Gutters carry rainwater and melting snow from the roof of a building to a downspout. The downspout then carries the water away from the building. So does a pole barn need gutters? Without them, water can damage the roof, siding and foundation.
Does a Pole Barn Need Gutters Where You Live?
If you plan to build a pole barn on your property, you might want to keep things simple and skip gutters. This might work if you live in a dry climate. However, in other areas it could be a mistake.
For example, if your area has frequent rain and snowstorms, gutters are a wise investment. That way, they can protect your pole barn from significant damage.
Gutter Cost and Materials
The cost of installing gutters depends on the size of your pole barn and the material you select. You can choose from vinyl, aluminum, steel and copper gutters.
Also, each type lasts a different amount of time. Vinyl gutters last about 10 years. Steel can last as long as 50 years, and copper can last 100 years.
Keeping Gutters Clean
Gutters are usually open, so they can collect things other than water, such as leaves and pine needles. They can also become homes for insects, birds and rodents.
Because of this, clean your gutters at least once a year. Remove anything that has built up or is living inside them. Then rainwater and melting snow can flow freely away from your pole barn.
Gutter Guards
Another option is to install gutter guards. These screens sit over the gutters to keep out leaves, other debris and animals. As a result, gutter guards make it much easier to keep gutters clean so water can flow freely.
Gutter Repairs
Ice, tree limbs, animals and heavy rains can damage gutters. Fortunately, they are usually fairly easy to repair. If you cannot repair a gutter, you can replace the damaged section instead.
The Bottom Line
So, does a pole barn need gutters? If you plan to build in a region that often gets rain or snow, gutters are a good idea. They direct water away from your pole barn to protect the roof, siding and foundation. That way, the building will last longer and its contents will stay dry.
