History Of Gutters

Gutters began their journey to your home in early roman times.

History of gutters. This is the earliest form of gutter on record. Cast iron and. In the middle ages the normans introduced lead gargoyles to england. The history of rain gutters dates back to the indus valley civilization between 3000 bc and 1500 bc.

The romans understood the importance of water and named the goddess of the sewers cloacina. This shape directed rain water towards the outside edges of the road. Rainwater captured in barrels was used for bathing and washing. The romans introduced guttering to great britain or britannia as they would name it to both disperse rainwater and store it for later use in cisterns.

In 1240 king henry ordered gutters installed on the white tower at the tower of london. In the late 1700 s rain gutters began appearing in the new american colonies usually consisting of two boards shaped into a v. Constructed from bricks made out of burnt clay these ancient gutters would serve less than today s purposes. The harappan civilization which resided in what is now pakistan used water borne toilets linked by drains that were covered with bricks of burnt clay.

The romans completely reinvented and improved roads by constructing them so they slanted downwards from the middle towards the outside. As metal become more available gutters were lined with zinc or made from lead. Later in the 1800 s cast iron and copper gutters began to replace the lead gutters. The romans also engaged in early forms of guttering between 27 bc 14 ad.

The tower of london innovation. Wooden gutters and downspouts were developed in recently.