Do Log Cabins Need Guttering?
Do you know what the arch nemesis of log cabins is? WATER. Yes, that’s right – water can wreak havoc with log cabins in the form of excess pressure and dampness and it’s important that you protect your cabin from the dreaded H2O to improve its longevity.
A simple way to do this is guttering. But do log cabins need guttering and is this an essential item? We discuss log cabin water management, the potential benefits of guttering, and considerations to make before buying it below.
Understanding Water Management for Log Cabins
Let’s first take a look at how water interacts with log cabins and the effect it can have as this will help you understand the need for gutters.
Rainwater can build up on the roof of your log cabin. While this isn’t an issue for small showers, during times of heavy downpours, the water pressure and weight can become problematic. It can cause roofs to sag and bow from the weight.
This is where a guttering system really helps. It takes the pressure off of your roof and allows rainwater to be drained. Guttering also stops rainwater from running down the side of your cabin from the roof and potentially causing dampness to your cabin walls.
Benefits of Guttering for Log Cabins
I hope you can see the importance of water management for your log cabin and it certainly helps improve the longevity of your structure. But what specifically can guttering achieve and how does it help?
- Roof protection: The primary purpose of gutters is to protect your roof. Over time, a build-up of water on your log cabin roof can increase the pressure and cause sagging. If the pressure is too much, it could cause your roof to collapse. The water could of course seep into things like light fixtures and electrics too and cause a potential electrical hazard.
- Reduce the chance of dampness: Log cabins can be prone to dampness, therefore, guttering helps eliminate this. If there is no guttering, the rainwater may simply stay on the roof and soak into the ceiling or structural frame. Over time, this could cause dampness and compromise the integrity of the timber.
Factors to Consider When Installing Guttering
If you want to buy a log cabin you may not even need guttering – after all, you don’t have gutters on structures like your garden shed and that’s fine right? This is true, and there are several factors to consider that can affect the need for gutters, or the type you have installed:
- Size of the cabin: Smaller cabins may not require gutters as the roof surface area won’t hold as much water whereas it’s virtually essential for larger cabins.
- Water drainage: You have to consider where the water will drain from out of the guttering. There should be a suitable overflow that won’t create a build-up of water and cause ground problems.
- Location of the log cabin: If your log cabin is partially covered or obscured it may not need guttering if the potential for rainwater to hit it is less.
- Roof style: Pointed roofs naturally allow water to run off and this can reduce the need fo guttering. However, if your log cabin has a flat roof then gutters are incredibly important to prevent sagging and excess water pressure.
Maintaining Guttering for Log Cabins
If you have gutters on your house (I hope you do! Surely all houses have guttering right?) then you know that maintenance is required and the same applies to your log cabin.
While gutters help rainwater drain off from your cabin roof, they can still get clogged up over time and they need cleaning and clearing out. While the rainwater will simply run off, debris can accumulate in your gutters.
If left, this debris builds up and puts pressure on your guttering system. This can reduce the flow of water but also cause cracks. As a result, you should periodically check and clear your log cabin gutters and this should be much easier than cleaning the gutters of your house due to the lower height.
It’s not a particularly pleasant job but it must be done to keep your guttering doing its job.
Professional Advice and Installation
Guttering can be tricky to install and this is not something I advise doing yourself. There are many different parts to connect and you must make sure that everything is joined properly to avoid leaks. The positioning is key also, as is fixing it to the side of your log cabin.
As a result, if you are not confident with your DIY skills and are unsure of where the guttering should go, seek professional advice. Guttering installation is an optional extra we offer for our premium log cabins and we are happy to discuss whether this is suitable for the cabin you want.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Do Log Cabins Need Gutters?
- Do you need gutters on a cabin?Gutters on a cabin are essential for redirecting rainwater away from the foundation, preventing damage and erosion. Without gutters, water can collect around the cabin, causing potential structural issues. Additionally, gutters help protect the cabin's exterior, prolonging its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. Installing gutters on a cabin is a wise investment in preserving the structure's integrity and avoiding potential water-related damage in the long run.
- How many downpipes should a gutter have?The number of downpipes a gutter should have depends on the size of the roof and the amount of rainfall in the area. Generally, a standard residential gutter system requires one downpipe for every 30-40 feet of guttering. For larger roofs or regions with heavy rainfall, it is recommended to install additional downpipes to ensure proper water drainage and prevent overflow. Insufficient downpipes can lead to water damage and structural issues, so it is essential to plan accordingly based on the property's specific requirements.
- How to fit guttering to a log cabinFirst, measure the length of the eaves where the guttering will be installed to fit guttering to a log cabin. Purchase the appropriate size of guttering and downspouts, ensuring they match the dimensions of the cabin. Use a ladder to access the eaves and attach the guttering securely using brackets and screws. Position the downspouts at suitable intervals to ensure proper drainage. Test the guttering system by running water through it to check for leaks or blockages. Make any necessary adjustments for optimal functionality and water runoff.
- What size guttering for log cabin?When determining the appropriate size of guttering for a log cabin, consider the roof area and pitch. A standard recommendation is 5-inch guttering for roofs up to 2,000 square feet, which covers most domestic cabins. Additionally, the roof's pitch influences the capacity for adequate water drainage. A steeper pitch may require larger guttering to handle increased water flow. Properly sizing the guttering for your log cabin ensures efficient water management and prevents potential damage to the structure.
