# The History of Gutters
-
Ancient History
-
The ancient Romans understood the importance of directing waste water away from living areas. They even had a goddess of sewers, named Cloacina. While there is no concrete evidence that the Romans installed gutters on their homes, they did awaken the need for directing excess water away from living areas.
Development
-
As roofs developed from grassy thatch to more solid materials such as wood, stone and earthen tiles, simple styles of a wooden gutter arose sometime in the 18th century. Wooden gutters, fastened by wrought-iron brackets, had to be replaced regularly. Less common gutter materials were lead, copper, tin and terneplate.
Modern Developments
-
By the 20th century, most gutters systems comprised of galvanized iron or steel and aluminum. Today, vinyl is a very common gutter material. Elaborate gutter systems with mesh keep out roof debris and another accordion-shaped system splatters rainwater away from the building.
-
- The History of Webbing Stretchers
- The History of Stenciling
- The History of Poole Pottery
- History of the Bulldozer
- Information on the Water Marigold
- The History of Sunflower Seeds
- History of the Cement Industry
- The History of Chimney Pots
- History of the Wing Chair
- History of the Lazy Susan
- The History of Bassinets
- History of the Coffee Table
