspout that carries it away from the building. Without gutters, water can damage the roof, siding, and foundation.
If you are planning to build a pole barn on your property, you might be tempted to keep things as simple as possible and skip installing gutters. This might work if you live in a dry climate, but in other areas it could be a mistake. If you live in an area that has frequent rain and snowstorms, gutters are a wise investment that can protect your pole barn from significant damage.
The cost of installing gutters will depend on the size of your pole barn and the type of material you select. You can choose from vinyl, aluminum, steel, and copper gutters. Different types last for varying amounts of time, from 10 years for vinyl gutters to as long as 50 years for steel or 100 years for copper.
Since they are usually open, gutters can accumulate things other than water, such as leaves and pine needles. They can also become homes for insects, birds, and rodents. It is necessary to clean your gutters at least once a year to remove anything that has accumulated or is living inside them so that rainwater and melting snow can flow freely away from your pole barn.
Another option is to install gutter guards. These are screens that are placed over the gutters to keep leaves, other debris, and animals from making their way into the gutters. Gutter guards make it much easier to keep gutters clean so water can flow freely.
Gutters can become damaged from ice, tree limbs, animals, and heavy rains. They are usually fairly easy to repair. If a gutter cannot be repaired, the damaged section can be replaced.
If you are planning to build a pole barn in a region that frequently has rain or snow, gutters are a good idea. They can direct water away from your pole barn to protect the roof, siding, and foundation so that the building will last longer and its contents will be kept dry.